How do you know when someone’s asking for help... versus covertly asking you to feel something for them they can’t bear to feel themselves?

In Part 2 of this discussion, Jim faces the emotional cost of constantly trying to fix his daughter’s problems. But what happens when the helper’s need to fix crosses into emotional collapse? In this segment of my conversation with Jim we dive into his internal struggle, not just with his daughter but with his own compulsion to fix her.

Key Themes from the Conversation:

• Distinguishing genuine requests from covert emotional demands
• Emotional projection as unconscious communication
• The role of internal feelings as a litmus test
• Respect for autonomy as a marker of authenticity
• Unconscious emotional regulation through others
• Recognizing manipulative dynamics without villainizing the other person
• The importance of slowing down and feeling the emotional responses

To read more about the various facets of narcissism please click here

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For more information about Dr. Mazzella’s psychoanalytic affiliations and membership in The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) -which is restricted to psychoanalysts who fulfill the most recognized international standards for psychoanalytic training- please click here

For a deeper dive into narcissism, I now offer courses approved for continuing education credits, available [here]. As a NYS Education Department-approved provider (#SW-0211), licensed social workers in New York can earn credits through these programs. Also, these courses are a wonderful opportunity for those who may simply want to further educate themselves on all issues related to narcissistic and personality disorder dynamics.

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