How Narcissist Misperceives YOUR Intimacy, Love (with Conor Ryan, Eyes Wide Open, EXCERPT)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the dynamics of intimate relationships with narcissists. He explains that narcissists are incapable of perceiving others as separate from themselves and can only form relationships with internal constructs of others in their minds. They use external regulation and projection to maintain their self-image and avoid shame. The narcissist’s concept of love is actually narcissistic elation, a merging and fusing with a mother figure that affirms their grandiosity. Narcissists choose partners based on what they can provide, such as sex, services, safety, and object constancy, rather than who they are as individuals. The victims of narcissistic abuse often struggle to accept this reality and may resort to narcissistic defenses to cope.
Bleeding Edge Narcissism Info – see DESCRIPTION (With Conor Ryan, Eyes Wide Open)
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the complexities of pathological narcissism, including the debate over what constitutes a narcissist and the differences between overt and covert narcissism. He emphasizes the importance of reconciling the views of clinicians and theoreticians and highlights the fluidity and complexity of personality disorders. Vaknin also addresses the contagious nature of narcissism and the challenges of managing and healing from narcissistic abuse. He provides insights into the body language and manipulative tactics of narcissists and offers strategies for dealing with them. Additionally, he delves into the ethical considerations of victimhood and the potential for change in narcissistic individuals.
“Spiritual” Narcissist Casts Narrative Spell on YOU (with Dr. Lisa Alastuey)
Sam Vaknin discusses spiritual narcissism, where narcissists pretend to have spiritual functions, such as clergy, healers, or therapists, and claim a connection to a higher authority. He explains three types of spiritual narcissists: victim, godlike, and healer. He also delves into the role of narratives in spirituality and predicts a shift in power dynamics from men to women in the next 50 years. He advises individuals to create their own narratives and belong to themselves before affiliating with others.
Narcissists, Empaths, Viking Fantasies (Q&As with Eve Tawfik)
British journalist Eve Torfic interviews Dr. Sam Vaknin about narcissism. Vaknin explains that a relationship with a narcissist can work if one suspends their autonomy and serves the narcissist’s needs, which he summarizes as the four S’s: sex, supply, safety, and services. He also discusses the allure of narcissists, the concept of shared fantasy, and the potential for self-awareness in narcissists. They touch on topics like victimhood, the future of society with the rise of the metaverse, and the decline of traditional values and community. Vaknin expresses concern about the sustainability of life as society becomes more fragmented and atomized.
Empathy As Narcissistic Psychotic Defense It’s About YOU, Not The OTHER
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses a new theory of empathy, suggesting that when we empathize with someone, we are actually reacting to a totally internal object triggered by the other person. He argues that empathy is a form of intersubjectivity involving living things as objects, and that it is a learned response and a form of psychosis. Vaknin also explores the impact of positive emotions on empathy and its connection to the empathizer’s internal state.