Narcissism Decoder

By Dr. Anthony MazzellaHealth & Fitness Mental Health Education

Narcissism Decoder episodes

May 01, 2025 Can a narcissist actually change?
In this episode, you’ll hear another powerful clip from my interview on Valerie Greene’s podcast, Soul Shaking Love. We explore two of the most frequently asked questions about narcissistic relationships: Can a narcissist truly change—and how can you tell if it’s even possible? We discuss what real change looks like beyond the surface-level promises and gestures, and why it’s so difficult to know whether to stay or go.

Listen to full episode here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2R3EZ6W5UpDRXnM9QMYO5p?si=tm49CCEzQjqAPs9Eq0aJfw
Apple Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/soul-shaking-love/id1435934531
YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2C3HT5ponKg5R1rkzgQaCH57qAvjLtiT
Valerie's Website: https://coachvaleriegreene.com/podcast/anthony/

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.
Contact me directly with observations, questions, or comments:
[email protected]
Follow The Narcissism Decoder on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com
Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.
26 min
April 26, 2025 From Codependency to a Genuine Connection
Valerie Greene dives into the roots of codependency, showing how childhood neglect can lead us to put others’ needs before our own. Through personal stories and practical insights, she reveals how building healthy boundaries and embracing self-awareness can transform relationships from draining to deeply connected. Discover the path from codependency to true interdependence.
Valerie's Website: https://coachvaleriegreene.com/podcast/anthony/
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.
Contact me directly with observations, questions, or comments:
[email protected]
Follow The Narcissism Decoder on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com
Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.
31 min
April 23, 2025 How Can You Tell If You’re With a Narcissist?
Why is it so hard to leave someone who keeps hurting you? In this clip from Soul Shaking Love, we unpack the emotional confusion of narcissistic relationships—how to spot grandiose vs. vulnerable narcissists, why the fantasy of who they could be keeps you stuck, and what deeper wounds might be playing out beneath the surface.

Listen to full episode here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2R3EZ6W5UpDRXnM9QMYO5p?si=tm49CCEzQjqAPs9Eq0aJfw
YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2C3HT5ponKg5R1rkzgQaCH57qAvjLtiT

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.
Contact me directly with observations, questions, or comments:
[email protected]
Follow The Narcissism Decoder on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com
Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.
28 min
April 16, 2025 Mastering Negotiation with Narcissists
What if being reasonable is the worst strategy with a narcissist? In this conversation with negotiation expert Rebecca Zung, we explore how to protect yourself when fairness and empathy are used against you. She shares her SLAY method—Strategy, Leverage, Anticipate, and You—as a powerful framework to shift the dynamic, stay emotionally grounded, and take back control in high-conflict relationships.
Rebecca's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/negotiate-your-best-life-podcast-with-rebecca-zung/id1408141817
https://www.rebeccazung.com/negotiate-your-best-life-podcast/
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.
Contact me directly with observations, questions, or comments:
[email protected]
Follow The Narcissism Decoder on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com
Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.
29 min
April 09, 2025 Healing from Betrayal: Insights and Discoveries
In this episode of the Narcissism Decoder, Dr. Anthony Mazzella interviews Dr. Debi, a leading expert in betrayal recovery. They explore the unique trauma of betrayal, its profound impact on trust and identity, and the healing process. Dr. Debi shares her groundbreaking research findings, including the five stages of healing from betrayal and the concept of post-betrayal transformation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the choice to heal as essential components of recovery from betrayal.
More Information about Dr. Debi can be found here:
https://thepbtinstitute.com

The From Betrayal to Breakthrough podcast: https://thepbtinstitute.com/podcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@debisilber
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/debisilber
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.
Contact me directly with observations, questions, or comments:
[email protected]
Follow The Narcissism Decoder on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com
Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.
33 min
April 02, 2025 Is It Love—or Emotional Control?
In this episode, we dive into the emotional power struggles that define vulnerable narcissism, particularly within parent-child relationships. We unpack how covert control, dependency, and cycles of shame quietly shape toxic dynamics—and how these patterns are often misread as love or concern. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a relationship that looks caring but feels suffocating, this conversation offers a path toward clarity.
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.
Contact me directly with observations, questions, or comments:
[email protected]
Follow The Narcissism Decoder on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com
Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.
30 min
March 26, 2025 Breaking the Spell: Healing After Narcissistic Abuse
In this episode, Dr. Anthony Mazzella and Jin unpack the cult-like dynamics of narcissistic relationships—and the emotional aftermath survivors face. From trauma bonds and identity loss to the inner voice of the narcissist that lingers long after they’re gone, this conversation explores what it really takes to break free. If you’ve ever wondered why walking away doesn’t always feel like freedom, this conversation reveals the hidden chains—and how to finally break them.
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.
Contact me directly with observations, questions, or comments:
[email protected]
Follow The Narcissism Decoder on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com
Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.
32 min
March 19, 2025 I Know My Partner is Narcissistic – Why Can’t I Leave?
In this episode, I sit down with Jin from Narc Troopers—a writer, educator, podcaster, and narcissistic abuse recovery facilitator— to explore the psychological dynamics that keep people stuck in toxic narcissistic relationships and why breaking free can feel impossible. We discuss the fantasy that keeps people trapped, the impact of early childhood development, and Shelly Bach’s concept of pathological mourning. We also touch on the dead mother theory by André Green and its relevance to feeling trapped.
This is just a segment of our conversation—if you want the full depth of our discussion and more insights on healing, be sure to check out the full interview.
narctroopers.com
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.
Contact me directly with observations, questions, or comments:
[email protected]
Follow The Narcissism Decoder on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com
Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.
34 min
March 16, 2025 Can a Narcissist Ever Really Change? Part 2
This episode is Part 2 of my conversation on Dimming the Gaslight with hosts Mac and Phil, where we dive even deeper into the complexities of narcissism. We explore the motivations behind narcissistic behavior, the struggle with forgiveness, and how therapy can facilitate change. We also discuss the emotional push-pull in relationships with narcissists, the role of brain chemistry, and the tough decision of when to walk away. Understanding these dynamics is key to personal growth and healing.
Dimming The Gaslight: Our Healing Journey From Narcissistic Abuse
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dimming-the-gaslight-our-healing-journey-from/id1602899691
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.
Contact me directly with observations, questions, or comments:
[email protected]
Follow The Narcissism Decoder on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com
Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.
31 min
March 12, 2025 Covert Narcissism: The Impact of Emotional Manipulation
In this episode, we explore the insidious impact of covert narcissism on parent-child relationships with expert Renee Swanson. We discuss how emotional manipulation can masquerade as love, creating lasting confusion and self-doubt. We examine how these patterns shape adult relationships and the challenges of breaking free. Finally, we highlight the power of connection over correction in parenting and share strategies for healing and repairing the relationship.
To Listen to Part 2 of my discussion with Renee or to learn more about her work please visit:
https://www.covertnarcissism.com/
https://bleav.com/shows/the-covert-narcissism-podcast/
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.
Contact me directly with observations, questions, or comments:
[email protected]
Follow The Narcissism Decoder on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Dr. Mazzella’s personal website: drmazzella.com
Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.
34 min

About Narcissism Decoder

From the publisher's feed

Trying to understand narcissism, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), narcissistic relationships, or narcissistic abuse? The Narcissism Decoder goes beyond identifying narcissism to explore why…