Why Do I Self-Sabotage? How to Break Free | Epi 106
Warning- this is a deep dive into unconscious processes Why do you keep repeating the same destructive patterns, even when you finally have something good—a loving partner, a promotion at work, or even just care and attention? In this episode, we explore the hidden forces that make receiving goodness feel threatening, from envy and shame to the fear of humiliation. Using real-life examples, we uncover why people unconsciously push away what they long for and how small moments of c...
15 Okt 28min
Covert Narcissism: How to Break Free from the Control – Part 2/2 | Epi 105
In this episode, we uncover how covert narcissistic parents quietly take over their children’s choices through guilt, victimhood, and subtle emotional control. You’ll learn how these hidden dynamics can unconsciously follow you into adult relationships, shape your inner voice, and most importantly what it takes to start reclaiming your independence. If you are interested in a consultation or seeking virtual therapy services, Dr. Mazzella is accepting new patients. Please click here for more d...
8 Okt 27min
Is My Parent a Covert Narcissist? How to Recognize the Hidden Patterns -Part 1/2 | Epi 104
In this episode, we uncover how covert narcissism can quietly hijack your choices. What happens when a parent’s tears, guilt, or subtle manipulations make independence feel like betrayal? Through a powerful clinical example, we reveal the hidden inner logic that keeps adult children bound to their parent’s needs—and why separating isn’t just about moving out, but breaking free on an inner level. If you are interested in a consultation or seeking virtual therapy services, Dr. Mazzella is accep...
1 Okt 26min
Is the Narcissist an Empty Shell? Understanding Emptiness and Procrastination | Epi 103
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the psychic world of narcissistic emptiness — why everyday tasks can feel overwhelming, how withdrawal serves as a protective defense, and why shutting down can feel safer than engaging. Tune in to discover how small moments of engagement can be fostered to help shift a life overshadowed by withdrawal toward meaningful connection and authentic presence If you are interested in a consultation or seeking virtual therapy services, Dr. Mazzella is a...
24 Sep 25min
Healing Narcissism: What If They See I'm Not Enough? (5) | EPI 102
In this episode we dive into one of the most hidden struggles of healing from narcissism: why success doesn’t always feel like success. What if every new achievement, every step forward, only brings dread instead of relief? Together, we explore the deeper truth behind this paradox—the way grandiose fantasies once acted as armor against unbearable shame, fear of exposure, and early wounds of not being “enough.” Through a powerful clinical example, we uncover the heart of the narcissistic bind:...
17 Sep 25min
How to Work With a Narcissist - Without Losing Yourself- Part 2 | Epi 101
In Part 2 of this conversation, we move from identifying narcissistic traits in a boss to navigating the complex relationship without losing yourself. Merry Brown raises the question so many people are afraid to ask: How do I get my narcissistic boss to meet expectations without abandoning my own boundaries and sanity? We explore the importance of mental differentiation and I unpack how narcissistic leaders often draw others into subtle “relational enactments.” If you’ve ever felt pulled in, ...
10 Sep 29min
Sneak Peak into Office Hours- Is My Partner a Narcissist? | Epi 100!
Is My Partner a Narcissist? When You’re Blamed, Erased, or Treated Like the Enemy In this special 100th episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on a moment from one of my new Office Hours sessions — a space where listeners bring real-life stories of complex, often painful relationship dynamics. You’ll hear a raw example from someone questioning whether their spouse is narcissistic, and I’ll walk you through my psychodynamic take: not only how to recognize the patterns at pla...
6 Sep 25min
Narcissism at Work: Denial, Deflection and the Narcissistic Boss – Part 1
In this episode, we crack open a subtle but deeply toxic dynamic many professionals encounter: the narcissistic boss or coworker who deflects blame, rewrites reality, and leaves you questioning your own judgment. I sit down with Merry Brown to explore what happens when someone has too little inner conflict but causes constant conflict with others. We explore how pathological denial operates in narcissistic personalities—what it protects against, how it shows up at work, and why it's so ...
3 Sep 25min
