Personality Couch

Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D. LCP
  • 5.0 (6)
  • 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. 2d ago

    Ep 62: Histrionic Personality | Our Psychodynamic Deep Dive

    Histrionic Personality | Our Psychodynamic Deep Dive | Ep 62 🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex psychological and societal factors contributing to histrionic personality disorder, focusing on gender dynamics, childhood development, and cultural influences. We specifically explore the histrionic’s fear of overstimulation internally; how they seek out professions that have a stage; and how they view the self and their own gender as defective. We look at their defense mechanisms in depth, including: repression, conversion, sexualization, acting out, regression, and dissociation. We end the episode by positing the new wave of gender and sexual fluidity and non-conformity may be a new expression of the histrionic character.  ⚠️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 to Histrionic and Gender Dynamics 02:00 How Does Histrionic Personality Start? 02:40 Histrionics as Creative Types 03:41 Main Emotions of Guilt, Shame, Anxiety 04:08 Histrionics Have Strong Oral Appetites 05:19 Oedipal Stage’s Impact on Histrionic Development 05:45 Freud’s “Male Anatomy Envy” = “P-envy” 06:47 Why Hysteria Came Back in DSM I (1952) 08:07 Sense of Self: Fearful, Inferior, Defective  08:19 Histrionic vs Narcissistic Personality  09:15 Enmeshment & Rescuing Dynamics  10:21 Emotional Expressiveness in Histrionics 12:37 Histrionic: The Game of Pretend  13:16 Histrionic Core Beliefs 14:13 Family Dynamics Contributing to Histrionic 15:45 The Histrionic Conflict With Sex and Culture 16:39 Exhibitionism Resolves the Conflict  17:29 Conflict About the Opposite Sex 18:46 Defense Mechanisms in Histrionic:       19:08 Repression       20:20 Conversion & “Glove Paralysis” Example       22:24 Sexualization       23:11 Acting Out        24:13 Regression       25:16 Dissociation 27:40 Our Thoughts        27:51 Empathy for the Histrionic’s Inner Child       28:45 Histrionic’s Male Counterpart: Antisocial?       29:10 Doc Bok’s Hypothesis About Gender & Sexuality Expression Today       31:43 Is the New Histrionic Rejecting Binary Gender and Sex?       33:27 Histrionic in Sexual Minorities       34:29 Society Creates Histrionic Characters       35:04 Evolution of Psychodynamic View of Histrionic 👩‍⚕️Work With Us!  https://www.questpsych.org/  Personality Couch Links 🛋️Website https://www.personalitycouch.com/ ✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References) https://personalitycouch.com/blog/histrionic-personality-disorder-psychodynamic-perspective/ Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch

  2. Aug 25

    Ep 61: Histrionic Personality Disorder | The 8 DSM Criteria

    Histrionic Personality Disorder | The 8 DSM Criteria | Ep. 61 🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the 8 criteria of histrionic personality disorder in the DSM. We discuss their tendency to engage in attention-seeking and seductive behaviors, coming across as emotionally shallow. Histrionic personalities also focus heavily on their appearance and use fluffy, impressionistic  speech. Others perceive them as dramatic and suggestible - easily believing what others say regardless of the facts. They also tend to overestimate their connections to others, believing relationships are deeper than they actually are.   ⚠️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 Introduction to Histrionic Personality Disorder 00:39 DSM I (1952) Histrionic Criteria 01:12 DSM II (1968) Histrionic Criteria 01:33 DSM III (1980) Histrionic Criteria 02:21 DSM III-R (1987) Histrionic Criteria 03:22 DSM IV (1994) Histrionic Criteria 03:35 DSM 5-TR Criteria Introduction 04:17 Criterion 1: Attention Seeking 05:27 Criterion 2: Seductive & Provocative Behavior 06:16 Criterion 3: Shifting & Shallow Affect 07:54 Criterion 4: Draws Attention Using Appearance 09:05 Criterion 5: Fluffy, Impressionistic Speech 09:59 Criterion 6: Dramatic & Theatrical 11:34 Criterion 7: Suggestibility 13:27 Criterion 8: Connection Overestimation  14:34 Lower Interpersonal Impairment 16:20 Our Thoughts 21:05 Summary & Ending 👩‍⚕️Work With Us!  https://www.questpsych.org/  Personality Couch Links 🛋️Website https://www.personalitycouch.com/ ✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References) https://personalitycouch.com/blog/histrionic-personality-disorder-diagnostic-criteria/ Podcast Episode Referenced: Hysteria, Histrionic, & the Demonization of Women | Ep. 60 : https://youtu.be/3KkVWJ4um-8 Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch

