Webinar: Have Hope and Resilience in times of COVID-19
The transcript is a record of a webinar on mental health and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring presentations and discussions by various experts in the field of psychology and mental health. The speakers shared their insights, personal experiences, and professional expertise on topics such as acceptance and commitment therapy, the impact of the pandemic on mental health, the importance of resilience and empowerment, and the need for a paradigm shift in the approach to therapy and societal organization. The webinar also included a panel discussion where the speakers engaged in a dialogue about the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic for mental health practitioners and society at large.
Q&A Fantasy of Gifted Narcissist plus Why We Love, Hate, and Envy Celebrities, Prodigies and Gurus
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of fantasy in the narcissistic mind, the relationship between narcissists and borderlines, and the inner world of the artist. He also delves into the shared fantasy, the experience of the narcissist, and the reasons behind hoovering. Additionally, he explores the phenomenon of acquired situational narcissism and the three Rs test for remorse, remediation, and restoration.
Pandemic Taught Us Humility – Can Give Us Purpose: Back to Village, Communal Therapy
Professor Sam Vaknin argues that psychotherapy has failed as a discipline, as mental health disorders have grown exponentially in recent decades. He suggests that psychology needs to shift from individual therapy to a more communal form of therapeutic intervention, focusing on creating a sense of belonging, community, and meaning in people’s lives. Vaknin believes that leveraging social media for mass therapy and focusing on teaching and education could help address the mental health crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Art and Narcissism: Communicating Souls and Audience
Sam Vaknin discusses the soul, the mind, and the role of artists in bridging between minds. He explores the connection between narcissism and art, and the challenges of communication and judgment in the artistic process. He also delves into the relationship between creativity, mental illness, and the human experience.
Jung against Freud: Narcissism is Healthy
Sam Vaknin discusses the differences between Freud and Jung’s views on narcissism. He presents Jung’s concept of the self as distinct from the ego and delves into the development of narcissism in early childhood. Vaknin also explores the impact of maternal behavior on the child’s psyche and the formation of personality disorders.
Gurus, Geniuses, Mystics: Madmen and Con-artists
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the rise of narcissism and grandiosity in society, fueled by self-proclaimed gurus, life coaches, and mystics who prey on people’s insecurities and desires for success. He argues that the education system and social media have contributed to the belief that everyone is special and unique, leading to a generation of underachievers with unrealistic expectations. Vaknin also touches on the challenges faced by child prodigies as they grow up, often becoming narcissistic and struggling to maintain their achievements. In summary, Vaknin believes that society is heading towards a narcissistic and psychopathic civilization where appearance and self-promotion matter more than knowledge and genuine accomplishment.
Sadist: The Pleasure of Your Pain, the Anguish of Your Pleasure (and Narcissist)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses sadistic personality disorder and its manifestations in individuals. He delves into the removal of sadistic personality disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and the motivations behind sadistic behavior in narcissists. He also provides insights into the intersection of sadism and narcissism, as well as the impact of sadistic behavior on victims.
Disease and Illness as Narcissistic Dynamics
In this video, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the relationship between disease, illness, and narcissism. He explores the subjective experience of disease, the impact on the patient’s sense of self, and the challenges of communicating the experience of illness to others. He also delves into the psychological effects of chronic illness and the ways in which patients may internalize their suffering. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the complex and deeply personal nature of pain and illness.
Mortification in Borderline Women, Narcissistic Men: Let Me Go, Give Me Life
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses mortification in borderline women and how it differs from mortification in narcissistic men. Both narcissists and borderlines have a false self, but the functions of the false self differ between the two. In narcissists, the false self serves as a decoy and a manipulative tool, while in borderlines, the false self functions as a host personality, moderating and switching between self-states. Mortification in borderlines is self-inflicted and serves as a way to feel alive, create drama, and experience transformation. When mortified, borderlines either disappear through dissociation or make others disappear through psychopathic behavior. In contrast, narcissists seek mortification to temporarily get rid of their false self and feel liberated.
Narcissistic Mortification: From Shame to Healing via Trauma, Fear, and Guilt
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of narcissistic mortification, which is the fear and shame experienced by narcissists when confronted with their true selves. He explains how narcissists are victims of narcissistic abuse and how they perpetuate this abuse onto others. He delves into the psychological mechanisms and defense strategies used by narcissists to cope with mortification, and the role of shame and guilt in their behavior. Vaknin also explores the impact of mortification on relationships and the potential for healing through therapy. He emphasizes the importance of re-traumatization and experiencing agony as a key to healing narcissism.