In this episode, we explore how childhood shame, bullying, and emotional neglect can quietly lay the groundwork for narcissism. Through a heartfelt exchange with Olivia Atkin — who shares a powerful personal story about growing up with a medical diagnosis and being bullied — we unpack how these early wounds shape self-esteem, fuel the need for narcissistic supplies, and lead some people to protect themselves through narcissistic defenses. Then - we take it a step deeper — looking at the real nature of early trauma, which isn’t just about what happened, but about something far more hidden and formative beneath the surface. Tune in to hear what that is all about… 

If you are interested in a consultation or seeking virtual therapy services, Dr. Mazzella is accepting new patients. Please click here for more detailed information.  

Want to go deeper? Join me in Office Hours — an open space where we explore psychoanalytic ideas together, answer your questions, and connect theory to real life experiences. Reserve your spot here  

Next Meeting: Stay Tuned!  

Contact me Directly with observations, questions or comments:  

[email protected] 

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on: 

https://www.instagram.com/thenarcissism.decoder/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@thenarcissismdecoder 

https://www.youtube.com/@thenarcissismdecoder 

 Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com

Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.