  3. Aug 11

    Ep 60: Hysteria, Histrionic, & the Demonization of Women

    Hysteria, Histrionic, & the Demonization of Women | Ep. 60 🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) discuss the horrible and inhumane history of hysteria in medicine by investigating how Dr. Jean Martin Charcot used the Salpetriere Hospital in France as a “Museum of Living Pathology” to showcase his hypnotic and showman skills over hysterical women. We look at Freud’s contribution to hysteria and the oppressive, patriarchal society of the 1880s that led to these unexplained symptoms in women. We continue the discussion by walking through the DSM’s hysteria to histrionic personality evolution before sharing our own thoughts and opinions about this condition’s stigmatized name and the maltreatment of women in medicine throughout history.  ⚠️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 Introduction & History of Hysteria 01:39 Hysteria as a Medical Condition (Charcot) 04:00 Could Men Have Hysteria? 04:33 Women & Society in 1880 06:14 Charcot Treats Hysterics at Salpetriere Hospital 06:51 Dermagraphism Defined 07:27 Charcot’s “Museum of Living Pathology” 09:25 Freud’s Contribution to Hysteria 11:58 Was Freud Hysterical? 14:47 The Societal Context for Hysteria 16:02 The Disappearance of Hysteria in the 1900s         16:46 WW I’s Impact on Hysteria         17:37 Advances in Medicine and Neuroscience 18:08 Hysteria Makes a Comeback in the DSM I in 1952! 20:04 DSM I (1952): Hysteria as Symptoms without Medical Basis 20:16 DSM II (1968) Hysterical Neurosis  20:34 Conversion Type 21:19 Dissociative Type 21:55 DSM II (1968) Hysterical Personality 23:24 Hysterical Personality vs Symptoms 23:47 DSM III Forward: Somaticization, Dissociation, Histrionic, & Borderline Personality 24:40 Our Thoughts         25:24 Is Antisocial the Masculine Histrionic Counterpart?          27:55 Did Freud & Charcot Know More Than They Let On?  29:40 Conclusion 👩‍⚕️Work With Us!  https://www.questpsych.org/  Personality Couch Links 🛋️Website https://www.personalitycouch.com/ ✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References) https://personalitycouch.com/blog/ Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch

  4. Jul 28

    Ep 59: OCPD vs Schizoid Personality

    Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder vs Schizoid Personality | Ep. 59 🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the nuanced differences and overlaps between obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) and schizoid personality disorder(SzPD). We investigate each personality’s core drives, emotional experiences, and defense mechanisms, using a psychodynamic lens to capture these very different (yet similar) personalities.  ⚠️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 & Definitions         01:27 OCPD Defined         02:20 Schizoid Defined (DSM)         02:48 Schizoid Defined (Psychodynamic) 03:10 OCPD vs Antisocial 04:04 OCPD vs Narcissism 04:52 OCPD vs Schizoid (DSM) 05:40 OCPD vs Schizoid (Psychodynamic) 05:54 OCPD vs Schizoid (Nancy McWilliams)         06:52 Emotionality & Flatness         07:55 Therapeutic Approach 09:52 Differing Inner Needs (PDM)         10:06 OCPD Child: Orderly, Aggressive, Irritable         10:25 Schizoid Child: Sensitive, Shy, Overstimulated         11:02 Emotions in OCPD: Anger, Guilt, Anxiety, Shame, Fear         11:32 Emotions in Schizoid: Emotional Pain, Overstimulation         12:10 Defense Mechanisms in OCPD         13:03 Defense Mechanisms in Schizoid 13:57 Maladaptive Beliefs (PDM)         14:12 OCPD: Feelings Are Dangerous         14:25 Schizoid: Dependency & Love Are Dangerous         15:16 OCPD: Others Are Less Precise         16:01 Schizoid: Others Are Impinging and Dangerous 16:44 Internal Conflicts (PDM)         16:51 OCPD: To Comply or Defy         17:13 Schizoid: Fearing Yet Yearning for Closeness 17:29 Are Schizoids Afraid? 17:45 Millon’s OC-Schizoid Mixed Subtypes         18:02 Affectless Schizoid         20:53 Parsimonious Constricted Compulsive 23:23 Our Thoughts         24:10 Enneagram 5 & Schizoid         24:38 Enneagram 1 & OCPD         24:54 Enneagram 6 & OCPD         25:54 Is OCPD a Core Personality?  27:18 Problems with Therapy & Self-Discovery in OCPD 28:39 Summary & Closing   👩‍⚕️Work With Us!  https://www.questpsych.org/  Personality Couch Links 🛋️Website https://www.personalitycouch.com/ ✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References) https://personalitycouch.com/blog/obsessive-compulsive-vs-schizoid/ Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch

