Personality Couch

By Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D. LCPSociety & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health Education Relationships

Personality Couch episodes

June 02 Ep 55: The Dark Schizoid | When Detachment Turns Psychopathic
🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex interplay between antisocial and schizoid personalities, highlighting their similarities, differences, and potential for danger when combined. Using the well-documented case of Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen, we analyze how these personality traits can manifest in deadly ways, especially when mixed with other dark features.
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:37 Schizoid Personality Defined
01:03 Antisocial Personality Defined
01:23 How Schizoid and Antisocial Differ
02:11 Schizoid & Antisocial Similarities
02:22 Neglectful Childhood
02:52 Unresponsive to Environment
04:10 Non-Conforming
05:13 Aloofness
05:54 The Nomadic Antisocial Defined (Schizoid Overlap)
07:25 When Nomadic Antisocials Turn Dark
09:26 When Detachment Turns Psychopathic
10:27 Three Personalities Associated with Violent Crime
13:12 Serial Killer & Necrophile: Dennis Nilsen | Our Disclaimer
14:35 Dennis Nilsen’s Backstory
17:56 Nilsen’s First Murder
19:27 Our Psychoanalysis of The Murders
22:11 Did He Want to Get Caught?
23:34 Attracted to Men Resembling His Sister
24:20 Rejection of Same-Sex Attraction
25:43 Alcohol's Role in Murder
27:04 Dissection, Disposal, & Dissociation
28:25 Boiling the Skulls?
31:20 Trial & Psych Evaluators
32:07 Detachment & Curiosity: A Schizoid Dynamic
33:30 Would Prison Meet Social Needs?
35:30 Was Nilsen a Passive Affectionless Psychopath?
37:50 Enneagram Antisocial & Schizoid Overlap
38:56 Summary & Conclusion
👩‍⚕️Work with Us!
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Personality Couch Links
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https://www.personalitycouch.com/
✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References)
https://personalitycouch.com/blog/antisocial-personality-vs-psychopathy/
Podcasts Referenced:
https://youtu.be/VHWPYjyKpdw
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40 min
May 19 Ep 54: Antisocial vs Narcissistic Personality | What's the Difference?
Antisocial vs Narcissistic Personality | What's the Difference? | Ep. 54
🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the distinctions between antisocial personality and narcissistic personality by analyzing DSM diagnoses, Stones' Spectrum of Dark Personalities, and subtypes from Dr. Theodore Millon like: Reputation-Defending Devious, Exploitative Egotist, and the Unprincipled Narcissist.
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Definitions
00:32 Narcissism Defined
02:10 Antisocial Defined
02:25 Antisocial Behaviors: Psychoanalysis of Ourselves
07:53 Antisocial Developmental Stage
09:11 Narcissistic Developmental Stage
10:37 The DSM on Antisocial vs Narcissistic PDs
12:27 Passive Parasitic vs Aggressive Antisocial Types
13:17 Michael Stone’s Spectrum of Dark Personalities
13:43 Malignant Narcissism Defined
15:31 Active vs Passive Entitlement
16:14 Millon’s Theory: ASPD vs NPD
21:55 Millon’s Subtypes
22:21 Reputation Defending Devious
23:07 Exploitative Egoist
24:13 Unprincipled Narcissist
25:40: Our Thoughts & Opinions
31:28 Ego Cookies in Narci vs Antisocial
31:56 Summary & Conclusion
👩‍⚕️Work With Us!
https://www.questpsych.org/
Personality Couch Links
🛋️Website
https://www.personalitycouch.com/
✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References)
https://personalitycouch.com/blog/antisocial-personality-vs-psychopathy/
35 min
May 05 Ep 53: Antisocial Personality vs Psychopathy | What's the Difference?
🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex distinctions between antisocial personality and psychopathy, delving into historical terminology, key theories, and nuanced subtypes. This episode offers a deep dive into dark personality traits and how they differ.
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters
00:00 Intro & History of Antisocial vs Psychopathy
00:36 Psychopath and Sociopath Defined
01:54 Cleckley’s Mask of Sanity
03:21 Psychodynamic Theory on Psychopathy vs Antisocial
04:17 The DSM on Psychopathy vs Antisocial
04:35 Michael Stone’s Negative Personality Spectrum
05:15 Level 1: Negative Personalities
05:41 Level 2: Narcissistic & Paranoid Personality Disorders
07:10 Level 3: Malignant Narcissism
08:43 Level 4: Antisocial Personality Disorder
09:28 Level 5: Psychopathy
10:20 Level 6: Sadistic Personality
12:32 Robert Hare's Psychopathy Checklist
