Couples therapy is a space meant to heal rifts and improve connection, but when one partner is too far into the narcissistic spectrum, the dynamic shifts darkly.

Rather than fostering open communication, it can become a battleground.

Narcissists are skilled at manipulation, gaslighting, and shifting blame, which can turn therapy sessions into frustrating exercises for the other partner.

How can you protect yourself, maintain your sense of reality, and find the strength to navigate this complex terrain?

This post discusses the strategies you’ll need, backed by social science research and insights from leading experts in narcissism. Let’s arm you with the knowledge to keep your balance when the emotional stakes are high.

Growing up under the influence of a narcissistic mother can shape a son's life in profound and lasting ways. Narcissistic mothers often see their children as extensions of themselves rather than as individuals with their own needs, leading to a variety of emotional challenges.

For sons, this dynamic can result in struggles with self-esteem, challenges in relationships, and a sense of never truly being "enough."

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen how the scars from such a childhood can influence adult life, but I’ve also witnessed how understanding these patterns can open the door to healing.

Let’s explore ten common symptoms of sons raised by narcissistic mothers, backed by social science research, to shed light on this often misunderstood topic.

Growing up under the influence of a narcissistic mother can shape a son's life in profound and lasting ways. Narcissistic mothers often see their children as extensions of themselves rather than as individuals with their own needs, leading to a variety of emotional challenges.

For sons, this dynamic can result in struggles with self-esteem, challenges in relationships, and a sense of never truly being "enough."

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen how the scars from such a childhood can influence adult life, but I’ve also witnessed how understanding these patterns can open the door to healing.

Let’s explore ten common symptoms of sons raised by narcissistic mothers, backed by social science research, to shed light on this often misunderstood topic.

Growing up with a narcissistic father is no small feat—it's like being in a lifelong reality show where you're the supporting character and your dad is always the star.

While daughters often bear the brunt of a narcissistic father's behavior, the impacts can be surprisingly complex.

Let’s delve deeper into how daughters may not only suffer but also absorb traits from a narcissistic father, and what the social science research has to say about it.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a unique type of trauma that results from prolonged exposure to situations like childhood neglect, emotional abuse, or chaotic environments.

Peter Walker, a renowned psychotherapist and author, has become a leading voice in understanding and healing C-PTSD. His work sheds light on the deeply ingrained emotional struggles faced by those who endure chronic trauma, such as the abandonment melange, toxic shame, and emotional flashbacks.

In this post, we’ll delve into Walker’s core concepts, exploring how they can help people recognize, understand, and recover from the effects of C-PTSD.

When childhood feels more like survival mode than playtime, some important life lessons can slip through the cracks.

Think of it as missing key broadcasts while you were tuned into a static-filled station. But don’t worry—if you missed these life-changing messages before, it’s never too late to catch them now.

Here’s a look at 10 crucial lessons that might have gotten lost due to childhood trauma.

A fascinating new study published in Translational Psychiatry explores how childhood maltreatment affects how close or distant people prefer to be in social settings.

Conducted by an international team of researchers, the study revealed that folks who experienced maltreatment as children tend to keep more physical space between themselves and others, including both friends and strangers.

It’s the first time research of this kind has shown that early trauma impacts personal space preferences across such a wide range of cultures. Let’s break down what this means and why it’s important.

Ever wondered if watching Batman pummel villains could actually inspire you to be a kinder, more generous human?

Well, buckle up, because a new study in The Journal of Psychology has thrown the Bat-signal over the whole debate.

Despite all those explosions and high-flying kicks, superhero movies might have a softer, fluffier side, encouraging prosocial behavior—actions like sharing, helping, and, you guessed it, giving away chocolates.

Yep, turns out that time spent watching caped crusaders on screen might just be the secret to becoming a real-life good Samaritan.

Were you the kid who felt like they were talking to a wall, or like your voice was a tree falling in an empty forest?

Growing up without being heard can leave you with some pretty deep scars. It’s not just about missed conversations or a lack of eye contact—it’s about how you navigate the world today, how you communicate with others, and how you see yourself.

Here are 10 signs that you might have grown up feeling unheard and unimportant.

Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact, shaping how we perceive the world and interact with others. Often, certain personality styles emerge as a way to cope with early challenges.

In this post, we'll explore five common personality styles that stem from childhood trauma: the Achiever, the Caretaker/Helper, the Anxious, the Perfectionist, and the Ultra-Controlling.

These personality types are more than just quirks—they’re strategies for surviving in an unpredictable world. Let’s dive into what defines each style, how they develop, and how they can impact relationships. Plus, we’ll keep it light-hearted because, let’s face it, we all have our quirks.

Understanding the complex world of female narcissists can be like unravelling a tricky plot twist in your favorite soap opera.

Beneath the charismatic exterior lies a need for control, status, and attention that often leaves those around them feeling drained.

From the subtle manipulation of "monkey branching" to the toxic favoritism in parenting, let’s explore the seven most common traits of female narcissists with depth, warmth, and a touch of humor.

A recent study by Jiewen Zhang and colleagues, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, shed light on a puzzling dynamic: why do some men seem more hostile toward women?

The research explored a surprising mix of factors—self-perceived attractiveness, political beliefs, and even loneliness—that contribute to these attitudes.

The results? It turns out that whether a guy thinks he’s exceptionally attractive or sees himself as unlucky in the looks department can explain a lot about how he treats women.

But how do these dynamics work, and are they influenced by more than just self-perception and ideology? Let’s dive into the nuances of this study and the broader research on hostility towards women.