  5. Jul 14

    Ep 58: The 6 Obsessive Compulsive Personality Subtypes

    The 6 Obsessive Compulsive Personality Subtypes | Ep. 58 🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the 6 subtypes of OCPD according to Dr. Theodore Millon. At the mild level, we explore the Conscientiously Reliable (Dependent Features) and the Perfectionistically Reliable, while at the Moderate level, we look at Bureaucratically Constricted (Narcissistic Features) and the Parsimoniously Constricted (Schizoid, Avoidant Features) . We conclude by discussing the more severe subtypes like Puritanical Compulsive (Paranoid Features) and the Bedeviled Compulsive (Negativistic) before sharing our thoughts and experiences in clinical practice.   ⚠️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 & Definition of OCPD 01:34 When Perfectionism is Valuable 03:17 Compulsive Overlaps with All Personalities 06:13 Intro to Millon’s Personality Theory 06:27 The Mild Obsessive Compulsive Personality       07:31 Conscientiously Reliable       10:17 Perfectionistically Reliable 12:12 Our Personal and Clinical Experience  14:16 Comparing & Contrasting Mild Obsessive Compulsive Subtypes 15:15 The Moderate Obsessive Compulsive Personality       16:33 The Bureaucratically Constricted        19:31 Parsimoniously Constricted  21:00 Millon’s Case Named Jane 22:38 The Severe Obsessive Compulsive Personality       23:15 Puritanical Compulsive       27:27 Bedeviled Compulsive 31:28 Comparing & Contrasting the 3 Severity Levels 32:28 Summary & Ending 👩‍⚕️Work With Us!  https://www.questpsych.org/  Personality Couch Links 🛋️Website https://www.personalitycouch.com/ ✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References) https://personalitycouch.com/blog/obsessive-compulsive-personality-subtypes/ Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch

  6. Jun 30

    Ep 57: OCPD: Secrets Inside the Psyche

    psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the inner conflict in those with OCPD: to comply or to defy. We look at defense mechanisms and early attachment (and even potty training!) that drives their fixated behavior.  ⚠️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 & Definition of OCPD 02:47 Obsessive vs Compulsive Defined 04:04 OCPD vs OCD: Ego-syntonic vs ego-dystonic 05:29 The Internal Dysfunction in OCPD 05:58 The Role of Potty Training in Developing OCPD 08:31 Why is Potty Training Connected with Personality?  10:38 The Central Conflict of Defying or Complying 14:16 Defense Mechanisms in OCPD       14:20 Reaction Formation Defined       15:29 Isolation of Affect       16:21 Emotional Exceptions: Righteous Anger & Shame 18:21 OCPD vs Schizoid  19:36 OCPD vs Psychosis 20:26 Compulsive Behavior of Undoing 20:53 When Compulsive Behavior is Pathological (and Not) 21:58 Compulsivity and Omnipotent Control  22:46 Thoughts Behind Compulsive Behavior 24:28 Our Thoughts & Clinical Experience with OCPD       25:23 The “Compulsive Personality Shell”       26:31 Compulsive Flavors in Other Personalities 28:32 Summary & Conclusion 👩‍⚕️Work With Us!  https://www.questpsych.org/  Personality Couch Links 🛋️Website https://www.personalitycouch.com/ ✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References) https://personalitycouch.com/blog/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder-diagnostic-criteria/  Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch

