In this episode, we dive into the quiet, tormenting force of unresolved guilt—and how it can entrap us in relationships long after they've ended. Through the lens of one man’s struggle to say no to an ex he no longer loves but still feels tethered to, we explore how guilt becomes more than remorse—it becomes identity. What begins as an effort to repair harm quietly reveals a deeper conflict: the belief that having needs, choosing oneself, or pursuing autonomy makes you fundamentally unloving. This episode isn’t just about setting boundaries—it’s about healing the parts of ourselves we fear make us unworthy of love, and learning to hold both care for others and care for ourselves in the same breath. 

Sign up here to be notified when Office Hours launches:

https://www.drmazzella.com/officehours

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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.

For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on:

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

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

...

 What does it really take to help someone with narcissistic traits heal?
 In this rich conversation with Lisa Taylor Austin, we explore how grandiosity masks vulnerability, why trust takes time, and how containment softens defensiveness. Whether you're a clinician or navigating this in your personal life, this episode offers grounded insight and real-world guidance. 

More About Lisa:  

Lisa Taylor-Austin's Website: https://thetayloraustingroup.com/ ️ Lisa Taylor-Austin's You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaTaylor-Austin ️ Lisa's IG: Lisa.TaylorAustin ️ Lisa's Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lisataylor-austin.bsky.social 

Sign up here to be notified when Office Hours launches:

https://www.drmazzella.com/officehours

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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.

For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on:

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

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

...

What happens when the grandiose self begins to fall apart?
In part four of our Healing Narcissism series, we explore the emotional unraveling that marks the beginning of real change. Through clinical stories and grounded insight, I show how mourning, ambivalence, and even emotional collapse can signal a hopeful shift toward genuine connection and inner integration. 

Sign up here to be notified when Office Hours launches:

https://www.drmazzella.com/officehours

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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.

For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on:

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

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

...

In this episode, we explore the fragile emotional terrain that follows the softening of grandiose defenses. From emotional regulation to the risk of collapse, I share how healing begins—not with insight alone, but with containment, timing, and psychodynamic work. Through clinical examples, we uncover how real change happens beneath the surface. 

Sign up here to be notified when Office Hours launches:

https://www.drmazzella.com/officehours

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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.

For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on:

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

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

...

This episode dives into the hidden dance between grandiosity and vulnerability in narcissistic individuals. You'll learn how to recognize the shift from content to process, why timing matters, and how to intervene without triggering shame or rupture. A compassionate, real-world guide to navigating the most charged moments in the healing journey. 

Sign up here to be notified when Office Hours launches:

https://www.drmazzella.com/officehours

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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.

For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on:

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

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

...

In this episode, we look at the real work of healing narcissism—not by breaking the ego, but by understanding and slowly dismantling the defenses that protect it. You'll learn why emotional regulation and integration—not just insight—are key to lasting change. With real-world examples and deep clinical insight, this is the first in a multi-part series on how transformation actually happens.

Sign up here to be notified when Office Hours launches:

https://www.drmazzella.com/officehours

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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.

For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on:

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

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

...

Get ready! In this trailer, we introduce Healing Narcissism: A Four-Part Series — where we take you deep inside the real, raw, and often surprising process of helping a narcissist heal. This series isn’t about surface-level advice — it’s about uncovering the overlooked moments and powerful psychological shifts that make transformation possible.

Subscribe now and join us for an insightful, psychodynamic journey that shows real healing can happen — when we truly understand what it takes!

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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.

For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on:

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

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

...

In this episode, I join Dr. Nae and her support group to unpack the deep roots of narcissism and the challenges it brings to healing trauma bonds. We explore how hope, projection, and hidden relational patterns keep people entangled—and why differentiation is key to breaking free. If you’re ready to understand and heal from these complex dynamics, this conversation offers fresh insight and hope. 

Here is a chapter of Dr. Nae's "Run Like Hell" for free. https://heal.drnae.com/podcast-book-giveaway

Contact her directly here:  https://drnae.com/

Sign up here to be notified when Office Hours launches:

https://www.drmazzella.com/officehours

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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.

For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on:

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

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

...

In this episode, we explore the fine line between genuine help and covert emotional demands. Jim shares his struggle with constantly trying to fix his daughter, revealing the emotional toll it takes when helping turns into collapse. Learn how to recognize unconscious emotional signals, respect autonomy, and slow down to truly feel and respond without getting overwhelmed. 

Sign up here to be notified when Office Hours launches:

https://www.drmazzella.com/officehours

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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.

For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on:

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

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

...

In this episode, Jim shares the raw, emotional struggle of trying to connect with a daughter who feels unreachable. We unpack the complex family dynamics where love, guilt, and helplessness intertwine, revealing the hidden pain and unconscious patterns that shape their relationship. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to help someone who pulls away, this conversation offers deep insight and compassion. 

Sign up here to be notified when Office Hours launches:

https://www.drmazzella.com/officehours

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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.

For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

You can follow The Narcissism Decoder on:

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

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

...