#HealthyRelationships Archives - Anthony Mazzella, Ph.D.

How Does Therapy Help People with Narcissism Improve Their Relationships?

Overview: How narcissism shapes extreme defensiveness and self-criticism in daily life How therapy creates emotional safety and helps the inner critical voice lose power Ways curiosity and reflection in therapy allow for growth, autonomy, and healthier relationships Relating to someone whose narcissism triggers anger, denial, or self-attack at even gentle feedback can feel like touching […]

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How Does Narcissism Affect How You See Yourself?

Working with someone who experiences entrenched narcissistic defenses often reveals a unique paradox: defensiveness coexists with vulnerability, and self-criticism operates as both shield and companion. On the surface, reactions to feedback or challenges can appear extreme — anger, withdrawal, or self-attack — but beneath lies a fragile sense of self shaped by narcissistic defenses, internalized

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How Do the Holidays Trigger Narcissistic Defenses?

The holidays have a way of bringing out reactions that feel intense, confusing, or even a little out of proportion, especially for people with narcissistic traits. You might notice yourself withdrawing, people-pleasing, feeling irritable, or putting on a cheerful front, even if you’ve been feeling steady all year. It’s not just the extra events, long

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How Do You Know When It’s Time to Leave a Narcissistic Relationship?

One of the most painful dilemmas in narcissistic relationships is knowing when to hold on — and when to let go. The difficulty isn’t just practical or moral; it’s deeply psychological. These relationships often awaken powerful early longings to be seen, to be understood, to finally repair what was broken in the past. This is

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Can a Narcissist Change: Four Signs of Real Growth

What You’ll Learn What “real change” actually looks like. Four signals that predict change: owning the problem, emotional depth, steady self-reflection, and genuine connection. Why leaving can feel like losing a part of yourself—and how to make sense of that. The “two worlds” model (fantasy vs. reality) and how integration creates growth. A step-by-step way

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Is Your Partner Narcissistic? Red Flags That Point to Narcissism

What To Expect from this Article Before diving in, here’s a quick roadmap of what you’ll learn: How to recognize the main traits of someone on the NPD spectrum The difference between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism Why relationships with narcissists can be so painful The emotional cycles that keep partners feeling trapped Introduction Being in

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Healing Narcissism: Rebuild Healthy Relationships

Healing narcissism doesn’t begin with labeling oneself – or someone as “good” or “bad.” It starts with understanding. Narcissism is not always extreme or obvious—it can quietly shape ordinary behaviors, relationships, and self-perceptions. By tracing these patterns back to their origins and exploring healthier ways of relating, we open the possibility for genuine change and

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The Role of Caregiver Emotional Disconnect in White Depression and Finding Meaning in Life

White depression (Green, 1986), a term used in psychoanalytic circles, is a unique form of depression characterized by an overwhelming sense of futility, an emotional void, and marked by feelings of emptiness and a lack of purpose in life. This void isn’t simply sadness but a profound sense of detachment from the world, where tasks

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Can a Relationship Survive After Infidelity?

Infidelity is a deeply painful and traumatic experience for both partners in a relationship. For many, the initial response is shock, betrayal, and the overwhelming question: Can a relationship survive after infidelity? While some couples remain stuck in the trauma of betrayal, unable to move forward, others manage to heal and even grow stronger from

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The Role of Resentment in Relationships: Understanding, Overcoming, and Healing After Infidelity

Resentment is one of the most challenging emotions to manage in a relationship, especially after an act of betrayal like infidelity. The emotional wound inflicted by infidelity can make it hard to heal and restore trust. This article will explore the role of resentment in post-infidelity relationships, how it interferes with the healing process, and

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