Ep 20: Narcissism Gone Bad | 5 Signs Its Pathological

Ep 20: Narcissism Gone Bad | 5 Signs Its Pathological

Author: Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D. LCP January 28, 2025 Duration: 34:33
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the 5 major signs of pathological narcissism, as well as 3 bonus invisible signs of narcissism. We explore warning signs of pride, superiority, vanity, and inauthenticity (among others!), providing insights into how these traits manifest in behavior and relationships. We also explore how anger and lack of empathy manifest. We end the episode by discussing vulnerable narcissistic themes that are less observable, like emptiness, helplessness, and low self-esteem. Our discussion highlights everyday narcissism, as well as darker aspects of it, including antisocial and murderous examples of such. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pathological Narcissism01:28 Defining Pathological Narcissism04:55 Sign 1 of Pathological Narcissism: Pride & Self-Righteousness   07:06 Defining Defensive Self-Sufficiency   08:45 Vigilante Narcissism10:45 Sign 2 of Pathological Narcissism: Superiority & Inferiority   13:20 Specialness & Entitlement16:50 Sign 3 of Pathological Narcissism: Vanity & Inauthenticity19:23 Sign 4 of Pathological Narcissism: Anger & Contempt22:45 Sign 5 of Pathological Narcissism: Decreased Empathy & Callousness26:12 Invisible Signs of Pathological Narcissism (Vulnerable Narcissism)32:44 Summary and Closing References: Blaney, P. H., Krueger, R. F., Millon, T. (Eds.). (2014). Oxford textbook of psychopathology (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. McWilliams, N. (2011). Psychoanalytic diagnosis: Understanding personality structure in the clinical process (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

On the Personality Couch podcast, the subtle and often confusing tensions that shape our daily lives are brought into focus. Hosted by clinical psychologists Dr. Rebecca Houvener (“Doc Bok”) and Dr. Cheyenne Fisher (“Doc Fish”), this conversation moves beyond abstract theory to examine the real-world friction we navigate. Every other week, they take apart those puzzling interactions-the off-kilter feeling with a relative, the unexpected clash with a colleague-and trace them back to their roots in personality structure. Their dialogue is a practical exploration, offering listeners a framework to understand not just others, but their own reactions and patterns. You’ll hear detailed breakdowns of complex relational dynamics, all discussed with the clarity and nuance that comes from clinical expertise. The aim is to provide actionable insight, transforming confusion into comprehension. This isn’t about labeling people; it’s about deciphering the hidden language of human behavior that operates in our friendships, families, workplaces, and broader culture. By tuning in, you gain a shared vocabulary for the unspoken, making sense of the conflicts we all face but don’t always know how to address. The podcast serves as a guide for anyone looking to improve their connections and their own self-awareness, one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Personality Couch
Podcast Episodes
Ep 23: The 4 Narcissistic Subtypes You Need to Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:31
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex world of narcissism, focusing on its various subtypes. We unpack grandiose narcissism, its c…
Ep 22: Vulnerable and Grandiose Narcissism | The Mirror Has Two Faces [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:25
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) delve into the complexities of pathological narcissism, exploring its various expressions, including covert, ove…
Ep 21:  Narcissistic Personality Disorder | The 9 Symptoms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:35
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) delve into the complexities of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). We explore the historical…
Ep 19: Is Narcissism Good? The Surprising Truth About Self-Importance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:30
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) delve into the complexities of narcissism, exploring its cultural labeling, the distinction between pathological…
Ep 18: The 6 Mental Health Trends: 2024 in Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:34
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the cultural and clinical trends of 2024, focusing on global unrest, political polarization, re-examinin…
Ep 17: BPD Part 5: Quiet Borderline: A Closer Look at Subtypes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:04
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we continue to explore the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), particularly focusing on the lesser-known subtype: Quiet BPD. We delve into the historic…
Ep 16: BPD Part 4: What BPD Therapy Really Looks Like [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:45
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we dive into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) treatment, in particular, the healing power of the invisible dynamics in therapy. We discuss the im…
Ep 15: BPD Part 3: Suicidal Behavior and Self Injury [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:34
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we delve into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), focusing on the themes of suicidal ideation and self-harm. We explore the DSM criteria for BPD, t…
Ep 14: BPD Part 2: Fear of Abandonment, Psychosis, and Dissociation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:43
In our second episode of the Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) series, we discuss how this condition manifests in relationships and clinical practice. We explore the pervasive patterns of instability, fear of abandon…