Scoop on Narcissism and Abuse (with Shayel Naava)
Sam Vaknin discusses the development of narcissism, its impact on relationships, and the challenges of treating it. He emphasizes the difficulty of intervening in early childhood and the ineffectiveness of traditional therapies. Vaknin also warns of the pervasive influence of narcissism in society and its potential for self-destruction.
Trusting After Narcissistic Abuse, Narcissism Reconceived, Treated: Cold Therapy (with Pi Winslow)
In this interview, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and its treatment. NPD is a result of trauma and abuse in early childhood, and narcissists create a false self as a defense mechanism. Treatment for NPD is difficult, as narcissists often do not see their disorder as a problem. Cold therapy, a treatment modality developed by Vaknin, involves re-traumatizing the narcissist to weaken the false self. However, even with treatment, some narcissistic traits will remain. Vaknin advises those living with a narcissist to avoid labeling them as such and to leave abusive relationships.
Internet: Heavenly Narcissism Factory (Convo with Guy Sengstock)
Sam Vaknin discusses the profound impact of society and technology on the individual, suggesting that the internet and social media have led to a societal shift where people have chosen the world over the self, resulting in a form of collective narcissism. He argues that technology has become a substitute for essence, and that cyberspace is akin to a digital Platonic cave. Vaknin also touches on the idea that humans and computers are both universal machines, capable of unfurling numerous future potentialities. He suggests that the internet has become a realm where people defend their essence rather than just appearances, and that this has led to a loss of individuality and an increase in narcissistic behavior. Vaknin also discusses the concept of malignant egalitarianism, where technology and democracy have been co-opted by the masses as tools of empowerment and rebellion against the elites who created them. He concludes that in a civilization that celebrates the inanimate over the animate, one must become “dead” inside to succeed, and that this has led to a loss of hope and the ability to become, as all life and functionality are outsourced to others.
Covert Borderline: Narcissist or Psychopath (Primary, Secondary) ( Differential Diagnoses)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of covert borderline personality disorder, a diagnosis he proposes based on extensive literature. He explains the differences between covert borderline, narcissism, and psychopathy, emphasizing the complex and overlapping nature of personality disorders. He also delves into repetition compulsion and the cognitive style of covert borderlines. Vaknin advocates for a unified approach to understanding and categorizing personality disorders.
Are YOU The Narcissists Fantasy
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of shared fantasy in narcissism, which is a form of paracosm, an imaginary world that is very detailed and often originates in childhood. The shared fantasy is a form of mysticism that is founded on femininity, and it involves the exploration of forbidden psychosexual realms, such as homosexuality. Narcissists create shared fantasies and paracosms as a creative effort, which is an indicator of high intelligence and creativity. Narcissists create shared fantasies with their partners, which invariably lead to betrayal, cheating, and heartbreak.
No Narcissist Without YOU as Ego and Self
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the role of internal objects in the narcissist’s fantasy life, the connection between the narcissist’s latent homosexuality and autoeroticism, and the significance of imagination and creativity in the narcissistic experience. He delves into the psychological aspects of fantasy, its impact on personal development, and its connection to sexuality and frustration.
Narcissistic Abuse? Do/Don’t Do! (Convo with Dr. Hema Bajaj)
Dr. Sam Vaknin discusses toxic relationships, emotional abuse, and narcissistic abuse. He explains the differences between toxic relationships, abuse, and narcissistic abuse. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own identity and boundaries in order to break free from abusive relationships. He also addresses the challenges of dealing with narcissistic abusers and the complexities of victimhood.
My Narcissist Cheats, Jealous, Unaware And Other Pearls
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses various myths about narcissists, including their self-awareness, cheating behavior, and possessiveness. He also delves into the concept of self-gaslighting and the reasons why narcissists hurt or abuse their partners. Additionally, he critiques the approach of interpersonal neurobiology and emphasizes the difficulty of changing the mind of a narcissist. The transcript concludes with a quote from anthropologist David Graber’s book.
Self Gaslighting Into Shared Fantasy
In this video, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of shared fantasy and self-gaslighting in the context of narcissistic behavior. He also delves into the dynamics of relationships with narcissists and the impact of their behavior on their intimate partners. Vaknin emphasizes the dissociative nature of narcissists and the challenges in capturing their essence. He also explores the psychological processes that lead to self-gaslighting and the complex dynamics of living with a narcissist.
Contemptuous Narcissist, Contemptible You, Psychopath Celebrates
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the triggers of contempt in narcissists, including weakness and perceived inferiority. He explains that the need to feel superior is hardwired in narcissists, and they will hunt for mistakes and contradictions to bring others down to their level. Vaknin also reads two excerpts from literature that he uses as allegories for narcissism, encouraging listeners to replace “color blind” with “narcissist” and discussing an art installation that creates a disorienting cosmos in which mirrors and LED lights combine to create a multitude that repeats itself to infinity.