TEST YOURSELF: Shadow’s Complexes – Which Ones Have YOU Got?
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses various psychological complexes, including the Martyr complex, Persecution complex, Brother-Sister complex, Casanova complex, Don Juan complex, God complex, Guilt complex, Hero or Saviour complex, Inferiority complex, Oedipus complex, Electra complex, Parental complex, and Romulus and Remus complexes. He explains the origins and characteristics of each complex, linking them to childhood experiences and psychological issues. Vaknin emphasizes that it is rare to find someone without any complex and encourages the audience to identify the complex that is most typical of them.
Can People Switch Between Incompatible Disorders (Narcissist, Psychopath, Borderline)?
Professor Sam Vaknin explains that mental health diagnoses have three elements: etiology, psychodynamics, and behavioral manifestations. When comorbidities occur, one disorder is dominant and dictates the patient’s behaviors, while the other disorder contributes only in specific circumstances. Transitioning between self-states in personality disorders involves temporary adoption of behaviors from other disorders, but does not signify a permanent shift in diagnosis. These self-states are reactive and self-limiting, and do not change the patient’s core personality disorder.
Psychopath Hopeful Breakthroughs: Oxytocin, Schema Therapy, Reciprocal Altruism (Literature Review)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the hopeful findings from recent studies on antisocial personality disorder, including psychopathy. He expresses discomfort with the hopeful nature of the studies, as his work typically focuses on bleak and hopeless topics. He explains that psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder are not recognized clinical terms and shares his views on their classification as mental illnesses. He also discusses the latest breakthroughs in understanding and treating these disorders, including the potential benefits of inter-nasal oxytocin and the importance of early intervention. Additionally, he explores the use of reciprocal altruism theory in therapy and the effectiveness of schema therapy for violent offenders with antisocial personality disorder. Throughout the lecture, he expresses skepticism and discomfort with the idea of hope for treating these disorders.
Narcissism and Abuse Clarified with therapist Jose Espinosa
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses narcissistic abuse, the etiology of narcissism, and the impact of social media on narcissism. He explains that narcissistic abuse is an attempt by the narcissist to gain control over a specific target and convert them into a source of narcissistic supply within a shared fantasy. He also addresses the question of whether narcissists can suffer from narcissistic abuse and explains that narcissists start off as victims before choosing to become victimizers. Additionally, he discusses the misconceptions of narcissism and the influence of social media on narcissistic behaviors. Finally, he explains the differences between narcissistic personality disorder and narcissistic personality style and discusses the potential for change in narcissistic behaviors as individuals age.
MAIDness of Assisted Suicide and Lonely Happiness
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the topics of suicide and socialization in the context of mental health. He argues against recommending suicide as an option for mentally ill patients and challenges the notion that socializing is universally linked to happiness. Vaknin also emphasizes the importance of preventing suicide and the role of mental health practitioners in equipping patients with tools to combat cognitive distortions. Additionally, he highlights the Harvard study of adult development, which suggests that maintaining good health and building loving relationships are key factors in long-term happiness. However, he also acknowledges that socializing may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with schizoid personality disorder.
Psychedelics Hype Or Hope
Professor Sam Vaknin argues that claims about the healing effects of psychedelics on narcissistic personality disorder are exaggerated and misleading. He states that there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims, as most studies on psychedelics have not been conducted with proper control groups. Vaknin believes that talk therapy is the recommended treatment for pathological narcissism, while antidepressants can be used for comorbid depression and OCD. He advises against self-treatment with psychedelics for psychological disorders, as it may cause more harm than good.
Borderline’s Miracle Healing
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health issue that affects 1-2% of the general population. Contrary to popular belief, BPD is not untreatable and has a positive prognosis over time. Studies have shown that most patients with BPD improve with time, and by age 45, a significant portion of patients will have healed spontaneously. However, while the disorder may remit, some dysfunctional behaviors persist, and there is a need for a two-step treatment approach: first, tackle the core disorder, and then focus on teaching the recovered patient functional skills.
Promiscuity: Psychology of Self-Soothing with Sex (oh, and Relationships)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the topic of promiscuity, its various causes, and its connection to mental health disorders. He delves into the psychological and behavioral aspects of promiscuity, including its association with narcissism, psychopathy, and dissociation. He also explores the impact of promiscuity on intimate relationships and societal changes. The presentation provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex and multifaceted nature of promiscuity.
Budapest Seminar: Cold Therapy (ENGLISH responses, with Nárcisz Coach)
Sam Vaknin discusses his Cold Therapy seminar, which teaches unique techniques and philosophy for treating narcissism and other mental health disorders. The seminar is open to anyone, but certification is reserved for professionals or those with practice. Cold Therapy breaks the narcissist down and rebuilds them, which can be a painful process, but it provides hope for previously intractable problems. While a narcissist would not attend the seminar, anyone with an interest in psychology could benefit from the cutting-edge techniques and philosophy taught.
Meet the Narcissist: Issues in Narcissism
Narcissistic personality disorder is difficult to treat due to the pervasiveness of autological narcissism in every aspect of the personality. The narcissist’s resistance to authority figures such as therapists makes treatment almost unattainable. Narcissism is often comorbid with other disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and reckless behavior patterns. While some of these problems can be treated with medication and talk therapy, the core defense mechanisms of the narcissist are untouchable. Narcissism is a vicious circle.