Parenthood and Parenting Problems: Establishing the Bond
In this episode, we tackle common parental challenges like tantrums, defiance, and risky behavior. Traditional solutions often fall short, but by understanding the underlying causes—the impact of affective misattunement and rupture in the parent-child bond—we can foster healthier relationships. Rather than focusing solely on behavior, we explore tools and techniques to address the underlying emotional needs and re-establish a strong and loving connection. If you are interested in a consultati...
14 Feb 202424min
Is That Narcissist Depressed, or is it Something Else?
In this episode I explore the concept of narcissistic deflation and its potential misdiagnosis as depression. I highlight the importance of detecting and properly treating narcissistic deflation, which often goes unnoticed without the expertise of a trained professional in personality disorders. Shame states are identified as a key factor in this phenomenon, with examples provided to illustrate their impact on individuals. The connection between excitement, disappointment, and shame is explor...
7 Feb 202420min
Why Do I Overreact So Easily?
Exploring Techniques and Overcoming Overwhelming Busyness! In this episode, Dr. Mazzella explores techniques for overcoming 'all or nothing' thinking and behaviors. He addresses a listener's question about healing fragmented selves. The conversation explores the concept of splitting and integration, the perils of perceiving the world in extremes, and the importance of accepting differences without assuming disconnection. The goal is to achieve integration and a more nuanced understand...
31 Jan 202414min
Are Dr. Mazzella’s Treatment Strategies Effective? Listener Questions & Experiences
In this episode, Dr. Anthony Mazzella responds to listener questions, delving into topics such as coping with chaos in life and distinguishing between borderline and narcissistic traits. He explores a listener’s allure of chaos and its connection to an underlying desire for conflict and turmoil. The episode also covers Dr. Mazzella’s practical treatment strategies and a listener’s application of one of his tools when relating to a covert narcissist. The discussion concludes by addressing the ...
24 Jan 202438min
Why the Need to Create Chaos & Conflict?
In this episode, Dr. Anthony Mazzella explores why narcissists need to create chaos. He describes the manifestations of this behavior and delves into the psychological reasons behind it. Dr. Mazzella explains how chaos-seeking narcissists play on situational vulnerability and bring up topics designed to evoke maximum emotional impact. He also discusses the gratification and satisfaction that narcissists derive from creating chaos. Dr. Mazzella provides intervention strategies, including conta...
17 Jan 202444min
What is Narcissistic Rage: Causes & Treatment
In this episode of the Narcissism Decoder, we explore the intricate world of narcissistic rage by addressing three pivotal questions surrounding healthy and unhealthy expressions of anger. Drawing insights from real-life examples, we delve into the nuances of anger, rage, and hatred, unraveling the complexities of emotional triggers and counter-control dynamics within relationships. The narrative offers profound insights into the patterns of narcissistic rage and provides a glimpse into makin...
10 Jan 202439min
Trauma Bonding: How to Break the Addictive Cycle
In this episode of the Narcissism Decoder podcast, the focus is on strategies to break the trauma bonding cycle. After highlighting the complexities of these relationships, I explore commonly suggested approaches found online, pointing out their limitations and why they may fall short in addressing the profound intoxication experienced within such bonds. Specifically, I critique strategies like journaling and creating boundaries, arguing that they overlook deeper feelings, such as the need fo...
3 Jan 202437min
The Trauma Bond: A Radically Different Perspective
In this episode of The Narcissism Decoder, we explore trauma bonding—a profound psychological pattern where individuals form intense attachments to manipulative and abusive relationships, despite recognizing the harm. Through a psychoanalytic lens, we examine connections to unprocessed early losses and the creation of sadomasochistic dynamics. Trauma bonding is revealed as a defense mechanism against a lack of vitality in the early parent/child matrix, resulting in a profound inner deadness a...
20 Dec 202338min
