Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson
Protecting Yourself from Narcissistic People with Dr. Ramani Durvasula
Feb 24, 2025
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and expert on narcissism, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of narcissistic behavior. She lays out specific traits and the spectrum of narcissism, explaining why these individuals can be so hard to identify. The conversation dives into the emotional turmoil of relationships with narcissists, highlighting abusive patterns and offering strategies to become 'narcissist resistant.' Dr. Ramani emphasizes the importance of boundaries and self-care for healing from toxic dynamics.
01:22:34
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Narcissism exists on a spectrum, including various types like vulnerable, communal, and malignant narcissism, each exhibiting unique characteristics.
- Relationships with narcissists typically follow a destructive cycle of idealization, devaluation, and discard, leading to emotional confusion and self-doubt.
Deep dives
Understanding Narcissism Defined
Narcissism is characterized by a personality style where individuals show low, often performative empathy, display a sense of entitlement, and possess an excessive need for admiration. These traits manifest in superficial relationships that are often transactional or exploitative, masking an insecure and shame-filled interior. When narcissistic individuals don't receive the validation they crave, their defenses kick in, resulting in behaviors like rage, passive-aggression, and manipulation. Consequently, navigating relationships with narcissistic individuals can be challenging due to these psychologically unsafe dynamics.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
