Personality Couch

Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D. LCP
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

We all encounter personality conflict on a regular basis, whether we know it or not. From funky, can’t-quite-put-my-finger-on-it dynamics with that one friend or family member, to the big blowup drama at work with the last person you’d expect, it all comes down to personality. Join clinical psychologists, Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D, (“Doc Bok”) and Dr. Cheyenne Fisher, Psy.D., (“Doc Fish”) biweekly as they unpack the most complex topics like personality disorders and psychopathic behavior, while also making room for lighthearted discussions about personality typologies and humorous anecdotes from private practice. Whether you’re fascinated by personality darkness, a concerned friend or loved one, an “armchair psychologist,” or a licensed professional convinced there is something more going on with patients…. This show is for you.

  1. 12H AGO

    Ep 51: A New Psychoanalysis of Antisocial Personality Disorder

    🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive deep into the complex inner world of antisocial personality disorder, challenging the traditional DSM view and exploring psychoanalytic theory to uncover the internal processes behind antisocial behaviors. This episode is essential for clinicians, students, and anyone interested in understanding the motivations and defenses of antisocial individuals. ⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️ Chapters 00:00 Intro & Limitations of Antisocial in DSM 02:48 Causes of Antisocial Personality      03:30 Genetic Studies      05:21 Environmental Studies 07:34 Attachment & Antisocial Personality 12:23 Inside the Antisocial’s Psyche:       12:29 Depression & Emptiness      14:55 Shame & Self-Importance 17:09 Defense Mechanisms in the Antisocial      17:42 Omnipotent Control      20:54 Projective Identification      21:49 Dissociation       23:26 Acting Out  26:34 Biological & Neuropsychological Processes of Antisocials  28:37 Perverse & Distorted Sexuality in Antisocials 30:07 Summary & Conclusion

    32 min

  2. MAR 24

    Ep 50: Antisocial Personality: Everything I Learned is Wrong

    In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack some of our difficulties understanding antisocial personality disorder in how it combines psychology, morality, philosophy, and societal judgment. We focus on: where’s the line for disorder; how can we diagnose without judgment; and what does this personality look like when it’s not disordered? We pull from historical examples of antisocial types in specialized roles and also hypothesize that America might have transitioned from a narcissistic nation to an antisocial one.  🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Antisocial Personality & DSM Problems 02:46 Antisocial Personality Defined in the PDM 07:02 Where’s the Disorder Line? 17:29 Other Dark & Criminal Personalities 21:08 Morality & Antisocial Traits in Specialized Professions 23:37 Are We An Antisocial Society in America? 30:43 Are Antisocials Treatable? 34:37 Holding Empathy & Accountability for Antisocials 40:00 Closing Quote

    42 min

  3. MAR 10

    Ep 49: Antisocial Personality: The DSM Trash Can Diagnosis for Criminals?

    In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) begin our much-awaited series on antisocial personality disorder! In the DSM, antisocial personality is the only diagnosis that includes law-breaking as a criterion. But surely all criminals can’t have the same personality, right? In this episode, we break down its stigmatized history while sharing our thoughts and opinions about the DSM’s limitations. We take a critical look at each of the DSM’s 7 criteria, while also discussing the overlap with other disorders like narcissism, psychopathy, and the sadistic personality.  🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction & History of Antisocial Personality Disorder 05:21 DSM Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder      07:06: Criterion 1: Unlawful Behavior      09:32: Criterion 2: Deceitfulness & Manipulation        12:49 Criterion 3: Impulsivity       15:27 Criterion 4: Irritability & Aggression      16:21 Criterion 5: Disregard for Safety      17:44 Criterion 6: Irresponsibility        20:08 Criterion 7: Lack of Remorse 21:42 Antisocial Personality & Aging 25:05 Our Critiques & Thoughts

    30 min

  4. FEB 24

    Ep 48: The 4 Attachment Styles and Avoidant Personality

    In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack attachment and its relationship with avoidant personality disorder. We explore the four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized, discussing how these styles manifest in adult relationships. We highlight the nuances of avoidant personality disorder, suggesting that individuals may present as avoidantly attached but have underlying anxious tendencies. We end by discussing some interesting research on adult attachment and coregulation with a partner, suggesting that attachment is fluid and can change depending on the relationship homeostasis.  🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.   Chapters 00:00 Intro to Attachment & Attachment Styles 05:15 Secure Attachment 06:08 Anxious Attachment 09:08 Avoidant Attachment 13:09 Disorganized Attachment  14:38 Attachment in Adulthood  16:54 Avoidant Personality Disorder and Attachment Dynamics 22:22 Summary & Conclusion

