Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Dating Decoder with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice. Episode 10: Are They a Narcissist? In this enlightening episode of "The Love Doc Podcast," Dr. Hensley dives into the complex world of narcissism. Drawing from a rich array of perspectives, including social psychology, evolutionary psychology, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology, Dr. Hensley explores the intricate nature of narcissism and why it’s such a widely studied yet frequently misunderstood field. Dr. Hensley begins by examining the various theories that explain how narcissism develops in individuals. She highlights how the term "narcissist" is often overused in contemporary discourse, leading to confusion between narcissistic traits and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). This distinction is crucial, as NPD can be both over-diagnosed and under-diagnosed. True narcissists possess a remarkable ability to manipulate those around them, including their therapists, making accurate diagnosis challenging. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing how romantic relationships can exacerbate narcissistic traits. Dr. Hensley explains that the degree of perceived threat within these relationships can amplify existing narcissistic behaviors, complicating the dynamics between partners. One of the highlights of the episode is Dr. Hensley's in-depth analysis of attachment styles and their potential to be misinterpreted as NPD. She clarifies that attachment behaviors, while sometimes similar to narcissistic traits, are rooted in changeable behaviors that primarily manifest in romantic relationships. In contrast, true narcissism permeates all areas of a narcissist's life, including relationships with authority figures.  Dr. Hensley also sheds light on the differences between overt and covert narcissists, offering her perspective on which type she considers more dangerous. This segment provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of how narcissistic behaviors can vary widely and the specific risks associated with each type.  Throughout the episode, both Dr. Hensley and her co-host, Raina Butcher, share their  personal experiences with narcissists, adding a relatable and practical dimension to the discussion. In the final segment, Dr. Hensley addresses the profound impact of narcissism on children, emphasizing how narcissists often use their children to exert control and manipulate, resulting in deep psychological scars. Dr. Hensley and Raina conclude the episode with a message of hope, providing practical advice and resources for those dealing with narcissistic abuse. They emphasize that understanding and addressing narcissism can lead to healthier relationships and personal growth. Join Dr. Hensley and Raina Butcher for this compelling and insightful exploration of narcissism, offering valuable perspectives for anyone navigating relationships with narcissistic individuals. Disclaimer: None of the material contained herein is medical advice. The advice and perspective that Dr. Hensley suggest are strictly that of opinion with highlights of scientific research.   Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://www.thedatingdecoder.com/group-coaching/ Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: https://www.thedatingdecoder.com/book-appointment/ Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online course: https://dating-decoder.mykajabi.com/offers/PpEPKnsM/checkout Tik-Tok: the_dating_decoder Instagram: @the_dating_decoder Facebook: The Dating Decoder Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley What is covered: ·        The science behind narcissism. ·       The theories that explain how narcissism develops. ·       The threat that narcisstic traits play in our romatic relationships. ·       The difference between behaviors of specific attachment styles and the narcissist.  ·       The difference between the overt and covert narcissist.  Consider/Ask Yourself ·       What are the differences between Narcissitic Personality Disorder and narcissitic traits?  ·       Is your partner a true narcissist or do they just have attachement wounding and insecurities?   ·       If dealing with a narcissitic partner how can I seek intervention for myself and my children?