In this episode, Josh returns to share more hard-won wisdom on co-parenting and rebuilding trust after divorce. We explore the crucial difference between saying sorry and making amends—how true accountability isn’t just about words, but about actions that repair harm. Josh reflects on how focusing inward, taking ownership, and practicing mutual respect can lay the groundwork for healthier relationships moving forward. If you’ve ever wondered whether an apology is enough, this conversation breaks down what real change actually looks like.

Send “Mazzella” to IG for a free coaching call and resources
Find more of Josh's content here: 
IG= https://www.instagram.com/JoshTheDerelict

YouTube= https://www.youtube.com/@JoshTheDerelict

Higher Listenings: Joy for Educators
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 of The Narcissism Decoder, I’m joined by Josh, who shares his personal journey through divorce and co-parenting. Together, we explore the emotional complexities of divorce, the impact of codependency on relationships, and the importance of self-reflection and personal growth in choosing a healthier path forward. Josh opens up about the challenges of maintaining healthy relationships post-divorce and offers valuable insights into effective co-parenting strategies, emphasizing the necessity of forgiveness and letting go of resentment. We also begin to discuss the importance of “keeping your side of the street clean” in co-parenting dynamics, fostering healthier interactions for everyone involved.

Send “Mazzella” to IG for a free coaching call and resources
Find more of Josh's content here:
IG= https://www.instagram.com/JoshTheDerelict
YouTube= https://www.youtube.com/@JoshTheDerelict

Higher Listenings: Joy for Educators
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 is part two of my interview with Darren, a therapist and coach. In this episode, we dive deeper into the complexities of relationships involving narcissistic individuals. Together, we explore therapeutic approaches to understanding and managing narcissism, emphasizing the spectrum of narcissistic traits and the potential for building healthy self-esteem. We discuss the importance of developing intimacy and relationship skills. Darren also sheds light on the concept of object constancy—often a developmental challenge for those with narcissistic traits—and the potential for meaningful change when awareness and motivation are present. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the challenges of relationships with narcissistic individuals.

Higher Listenings: Joy for Educators
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 of The Narcissism Decoder, I’m joined by Darren, a therapist and coach. Together, we dive into the complexities of relationships involving narcissistic individuals. Darren shares his personal journey of recognizing narcissism within his family and relationships, particularly with his father. We explore the challenges of navigating relationships with narcissists, the role of denial, and the importance of emotional vulnerability. There is a particular focus on what to do when an loved on is not accepting necessary medical treatment recommendations. 

Higher Listenings: Joy for Educators
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 part two of the conversation, Shannon and I continue exploring the complexities of managing relationships with adult children who exhibit narcissistic tendencies. Shannon emphasizes the importance of first fostering a healthy relationship with oneself as a foundation for setting effective boundaries. We discuss the importance of self-regulation and understanding one's own emotional state before addressing conflicts. The conversation also touches on the impact of enabling behaviors, the consequences of no contact, and the role of trauma in shaping parent-child dynamics.

 

Higher Listenings: Joy for Educators
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 of The Narcissism Decoder, I’m joined by therapist, author and coach Shannon. Together we explore the complexities of relationships between parents and their adult children, particularly focusing on narcissistic traits and toxic dynamics. We discuss how enabling behaviors and lack of boundaries contribute to dysfunctional interactions, and emphasize the importance of both parties taking responsibility for their own emotions and actions. Through practical insights and real-life examples, Shannon and I provide strategies for setting healthy boundaries, improving communication, and fostering more balanced and respectful relationships within families.

Higher Listenings: Joy for Educators
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 delve deeper into narcissism and explore the intricate dynamics of vulnerable and grandiose self-states, focusing on Step 2: Containment and Relating. Central to this discussion is the concept of "reenactment," which highlights the importance of clarifying a person’s experience as it unfolds “in the moment.” This step emphasizes staying present with self and other representations, particularly when navigating projections. Engaging in this process may involve acknowledging fault and expressing empathy for the painful experience of rejection your partner feels, while gently guiding them to reflect on how their distorted projections influence their perception of you.

Higher Listenings: Joy for Educators
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 delve into the complexities of vulnerable narcissism, exploring its characteristics, emotional needs, and the importance of empathy and containment in fostering healthier relationships. Emphasis is on the concept of containment as a crucial strategy for emotional regulation and support. The discussion highlights practical approaches to understanding and managing the emotional demands of individuals exhibiting vulnerable narcissistic traits, ultimately aiming for meaningful change and growth. A fuller definition of empathy is provided along with examples of how to really empathize with loved one. 

Higher Listenings: Joy for Educators
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 of The Narcissism Decoder, Lisa Taylor-Austin and I explore the complexities of vulnerable narcissism, with a focus on therapeutic approaches and practical ways to relate to a vulnerable narcissist in your life. We delve into the importance of containment, discussing two key aspects essential for fostering emotional safety and understanding. Our conversation highlights strategies for engaging with vulnerable narcissists, emphasizing how empathy, patience, and healthy communication can help navigate these challenging dynamics. Whether in therapy or personal relationships, we aim to provide insights that encourage growth, connection, and a deeper understanding of these individuals.

Please click here for Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i68HYbvh2jw
Lisa Taylor-Austin's Website: https://thetayloraustingroup.com/
Lisa Taylor-Austin's You Tube:    / @lisataylor-austin
 

Higher Listenings: Joy for Educators
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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 theme of helplessness in relationships, particularly focusing on how vulnerable narcissism and emotional dependency manifest in interpersonal dynamics. We look closely at the roots of these behaviors in childhood experiences, the impact of communication styles, and the emotional burden placed on both the helpless individual and their helpers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness in breaking the cycle of helplessness and fostering healthier relationships.
Takeaways

• Helplessness often masks deeper emotional vulnerabilities.
• Vulnerable narcissism can lead to dependency on others.
• Childhood experiences shape how individuals express needs.
• Neediness is often expressed through demands rather than genuine connection.
• The helper's emotional burden can lead to frustration and resentment.

Higher Listenings: Joy for Educators
A new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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

...