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, LLC. 

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 28: The Self-Aware Narcissist with Special Guest The Nameless Narcissist

In this captivating episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Hensley sits down with “The Nameless Narcissist,” a self-aware content creator diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Through his TikTok content, he shares raw and insightful accounts of living with NPD, and Dr. Hensley reflects on how his perspective has deepened her understanding of the condition, especially its origins and impact on relationships.

The episode begins with The Nameless Narcissist recounting his journey to self-awareness, including his path to an NPD diagnosis after two years of therapy. He candidly discusses the challenge of being diagnosed due to the nature of NPD, where manipulation and deflection can mask the true symptoms.

Dr. Hensley then poses a compelling question: “What’s the one thing you wish people knew about NPD?” His answer highlights the human side of narcissism—that beneath the harmful behaviors, people with NPD still seek connection, worth, and love. He explains that while experts often understand the behaviors, they sometimes miss the underlying motivations.

The conversation shifts to the role of control in narcissism. Dr. Hensley brings up a fascinating point from The Nameless Narcissist’s content—that control isn’t about achieving specific outcomes but proving one’s capability to control. This stems from a need for self-esteem regulation, a recurring theme in the discussion.

Dr. Hensley shares her personal experience with a narcissistic ex-partner who was a serial cheater. She theorizes his behavior stemmed from a need for constant external validation, which The Nameless Narcissist connects back to the “grandiose highs” that regulate self-esteem.

The Nameless Narcissist also delves into his healing journey, including how exploring his caregivers’ pain and trauma helped him release some of his childhood wounds. This insight into intergenerational trauma is a powerful reminder of the complexities behind NPD.

The episode touches on the rare self-awareness among those with NPD, with research suggesting only 1% reach this stage. However, The Nameless Narcissist argues the true number is likely higher, as many may feel too much shame to admit their struggles publicly.

Finally, the discussion turns to theories of narcissism’s origins. The Nameless Narcissist shares his perspective, describing grandiosity as a safety mechanism to counter deep feelings of unworthiness—a way to feel anything at all.

Dr. Hensley wraps up by thanking The Nameless Narcissist for his bravery and empathy, both for those with NPD and for those who’ve been hurt by narcissistic behavior. She encourages listeners to explore his content for further understanding of NPD and its complexities.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand narcissism through a lens of compassion, insight, and healing. Please go follow The Nameless Narcissit on all platforms @thenamelessnarcissist. 

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

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What is covered:

·Who is The Nameless Narcissit and what is his story.

.The one thing you want people to know about Narcissitic Personality Disorder (NPD).

· The role of control in narcissism.

·The theory behind why some narcissist are serial cheaters.

.The theories behind why only 1% of those with NPD become self-aware.       
                                                                               
Consider/Ask Yourself:

·Am I dealing with someone who has true NPD or someone who just has narcissitic traits?

.Do I possibly have NPD?

·What is some of the pain that those with NPD are experiencing? 

.Am I seeking understanding and forgiveness for the pain that I experienced from someone with NPD or am I holding onto resentment?

·How can I start to see more humanity in people who have diagnosed NPD?

.Do I or someone I know need to seek help and intervention for NPD and/or narcisstic traits?  

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