Unveiling the Complexities of Narcissism: Insights from a Conversation with Sam Vatnin
In this blog + video recap, I unpack my in-depth interview with leading narcissism scholar Sam Vaknin—covering how pathological narcissism forms in childhood, why emotionally absent or over-protective parenting derails a child’s sense of self, and what happens when an adult can’t tell fantasy from reality. You’ll learn the difference between simple emotional immaturity and full-blown narcissistic personality disorder, the hidden dynamics that make victims feel gas-lit, and why “no contact” is often the safest boundary. We also address the dangers of arm-chair diagnosis and offer practical guidance for anyone coping with narcissistic family members or partners.
Interview with Dr. Keith Witt: Understanding Narcissistic Dynamics and Emotional Growth in Family Systems
This blog post distills two expert interviews—family-systems therapist Dr. Keith Witt—into a practical roadmap for anyone grappling with narcissistic or emotionally immature relatives. Inside, you’ll learn how the four-quadrant model explains stalled emotional growth, why cluster-B traits distort entire family hierarchies, and how historic thinkers like Bowen and Mnuchin turned that insight into today’s boundary-based therapy.
5 Tips to Protect Yourself from Toxic Family Dynamics
In this post and companion video, therapist-educator Blake Anderson distills key insights from Dr. Keith Witt and narcissism expert Dr. Sam Vaknin into five actionable strategies you can start using today: mapping the whole family system with a genogram, crafting simple “kind-but-firm” boundary scripts, choosing the safest rung on the contact ladder, tracking how interactions feel instead of chasing clinical labels, and prioritizing daily self-regulation practices that rebuild confidence and calm. Whether you’re dealing with a chronically critical parent, a manipulative sibling, or the lingering echoes of a scapegoat role, you’ll walk away with clear tools to protect your mental health, depersonalize the drama, and move toward healthier, more balanced relationships.
Navigating Dysfunctional Family Dynamics: A Therapeutic Approach
In this post and video I unpack the three frameworks I rely on most—Bowen Family Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Internal Family Systems—to show how differentiation, core emotions, and “inner parts” shape every family interaction. You’ll learn why couples get stuck in gridlock (think Gottman’s Four Horsemen), how to view narcissistic traits as an explanation rather than a label, and the role of radical acceptance and firm boundaries in protecting your peace. If you’re ready to deepen the work, an online course link is included for step-by-step tools and exercises.