Psychology In Seattle Podcast

Dr Kirk Honda provides his long-awaited lecture on limerence. December 10, 2025This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/KIRK to get 10% off your first month.00:00 Obsessive and abusive love15:33 Are these examples of limerence?Become a member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUZWV1DRtHtpP2H48S7iiw/joinBecome a patron: https://www.patreon.com/PsychologyInSeattleEmail: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/contactWebsite: https://www.psychologyinseattle.comMerch: https://psychologyinseattle-shop.fourthwall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychologyinseattle/Facebook Official Page: https://www.facebook.com/PsychologyInSeattle/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirk.hondaThe Psychology In Seattle Podcast ®Trigger Warning: This episode may include topics such as assault, trauma, and discrimination. If necessary, listeners are encouraged to refrain from listening and care for their safety and well-being.Disclaimer: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, therapy, diagnosis, or creates a counselor-client relationship. Topics discussed may generate differing points of view. If you participate (by being a guest, submitting a question, or commenting) you must do so with the knowledge that we cannot control reactions or responses from others, which may not agree with you or feel unfair. Your participation on this site is at your own risk, accepting full responsibility for any liability or harm that may result. Anything you write here may be used for discussion or endorsement of the podcast. Opinions and views expressed by the host and guest hosts are personal views. Although, we take precautions and fact check, they should not be considered facts and the opinions may change. Opinions posted by participants (such as comments) are not those of the hosts. Readers should not rely on any information found here and should perform due diligence before taking any action. For a more extensive description of factors for you to consider, please see www.psychologyinseattle.com

Dive into the complexities of limerence and erotomania, exploring their differences and how they manifest in behavior. Hear about real-life cases, such as Margaret Mary Ray's obsession with David Letterman, which highlights the tragic consequences of delusions. The discussion extends to John Hinckley’s erratic actions driven by erotomania, linking personal obsession with sociopolitical incidents. Kirk also tackles the challenges of treating these conditions, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of obsessive love and its psychological underpinnings.

Delve into the intriguing world of limerence as Dr. Kirk Honda explores its somatic symptoms and differentiates it from unrequited love, using Snape and Gatsby as examples. The discussion highlights the euphoric highs and despairing lows experienced during limerence, revealing everything from racing hearts to emotional pain. Kirk also critiques the medicalization of normal heartbreak and the misuse of clinical terms in everyday conversations, providing insights into the complexities of human emotions.

Delve into the intriguing world of therapist self-disclosure, where boundaries blur and personal stories collide with professional ethics. Explore definitions, typologies, and the impact of sharing personal experiences in therapy. Understand how such disclosures can influence the therapeutic relationship. This discussion encourages reflection on trust, vulnerability, and the balance therapists must maintain while connecting with clients.

Humberto Castaneda, a musician and cultural commentator, joins Dr. Kirk Honda to dissect the infamous Fyre Festival disaster. They explore whether its organizer, Billy McFarland, is a psychopath or simply a casualty of capitalism. The duo delves into the festival's marketing tactics, social media illusions, and the consequences faced by local island workers. They also examine the psychology behind mass delusion, and how charm can enable con artists to thrive. Expect engaging anecdotes and sharp insights into human behavior!

Dive deep into the intriguing world of limerence, exploring whether TikToker Kendra's experience showcases this complex emotional state. Discover how AI chatbots influenced her beliefs and the fine line between evidence and interpretation. Kirk Honda outlines essential criteria for recognizing limerence, comparing it to addiction cycles while debating treatment implications. Get a sneak peek into behavioral and physical symptoms, including stalking, that accompany this phenomenon. This discussion reveals both the psychological intricacies and societal impact of romantic obsession.

Dr. Kirk Honda takes a fascinating plunge into the world of limerence, exploring its emotional symptoms. He dissects a Reddit anecdote to illustrate the difference between brief infatuation and true limerence disorder. The discussion includes his criteria for diagnosing limerence, emphasizing its long-lasting nature. He also probes why some individuals become trapped in obsessive patterns while others bounce back. This insightful analysis sheds light on a complex emotional experience that many face.

Delve into the world of limerence as Dr. Kirk Honda explores intrusive thoughts and their prevalence. He reveals how these thoughts invade daily life, often feeling akin to addiction and compulsive behaviors. Personal quotes illustrate the relentless nature of these preoccupations. The discussion extends to the fine line between daydreaming and maladaptive fantasies, highlighting the relief they offer yet their potential for addiction. Strategies for managing these thoughts, including mindfulness and creative outlets, provide listeners with practical tools.

In this insightful session, Rebecca Bloom, an art therapist and somatic practitioner specializing in intimate partner violence, joins to explore the dynamics of domestic violence. They delve into the Power and Control Wheel, revealing various abuse tactics beyond physical violence. The discussion highlights the abusive cycle, common intimidation signs, and the role of attachment wounds in perpetration. Bloom emphasizes the importance of safety planning for survivors and dismantling stigma around seeking help. This conversation is a crucial resource for understanding and addressing IPV.

Dr. Michelle Finley, a couple and family therapy expert specializing in intimate partner violence, shares her insights into this pressing issue. She differentiates between situational violence and intimate terrorism, highlighting the psychological impact on survivors. The discussion covers the trauma bond, barriers victims face when leaving, and the dynamics of power and control. They also explore treatment paradigms and the importance of tailored interventions, including promising couples-based therapy. Michelle emphasizes the value of family involvement in healing.