13:54 Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist vs DSM Antisocial
17:20 Millon’s Theory on Psychopathy
19:30 Spineless Psychopath
19:43 Unprincipled Psychopath (Narcissistic Core)
19:51 Disingenuous Psychopath (Histrionic Core)
21:13 Risk-Taking Psychopath (Histrionic & Antisocial Features)
21:26 Covetous Psychopath (Antisocial Core)
21:57 Malignant Psychopath (Paranoid Core)
22:10 Abrasive Psychopath (Negativistic & Paranoid Features)
22:21 Explosive Psychopath (Sadistic Core, Borderline Features)
22:58 Malevolent Psychopath (Paranoid & Sadistic Features)
23:34 Tyrannical Psychopath (Negativistic & Sadistic Features)
24:19 Our Thoughts
27:14 Summary & Conclusion
29 min
April 21 Ep 52: The 6 Antisocial Subtypes
🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the passive-parasitic and aggressive subtypes from history before jumping into Dr. Theodore Millon’s 6 subtypes. At the mild level, we look at: the Covetously Aggrandizing & Disaffected Aggrandizing Antisocials. At the moderate level, we explore the Risk-Taking Devious and Reputation-Defending Devious Antisocials. At the severe/disordered level, we discuss the Nomadic & Malevolent Antisocial Subtypes. We end with our thoughts and opinions about the line for disorder and explain why the antisocial personality is so challenging to understand.
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters
0:00 Intro to Antisocial’s Historical Names
02:16 Are antisocials born or made (psychopath vs sociopath)?
03:14 Passive-parasitic and Aggressive Antisocials
04:32 What is a Normal Antisocial Personality?
04:40 The Adventurer
05:45 The Unconventional Antisocial
08:28 Intro to Millon’s 6 Subtypes
08:48 Mild Level: Aggrandizing Antisocial
09:59 Does Dominance Fill an Inner Void?
10:52 The Covetously Aggrandizing Antisocial
11:22 Criminal Behavior at the Mild Level
15:11 The Disaffected Aggrandizing Antisocial
17:06 Proneness to Addiction
18:11 Proneness to Infidelity
19:02 Contrasting the Mild Types
20:25 Moderate Level: The Devious Antisocial
21:39 Risk-Taking Devious (Histrionic & Turbulent Features)
25:56 Reputation-Defending Antisocial (Narcissistic & Sadistic Features)
27:24 Proneness to Criminal Behavior
28:02 Relationship & Work Challenges
29:17 What Are They Defending?
31:17 Severe Level: Antisocial Personality Disorder
31:45 Nomadic Antisocial (Schizoid & Avoidant Features)
33:18 Doom & Invincibility Focus
36:54 Malevolent Antisocial (Sadistic & Paranoid Features)
41:49 Our Thoughts & Opinions
43:46 Summary & Conclusion
45 min
April 07 Ep 51: A New Psychoanalysis of Antisocial Personality Disorder
🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive deep into the complex inner world of antisocial personality disorder, challenging the traditional DSM view and exploring psychoanalytic theory to uncover the internal processes behind antisocial behaviors. This episode is essential for clinicians, students, and anyone interested in understanding the motivations and defenses of antisocial individuals. ⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters
00:00 Intro & Limitations of Antisocial in DSM
02:48 Causes of Antisocial Personality
03:30 Genetic Studies
05:21 Environmental Studies
07:34 Attachment & Antisocial Personality
12:23 Inside the Antisocial’s Psyche:
12:29 Depression & Emptiness
14:55 Shame & Self-Importance
17:09 Defense Mechanisms in the Antisocial
17:42 Omnipotent Control
20:54 Projective Identification
21:49 Dissociation
23:26 Acting Out
26:34 Biological & Neuropsychological Processes of Antisocials
28:37 Perverse & Distorted Sexuality in Antisocials
30:07 Summary & Conclusion
32 min
March 24 Ep 50: Antisocial Personality: Everything I Learned is Wrong
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack some of our difficulties understanding antisocial personality disorder in how it combines psychology, morality, philosophy, and societal judgment. We focus on: where’s the line for disorder; how can we diagnose without judgment; and what does this personality look like when it’s not disordered? We pull from historical examples of antisocial types in specialized roles and also hypothesize that America might have transitioned from a narcissistic nation to an antisocial one.
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Antisocial Personality & DSM Problems
02:46 Antisocial Personality Defined in the PDM
07:02 Where’s the Disorder Line?
17:29 Other Dark & Criminal Personalities
21:08 Morality & Antisocial Traits in Specialized Professions
23:37 Are We An Antisocial Society in America?
30:43 Are Antisocials Treatable?
34:37 Holding Empathy & Accountability for Antisocials
