This episode explores the concept of “abuse-supporting stupidity” in narcissistic behavior patterns. It highlights how narcissists often engage in self-sabotaging behaviors due to their reliance on immature defense mechanisms and lack of self-reflection. The discussion emphasizes that abusers unintentionally create a disintegrated psychological environment, affecting both themselves and their victims. Understanding this process can help survivors make sense of their experiences and reduce self-blame for staying in abusive relationships. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for healing and breaking the cycle of abuse.
Posts Tagged "self-awareness"
Video+Transcript | self-Defenses Level 2: Major Image Distortions
In this episode, we delve into level two immature defenses, specifically major image distorting defenses. These psychological mechanisms protect individuals from anxiety by simplifying perceptions of self and others into all-good or all-bad categories. While these defenses may provide temporary relief, they often lead to negative consequences in relationships and can contribute to depression. Understanding these defense mechanisms can help individuals recognize patterns in themselves and others, potentially leading to more nuanced and healthier ways of processing emotions and experiences.
Back to Basics: Somatic Experiencing
Somatic experiencing is a crucial component of trauma recovery, particularly for those dealing with Complex PTSD. This approach helps individuals reconnect with their bodies and process stored trauma responses. While cognitive approaches provide important context, true healing involves both top-down (mental) and bottom-up (bodily) processes. Somatic experiencing can be challenging and overwhelming, especially for those new to trauma recovery. It’s important to approach this work with professional guidance and to recognize that everyone’s journey is unique. By integrating somatic and cognitive approaches, individuals can work towards a more regulated and integrated system, allowing for more effective healing and personal growth.
4.6. Acting out, Help-rejecting complaining, and Passive Aggression; The (most) Immature Defenses
This podcast episode explores immature self-defense mechanisms in trauma recovery, focusing on acting out, help-rejecting complaining, and passive aggression. It discusses how these behaviors develop from childhood experiences and persist into adulthood, affecting relationships and personal growth. The episode examines the functions of these mechanisms and their impact on emotional regulation and social interactions. By understanding these patterns, listeners can gain insights into their own behaviors and those of others, potentially leading to more effective coping strategies and improved self-awareness.
Video Version! Defense Mechanisms: Passive Aggression
"Concealed discharge of resentment / disappointment created by a lifetime of unmet needs." Let's talk about the depths...
Defense Mechanisms: Passive Aggression
"Concealed discharge of resentment / disappointment created by a lifetime of unmet needs." Let's talk about the depths...
Mindfulness/Meta-Cog Notes! Slides and PP
This comprehensive slide deck exploration of mindfulness, metacognition, and traumatic training offers valuable insights for trauma recovery. By understanding how our past experiences shape our automatic responses, we can begin to rewire maladaptive behaviors. Mindfulness and metacognition serve as powerful tools for neutral self-observation, allowing us to question ingrained beliefs and make conscious decisions aligned with our present reality. The concept of “traumatic training” helps explain how childhood experiences can lead to lifelong patterns, while also offering hope for change through mindful awareness and intentional behavioral recalibration.
Back to Basics: Defining “Mindfulness, MetaCognition, and Traumatic Training”
In our last BtB episode I used some poorly-understood words. Let's define "Mindfulness," "MetaCognition," and...
Video+Transcript! Defense Mechanisms: Acting Out
Our first individual defense mechanism! Let's talk about Acting Out (the immediate transmutation of emotion to action...
Defense Mechanisms | Immature Level 1: The Action Defenses | Video+Transcript
Let's start working our way through the self-defense mechanisms that define our relationships and lives. First up, the...
Defense Mechanisms | Immature Level 1: The Action Defenses
Let's start working our way through the self-defense mechanisms that define our relationships and lives. First up, the...
Dunning-Kruger vs. Reality | Transcript
In this preview of new things already underway… As we talk about reality and processing, the Dunning-Kruger Effect...
Dunning-Kruger vs. Reality
In this preview of new things already underway… As we talk about reality and processing, the Dunning-Kruger Effect...
REALITY TESTING (con’t of Type I and II Processing)
Picking up from our discussion of intellectualizing, rationalizing, narcs, and processing styles, let's talk about...
(lack of) Nuance x CPTSD | Video+Transcript
Y'all wanted to keep talking "implications of narc research," and ya've not been forgotten! Let's talk Nuance and...
How “Intelligent” are They Really? Type I and Type II Processing in Subtypes of Narcissists | Video+Transcript |
Narcissistic behavior and decision making: how smart ARE narcissists, really? How do they make decisions? And how do these thought processes differ between grandiose and vulnerable subtypes?