The Only 6 Rules You Need for a Better Life
The speaker shares their admiration for elephants and the wisdom they associate with the animal. They then proceed to outline six rules for living a balanced and healthy life, as imparted by their “Pachydermic friend.” The rules cover self-respect, advocating for oneself, skepticism, seeking advice, observing reactions to adversity, and personal growth. The speaker emphasizes the importance of respecting oneself, being assertive, and trusting one’s instincts. They also stress the value of time, the true nature of people, and personal growth through behavioral change.
Opposites No Longer Attract How Narcissism Corrupts Mate Selection
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses mate selection and the impact of narcissism on modern relationships. He argues that people now seek partners who mirror their own traits and beliefs, rather than complementing them. This shift is attributed to the rise of narcissism, which has led to a decline in diversity and a focus on seeking validation and narcissistic supply from partners. Studies show that similarities, especially in political and religious beliefs, play a significant role in mate selection, and opposites no longer attract in long-term relationships. The professor also suggests that narcissism has degraded the mate selection process and poses an evolutionary threat to the human species.
Hitchcock’s Halloween Treat (or Trick?): Psycho, or Embodied Introject
Norman Bates of Psycho fame is analyzed in relation to narcissistic mother identification. The film is a morality play where bad things happen to bad people. Norman is humorous and charming but has a harsh inner critic and is unable to say certain words. He has a misogynistic view of women and is deeply influenced by his mother’s introject. Norman’s actions and relationships are driven by his need to be seen and his hatred of women. He embodies his mother’s introject and is diagnosed with OSDD, not multiple personality disorder. Norman’s actions are driven by his need to be seen and his hatred of women, and he ultimately turns himself in to the police.
Adopted, Foster Care Children Avoiding Mental Health Issues
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the impact of adoption and foster care on children’s mental health and behavior. He emphasizes the importance of early maternal care and the trauma experienced by children in these systems. He highlights the enduring psychological effects and the need for full disclosure of the child’s history to inform therapy and public policy.
Narcissism Revisited (with Iranian Psychoanalyst Ali Reza Bornamanesh)
Summary: The conversation covers the classification of narcissism, the differential diagnosis between antisocial personality disorder and covert narcissistic personality disorder, the challenges of treating personality disorders, and the dominance of CBT in psychotherapy in Iran. The discussion also delves into the difficulties of practicing psychoanalysis in Iran, including the cultural barriers to free association in therapy. The conversation ends with an agreement to have a second meeting to further explore the topic of psychotherapy in Iran.
Borderline=Failed Narcissist: Intermittent Mother, not “Dead” (EXCERPT)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the complex dynamics of relationships involving covert borderline and borderline personality disorder individuals. He delves into the origins of these disorders, their impact on relationships, and the interplay between them. Vaknin also explores the psychological defenses and behaviors exhibited by individuals with these disorders, shedding light on their intricate interactions.
Ideal Love Fantasy Borderline And Covert Borderline ( Odd Couples Part 3)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the complex dynamics of relationships between covert borderlines and individuals with borderline personality disorder. He delves into the diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder and the impact of covert borderlines on their partners. The covert borderline’s grandiosity, need for ideal love, and communication style are explored, as well as the challenges in maintaining stable relationships. The professor also addresses the impact of the covert borderline’s behavior on their partners and the potential outcomes of these relationships.
CPTSD or Personality Disorder? (Compilation)
Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of late-onset trauma and its potential to cause enduring personality changes that could be classified as personality disorders. He explains that while early childhood trauma is often linked to the development of personality disorders, catastrophic events experienced in adulthood can also lead to significant and lasting changes in personality. Vaknin argues that the diagnosis of Enduring Personality Changes After Catastrophic Experience (EPCACE), which was included in the ICD-10 but removed in the ICD-11, should be restored as it captures the unique and severe impact of adult trauma on personality. He emphasizes that EPCACE is distinct from PTSD and CPTSD, as it involves stable changes in personality resulting from extreme events such as torture, life threats, or prolonged captivity. Vaknin also critiques the current diagnostic approach that lumps various trauma-related disorders into a single category, suggesting that this leads to a lack of specificity and fails to account for the diverse ways individuals react to trauma.
Psychology Of ( Israeli Palestinian) Conflict
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, delving into the psychological dynamics of the parties involved. He highlights the trauma, grandiosity, impaired reality testing, and the need for enemies to define one’s identity. Vaknin emphasizes the importance of empathy and the recognition of shared humanity as a means to resolve the conflict.
How Covert Narcissist Deceives Covert Borderline And He Loves It ( 2nd In Odd Couples Series)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the dynamics of a relationship between a covert borderline and a covert narcissist. He explains the characteristics and behaviors of each type and how they interact in a relationship. The covert borderline is a hybrid of borderline and narcissistic traits, while the covert narcissist has a false sense of grandiosity and struggles with shame and inadequacy. The relationship between the two involves manipulation, envy, and a struggle for control, leading to a tumultuous and often destructive dynamic. The covert borderline seeks ideal love and is willing to deceive himself, while the covert narcissist provides a fantasy of perfection that the covert borderline becomes addicted to.