40:00 Closing Quote
42 min
March 10 Ep 49: Antisocial Personality: The DSM Trash Can Diagnosis for Criminals?
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) begin our much-awaited series on antisocial personality disorder! In the DSM, antisocial personality is the only diagnosis that includes law-breaking as a criterion. But surely all criminals can’t have the same personality, right? In this episode, we break down its stigmatized history while sharing our thoughts and opinions about the DSM’s limitations. We take a critical look at each of the DSM’s 7 criteria, while also discussing the overlap with other disorders like narcissism, psychopathy, and the sadistic personality.
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction & History of Antisocial Personality Disorder
05:21 DSM Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder
07:06: Criterion 1: Unlawful Behavior
09:32: Criterion 2: Deceitfulness & Manipulation
12:49 Criterion 3: Impulsivity
15:27 Criterion 4: Irritability & Aggression
16:21 Criterion 5: Disregard for Safety
17:44 Criterion 6: Irresponsibility
20:08 Criterion 7: Lack of Remorse
21:42 Antisocial Personality & Aging
25:05 Our Critiques & Thoughts
30 min
February 24 Ep 48: The 4 Attachment Styles and Avoidant Personality
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack attachment and its relationship with avoidant personality disorder. We explore the four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized, discussing how these styles manifest in adult relationships. We highlight the nuances of avoidant personality disorder, suggesting that individuals may present as avoidantly attached but have underlying anxious tendencies. We end by discussing some interesting research on adult attachment and coregulation with a partner, suggesting that attachment is fluid and can change depending on the relationship homeostasis.
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.
Chapters
00:00 Intro to Attachment & Attachment Styles
05:15 Secure Attachment
06:08 Anxious Attachment
09:08 Avoidant Attachment
13:09 Disorganized Attachment
14:38 Attachment in Adulthood
16:54 Avoidant Personality Disorder and Attachment Dynamics
22:22 Summary & Conclusion
24 min
February 10 Ep 47: Avoidant Personality | The 6 Subtypes
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into Avoidant Personality Disorder, exploring Dr. Theodore Millon's six subtypes. We discuss a few interesting historical names before jumping into the characteristics of mild (Anxiously & Imaginatively shy); moderate (Hypersensitively & Phobicly Reticent); and severe (Conflicted & Self-Deserting) subtypes. Our conversation also critiques Millon's work, questioning the distinctiveness of avoidant traits compared to other personality disorders, and we invite listeners/viewers to share their thoughts and opinions.
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Historical Names
05:18 Millon's Six Subtypes of Avoidant Personality
5:38 Mild Type Overview
6:44 Anxiously Shy Type
9:14 Imaginatively Shy Type
12:05 Moderate Level Overview
12:28 Hypersensitively Reticent Type
14:31 Phobicly Reticent Type
16:55 Severe Level Overview
17:29 Conflicted Avoidant Type
19:40 Self-Deserting Avoidant Type
22:21 Our Opinions About the Subtypes
26:14 Summary & Conclusion
28 min
January 27 Ep 46: Did the DSM Get it Wrong? | A New Perspective on Avoidant Personality
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Doc Bok unpacks the historical context of Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD), exploring the ongoing debate about its classification in the DSM. This episode discusses the contributions of Theodore Millon, the controversies that arose during the introduction of APD, and the implications of trauma and sociopolitical culture on personality development. The episode concludes with proposing alternative classification systems, including the Enneagram, the psychodynamic phobic character, and avoidant personality as a problematic trait versus a disorder.
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Avoidant Personality Disorder
02:32 Millon, the DSM, and Controversy
05:47 The 1960s & Personality Development
09:37 Avoidant Traits, Trauma, & Alternative Views
18:08 Summary & Conclusion
20 min

About Personality Couch

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We all encounter personality conflict on a regular basis, whether we know it or not. From funky, can’t-quite-put-my-finger-on-it dynamics with that one friend or family member, to the big blowup drama at work with the last person you’d expect, it all comes down to personality.