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. 1D AGO

    Ep 53: Antisocial Personality vs Psychopathy | What's the Difference?

    🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex distinctions between antisocial personality and psychopathy, delving into historical terminology, key theories, and nuanced subtypes. This episode offers a deep dive into dark personality traits and how they differ. ⚠️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 & History of Antisocial vs Psychopathy         00:36 Psychopath and Sociopath Defined         01:54 Cleckley’s Mask of Sanity 03:21 Psychodynamic Theory on Psychopathy vs Antisocial 04:17 The DSM on Psychopathy vs Antisocial 04:35 Michael Stone’s Negative Personality Spectrum          05:15 Level 1: Negative Personalities          05:41 Level 2: Narcissistic & Paranoid Personality Disorders          07:10 Level 3: Malignant Narcissism          08:43 Level 4: Antisocial Personality Disorder          09:28 Level 5: Psychopathy          10:20 Level 6: Sadistic Personality 12:32 Robert Hare's Psychopathy Checklist 13:54 Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist vs DSM Antisocial  17:20 Millon’s Theory on Psychopathy          19:30 Spineless Psychopath          19:43 Unprincipled Psychopath (Narcissistic Core)           19:51 Disingenuous Psychopath (Histrionic Core)          21:13 Risk-Taking Psychopath (Histrionic & Antisocial Features)          21:26 Covetous Psychopath (Antisocial Core)          21:57 Malignant Psychopath (Paranoid Core)          22:10 Abrasive Psychopath (Negativistic & Paranoid Features)          22:21 Explosive Psychopath (Sadistic Core, Borderline Features)          22:58 Malevolent Psychopath (Paranoid & Sadistic Features)          23:34 Tyrannical Psychopath (Negativistic & Sadistic Features) 24:19 Our Thoughts 27:14 Summary & Conclusion

    28 min

  2. APR 21

    Ep 52: The 6 Antisocial Subtypes

    🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the passive-parasitic and aggressive subtypes from history before jumping into Dr. Theodore Millon’s 6 subtypes. At the mild level, we look at: the Covetously Aggrandizing & Disaffected Aggrandizing Antisocials. At the moderate level, we explore the Risk-Taking Devious and Reputation-Defending Devious Antisocials. At the severe/disordered level, we discuss the Nomadic & Malevolent Antisocial Subtypes. We end with our thoughts and opinions about the line for disorder and explain why the antisocial personality is so challenging to understand.  ⚠️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 0:00 Intro to Antisocial’s Historical Names 02:16 Are antisocials born or made (psychopath vs sociopath)?  03:14 Passive-parasitic and Aggressive Antisocials 04:32 What is a Normal Antisocial Personality?           04:40 The Adventurer           05:45 The Unconventional Antisocial   08:28 Intro to Millon’s 6 Subtypes 08:48 Mild Level: Aggrandizing Antisocial           09:59 Does Dominance Fill an Inner Void?           10:52 The Covetously Aggrandizing Antisocial            11:22 Criminal Behavior at the Mild Level           15:11 The Disaffected Aggrandizing Antisocial           17:06 Proneness to Addiction           18:11 Proneness to Infidelity           19:02 Contrasting the Mild Types 20:25 Moderate Level: The Devious Antisocial           21:39 Risk-Taking Devious (Histrionic & Turbulent Features)           25:56 Reputation-Defending Antisocial (Narcissistic & Sadistic Features)           27:24 Proneness to Criminal Behavior            28:02 Relationship & Work Challenges           29:17 What Are They Defending? 31:17 Severe Level: Antisocial Personality Disorder           31:45 Nomadic Antisocial (Schizoid & Avoidant Features)           33:18 Doom & Invincibility Focus           36:54 Malevolent Antisocial (Sadistic & Paranoid Features) 41:49 Our Thoughts & Opinions 43:46 Summary & Conclusion

    45 min

  3. APR 7

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Personality Couch

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