In this episode we are joined by a listener of the podcast who raised very important questions about episode 14  “Why do I think and act in such extremes.” Celeste and I discuss the concept of splitting, which is thinking in extremes. We explore a case study of a patient who struggles with over-confidence and insecurities, depending on his different environments. He feels disconnected and lacks a sense of belonging. This split world is linked to his split representations of the two most important people in his life, his critical grandmother and supportive mother. The conversation raises questions about why he identifies more with the critical voice and pushes away the supportive voice. Why can he not accept and internalize a more caring and supportive voice?  

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