  7. Jun 16

    Ep 56: Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder DSM Symptoms

    🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the straightforward history of this condition, looking at fun names in history like anankastic and ambitendency. We also unpack the evolution of OCPD in the DSM, highlighting how our own compulsivity shows up in the naming and renaming of the disorder throughout history. We look in detail at the 8 criteria in the DSM and share our thoughts and criticisms about the DSM’s portrayal of this condition.   ⚠️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 OCPD 00:35 The Term “Zwang”  01:21 The Term “Anankastic” 02:08 The Term “Psychasthenia State” 02:31 Freud’s Anal Character 02:57 OCPD vs OCD  04:17 The Terms: Sensitive, Insecure, Ambitendency 04:33 The Terms: Hoarding Orientation, Obsessive Character, Rigid Styles 05:53 History of OCPD in the DSM      06:05 OCPD in the DSM I       06:31 OCPD in the DSM II      07:08 New OCPD Criteria in the DSM III       09:07 New OCPD Criteria in the DSM III-R      11:10 OCPD in the DSM IV  12:06 OCPD in the DSM 5      13:04 Criterion 1: Order, Perfectionism, Control      15:44 Criterion 2: Extreme Perfectionism      17:51 Criterion 3: Work Focused      21:15 Criterion 4: Inflexible Values      23:11 Criterion 5: Hoarding      24:33 Criterion 6: Controlling      26:03 Criterion 7: Financially Stingy      26:59 Criterion 8: Rigidity 27:44 Our Thoughts & Opinions 30:11 Summary & Conclusion  👩‍⚕️Work With Us!  https://www.questpsych.org/  Personality Couch Links 🛋️Website https://www.personalitycouch.com/ ✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References) https://personalitycouch.com/blog/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder-diagnostic-criteria/  Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch #mentalhealthpodcast #personalitydisorder #personalitydisorders #personalitytypes #personalitypsychology #personality #clinicalpsychology #mentalhealthprofessionals #mentalhealth #narcissism #psychology #psychopathology #DSM #psychodynamic #psychoanalysis #personalitydevelopment #personalitytrait #personalitytraits #ocpd #obsessivecompulsive #perfectionism #perfectionismrecovery #rigidity #compulsive #compulsivebehavior #mentalhealthawareness

  8. Jun 2

    Ep 55: The Dark Schizoid | When Detachment Turns Psychopathic

    🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex interplay between antisocial and schizoid personalities, highlighting their similarities, differences, and potential for danger when combined. Using the well-documented case of Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen, we analyze how these personality traits can manifest in deadly ways, especially when mixed with other dark features. ⚠️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 00:37 Schizoid Personality Defined 01:03 Antisocial Personality Defined 01:23 How Schizoid and Antisocial Differ  02:11 Schizoid & Antisocial Similarities           02:22 Neglectful Childhood            02:52 Unresponsive to Environment           04:10 Non-Conforming            05:13 Aloofness 05:54 The Nomadic Antisocial Defined (Schizoid Overlap) 07:25 When Nomadic Antisocials Turn Dark 09:26 When Detachment Turns Psychopathic 10:27 Three Personalities Associated with Violent Crime 13:12 Serial Killer & Necrophile: Dennis Nilsen | Our Disclaimer 14:35 Dennis Nilsen’s Backstory  17:56 Nilsen’s First Murder 19:27 Our Psychoanalysis of The Murders            22:11 Did He Want to Get Caught?            23:34 Attracted to Men Resembling His Sister            24:20 Rejection of Same-Sex Attraction            25:43 Alcohol's Role in Murder            27:04 Dissection, Disposal, & Dissociation            28:25 Boiling the Skulls?            31:20 Trial & Psych Evaluators            32:07 Detachment & Curiosity: A Schizoid Dynamic            33:30 Would Prison Meet Social Needs?            35:30 Was Nilsen a Passive Affectionless Psychopath? 37:50 Enneagram Antisocial & Schizoid Overlap 38:56 Summary & Conclusion  👩‍⚕️Work with Us! https://www.questpsych.org/ Personality Couch Links 🛋️Website https://www.personalitycouch.com/ ✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References) https://personalitycouch.com/blog/antisocial-personality-vs-psychopathy/ Podcasts Referenced: https://youtu.be/VHWPYjyKpdw Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch

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5
out of 5
6 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
    63
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Personality Couch

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