In the world of a narcissist, the ultimate goal is to recapture the serene contentment of their earliest days – a state of bliss achieved through reunion with an all-nourishing, powerful other. This primal yearning harkens back to childhood, where a baby’s cries summon a nurturing presence, or a toddler’s ventures are watched over by […]
Understanding the Narcissist’s Pursuit of Blissful Reunion Read More »
Dealing with a narcissist in your life can be a challenging endeavor, but fostering understanding is a crucial step towards establishing healthier connections. To do this, it’s essential to first understand the nature of narcissism and identify the type of narcissist you’re dealing with. Narcissism, a complex personality trait, has its roots in the earliest
Navigating Relationships with a Narcissist: Cultivating Understanding Read More »
In the realm of narcissism, grandiosity reigns supreme. This manifests in behaviors like arrogance, self-centeredness, an insatiable craving for constant attention, as well as a belief in the superiority of one’s opinions and beliefs. One compelling theory revolves around the internalization of an idealized other – rendering them almost mythical in the eyes of the
Superiority, Anxiety, and Control: Unmasking Grandiose Narcissism Read More »
Preliminary Insights: From Emotional Void to Material Cravings – Exploring the Reliance on Material Comforts As I embark on the creation of a podcast series centered around the intricate theme of narcissism, a thought-provoking observation has emerged. It becomes apparent that a significant number of individuals, within the context of their emotional struggles, display a
In part one of my series on healthcare providers’ mental health I explored how perfectionism contributes to the disproportionate incidence of depression and anxiety in healthcare professionals. While I mentioned “the fear of punitive consequences” when perfectionist standards are unmet, the article did not delve into their fundamental nature.
As a practicing psychoanalyst and psychotherapist affiliated with several hospitals in Manhattan, I have worked with a diverse array of healthcare professionals. Two decades of work have revealed the unique set of symptoms faced by these individuals.
The Unique Mental Health Problems of Healthcare Providers: The Role of Perfectionism Read More »
In an earlier article, I proposed––and demonstrated with a clinical example––that difficulties with reflection impact the way couples communicate (click here to read that article). In the present article, I expand upon this idea and posit that couples often fight because they have unconscious beliefs and indifference that shape their emotions and experiences and lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.
In this commentary, I explore warning signs of an abusive personality. I first examine some causes of abusive behavior, then I attempt to address a common question I hear in my practice: “Do you think I am an abuser?” With a few clinical examples, I hope to demonstrate how and why an individual turns to aggression and abuse.
Anger, Aggression, and the Abusive Personality: A Sense of Entitlement Read More »
The goal of this commentary is to provide you with a better understanding of potential causes of anxiety and panic attacks. While the origins of these disorders are complex and often arise from multiple causes, I will focus on the role of separation and loss for the purposes of this article. More information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder, can be found here.
Anxiety and Panic: One Cause and a Treatment Approach Read More »
From time to time the question will arise, how does psychotherapy work, or, how is therapy going to help me? The goal of this brief commentary is to look at two quotes that nicely capture, in my opinion, that which leads to symptom improvement. I will attempt to integrate these two quotes into my way of thinking about the mutative process.
How Does Psychotherapy Work and What Leads to Lasting Change? Read More »