#PersonalityDisorders Archives - Anthony Mazzella, Ph.D.

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 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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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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Healing Narcissism: Can People with Narcissism Truly Change?

Can people with narcissistic traits truly change? This question has become one of the most common concerns in both clinical work and everyday relationships. Healing narcissism is not about quick fixes or direct confrontation. It involves slowly untangling the emotional defenses that keep someone locked in cycles of grandiosity, reactivity, and hidden vulnerability. How Does

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Healing Narcissism: A Psychodynamic Approach to Treating NPD from the Inside Out

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can someone with narcissistic traits truly change?”, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common and emotionally loaded questions people have when it comes to treating NPD. Healing narcissism isn’t about forcing change or pushing quick fixes. It’s about slowly untangling the emotional knots that keep someone stuck

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Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: Emotional Instability and Relationship Challenges

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder: 3 Key Relationship Challenges When Emotions Collide Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and deeply misunderstood condition, marked by intense emotional fluctuations, unstable self-image, and tumultuous relationships. While BPD shares some characteristics with other personality disorders, such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), the underlying dynamics and presentation of BPD

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How Can Psychodynamic Therapy Help Covert Narcissists?

In a previous article, I discussed the psychological dynamics of covert narcissism, focusing on how individuals with covert narcissism manipulate emotional dependencies. I explored key traits that set covert narcissism apart from grandiose narcissism, such as hypersensitivity to criticism, emotional manipulation, victim mentality, and grandiose fantasies. Additionally, I traced the psychoanalytic roots of these traits,

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Is Covert Narcissism Hiding in Plain Sight?

The Challenging Covert Narcissistic Patient: Insights and Strategies Covert narcissism presents a unique therapeutic challenge due to the subtle and manipulative nature of the condition. While often overlooked, individuals with covert narcissism form intense and emotionally dependent relationships where control, manipulation, and a victim mentality dominate. This article will explore how to identify covert narcissism,

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How Can We Treat Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Build True Connections?

Treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder: How to Develop True Connections In treating narcissism, one of the key challenges is the complexity of its presentation. Narcissistic traits manifest in varied ways, from grandiosity and entitlement to more subtle forms of emotional withdrawal. This wide range of defenses, often highly maladaptive and entrenched, makes therapy particularly challenging. However,

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