    23 min

  5. FEB 10

    Ep 47: Avoidant Personality | The 6 Subtypes

    In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into Avoidant Personality Disorder, exploring Dr. Theodore Millon's six subtypes. We discuss a few interesting historical names before jumping into the characteristics of mild (Anxiously & Imaginatively shy); moderate (Hypersensitively & Phobicly Reticent); and severe (Conflicted & Self-Deserting) subtypes. Our conversation also critiques Millon's work, questioning the distinctiveness of avoidant traits compared to other personality disorders, and we invite listeners/viewers to share their thoughts and opinions. 🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Historical Names 05:18 Millon's Six Subtypes of Avoidant Personality 5:38 Mild Type Overview       6:44 Anxiously Shy Type       9:14 Imaginatively Shy Type 12:05 Moderate Level Overview       12:28 Hypersensitively Reticent Type       14:31 Phobicly Reticent Type 16:55 Severe Level Overview       17:29 Conflicted Avoidant Type       19:40 Self-Deserting Avoidant Type 22:21 Our Opinions About the Subtypes 26:14 Summary & Conclusion

    27 min

  6. JAN 27

    Ep 46: Did the DSM Get it Wrong? | A New Perspective on Avoidant Personality

    In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Doc Bok unpacks the historical context of Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD), exploring the ongoing debate about its classification in the DSM. This episode discusses the contributions of Theodore Millon, the controversies that arose during the introduction of APD, and the implications of trauma and sociopolitical culture on personality development. The episode concludes with proposing alternative classification systems, including the Enneagram, the psychodynamic phobic character, and avoidant personality as a problematic trait versus a disorder.  🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Avoidant Personality Disorder 02:32 Millon, the DSM, and Controversy  05:47 The 1960s & Personality Development 09:37 Avoidant Traits, Trauma, & Alternative Views 18:08 Summary & Conclusion

    19 min

  7. JAN 13

    Ep 45: Avoidant Personality | Schizoid's Close Cousin

    In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the DSM’s Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPd), exploring its hotly debated history, the DSM criteria, and its overlap with social anxiety. We discuss the developmental aspects of AvPd, the challenges of low self-esteem with this disorder, and how it can cause problems in employment. We end with our own unfiltered thoughts on whether or not we think it should be a diagnosis, questioning the zeitgeist in which it was coined, the lack of historical research, and its overlap with multiple other personality disorders.   🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ (Clinicians use the email listed on the website.) Chapters 00:00 Intro, History, & Controversy 03:42 Avoidant Personality Disorder: DSM        05:41 Social Inhibition and Fear of Criticism        08:14 Intimacy Issues and Fantasy         10:41 Self-Perception and Feelings of Inadequacy        14:49 Taking Risks and Employment Issues 17:09 Developmental Implications of Avoidant Personality 19:04 Avoidant Personality vs Social Anxiety 24:29 Unfiltered Thoughts on Avoidant Personality Disorder 35:10 Summary & Conclusion

    36 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Ep 44: The 3 Most Unstable Personalities | Schizotypal, Borderline, & Paranoid

    In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the 3 most unstable personality disorders: schizotypal, borderline, and paranoid. All 3 types are at risk of psychosis. We first discuss historical personality classifications of neurotic, psychotic, and borderline, highlighting that the borderline space between neurotic and psychotic is the most prone to instability. This borderline space is where schizotypal, borderline, and paranoid personalities sit. We discuss the risky traits of each personality, including cognitive slippage, emotional instability, and extreme rigidity. We also discuss some of our thoughts and experiences in diagnosing these rather tricky disorders! 🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Intro & Psychodynamic Personality Organization       02:31 Neurotic Personality Organization       04:47 Psychotic Personality Organization       05:48 Borderline Personality Organization 07:57 Schizotypal Personality & Instability       08:57 Why Personalities Are Unstable (according to Millon)       13:55 Personalities that Coexist with Schizotypal 16:30 Borderline Personality & Instability       21:16 Personalities that Coexist with Borderline  23:18 Paranoid Personality & Instability       26:52 Personalities that Coexist with Paranoid 30:18 Our Experiences with Diagnosing Unstable Personalities 33:39 Summary & Conclusion

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

We all encounter personality conflict on a regular basis, whether we know it or not. From funky, can’t-quite-put-my-finger-on-it dynamics with that one friend or family member, to the big blowup drama at work with the last person you’d expect, it all comes down to personality. Join clinical psychologists, Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D, (“Doc Bok”) and Dr. Cheyenne Fisher, Psy.D., (“Doc Fish”) biweekly as they unpack the most complex topics like personality disorders and psychopathic behavior, while also making room for lighthearted discussions about personality typologies and humorous anecdotes from private practice. Whether you’re fascinated by personality darkness, a concerned friend or loved one, an “armchair psychologist,” or a licensed professional convinced there is something more going on with patients…. This show is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D. LCP
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Personality Couch

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