Waking Up to Narcissism

The Virtual Couch Network
  • 4.9 (618)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Waking Up to Narcissism

"Waking Up to Narcissism" is a podcast hosted by Tony Overbay, LMFT, host of the award-winning Virtual Couch podcast, dedicated to helping individuals recognize and navigate narcissistic traits and tendencies in their relationships and within themselves. With a focus on emotional immaturity versus narcissism, Tony provides tools and guidance for personal growth and managing relationships with narcissistic or emotionally immature individuals, even if that individual is you!

  1. OCT 1

    Understanding the "Attack Surface" in Narcissistic /Emotionally Immature Relationships (When Vulnerability Goes Bad!)

    Have you ever opened up to someone, only to have your vulnerability used against you? In this episode of Waking Up to Narcissism, we introduce the concept of the “attack surface”—that uncomfortable dynamic where emotionally immature or narcissistic partners turn your honesty into their weapon of control. We’ll also explore how this need for control originates from emotional immaturity, dive into the origin story of our deep-seated fear of abandonment, and discuss practical ways to develop your emotional maturity. From separating observations from judgments to the 4 Points of Balance in differentiation, this episode offers tools to help you confront unresolved personal issues in relationships with integrity and create healthier, more connected interactions.Are you in the mental health profession and are curious about using AI (artificial intelligence) notes? Check out Berries, the notes Tony described in today's episode. Click here https://berries.icu/?code=4952 (https://igafnl.com/click?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fberries.icu%2F%3Fcode%3D4952&dID=1727268659955&hashId=22b4405666b1958ec65dad9a9090847193a1ac3ebdae8557d1a08a8ed84ee86d87a658&linkName=https://berries.icu/?code=4952) Or use code Tony50 when you sign up to get $50 off your first month of Berries revolutionary AI, HIPPA-compliant mental health notes. If you are interested in seeing an example of a note, email tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:18 Speaking Engagements and Personal Anecdotes03:13 The Concept of Attack Surface11:36 Real-Life Example: Alex and Taylor15:03 Understanding Emotional Immaturity22:39 Control as a Defense Mechanism26:57 Origins of Fear and Emotional Abandonment28:02 Example Scenario: Jamie and Sam29:09 Sam's Fear and Defensive Reactions31:00 The Impact of Emotional Immaturity38:21 Observations vs. Judgments42:08 Developing Emotional Maturity45:22 The Four Points of Balance49:55 Confronting Personal Issues with IntegrityIf you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, HTTP://www.tonyoverbay.comIf you are a man interested in joining Tony's "Emotional Architects" group to learn how to better navigate your relationship with a narcissistic or emotionally immature partner or learn how to become more emotionally mature yourself, please reach out to Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, HTTP:www.tonyoverbay.com

    53 min

  2. SEP 21

    How Much Gaslighting Does a Gaslighter Gaslight if a Gaslighter Doesn’t Know They Gaslight? - Part 2

    Have you ever felt like you're losing your grip on reality in a relationship? Does your partner's behavior leave you constantly second-guessing yourself? You might be experiencing gaslighting, a form of emotional manipulation that can shake the very foundations of your self-perception. In part 2 of “Gaslighting’s Greatest Hits: The Top Lies You Believed About Yourself”, we dive deep into the murky waters of gaslighting, exploring everything from unintentional mind games to deliberate, narcissistic abuse. Tony unpacks real-life examples of gaslighting in action, decodes the tactics of emotional immaturity, and sheds light on the narcissistic traits that fuel this behavior. You'll learn how to spot the signs of gaslighting, understand its impact on your psyche, and discover strategies to break free from its grip. Whether you're dealing with a 'nice guy' trapped in a cycle of silent suffering or navigating a relationship with an emotionally immature partner, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice. 00:00 Introduction and Gaslighting Jokes00:28 Welcome to Episode 12000:36 Recap of Previous Gaslighting Episode02:08 Introduction to Gaslighting Basics02:31 Understanding Emotional Immaturity05:26 Types of Gaslighting05:45 Unaware Gaslighting16:40 Feeling Like Something's Off17:15 Marker20:15 Knowing It's Wrong but Not Seriously Harmful25:13 Gaslighting Tactics Unveiled25:44 Emma's Story: A Case of Workplace Gaslighting28:30 The Nice Guy Syndrome: Tom's Struggle36:45 The Abusive Partner: Jack and Diane38:34 Projection: A Deep Dive42:03 Narcissistic Double Standards45:45 Recognizing and Reclaiming Your LifeIf you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, https://www.tonyoverbay.comIf you are a man interested in joining Tony's "Emotional Architects" group to learn how to better navigate your relationship with a narcissistic or emotionally immature partner or learn how to become more emotionally mature yourself, please reach out to Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, https://www.tonyoverbay.com (https://www.tonyoverbay.com/)

    49 min

  3. SEP 11

    Pathological Kindness: When Caring, Trying, and Empathizing Too Much Can Be Bad For Your Health

    Do you find yourself constantly putting others' needs before your own? Have you ever wondered if being "too kind" could actually be harmful to your relationships and well-being? In today’s crossover episode - Tony Overbay, a licensed marriage and family therapist, explores the complex concept of pathological kindness in relationships. Through a listener's letter from 'Cleo,' Tony delves into the challenges faced by those who prioritize others' needs to their detriment, often rooted in childhood experiences of being the family peacemaker. Cleo's story highlights issues with her emotionally inconsistent partner, Ray, unveiling the struggles of living with someone emotionally immature or narcissistic. Tony discusses recognizing these patterns, including the role of cognitive dissonance and trauma bonding in maintaining unhealthy relationships. He explores how highly sensitive people (HSPs) may be particularly vulnerable to these dynamics. The episode emphasizes the importance of developing a stable core identity, setting boundaries, and balancing kindness with self-care. Tony also touches on the challenges of breaking free from intermittent reinforcement in relationships and recognizing and trusting one's own perceptions. He stresses the role of therapy and self-awareness in breaking free from unhealthy cycles and fostering emotionally mature relationships while also offering hope to those who recognize themselves as the emotionally immature partner and want to change.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Promotion01:19 Introducing Cleo's Story03:16 Cleo's Relationship Struggles10:38 Understanding Pathological Kindness16:28 The Impact of Pathological Kindness21:36 Balancing Kindness and Self-Care25:09 Exploring Self-Reliance and Its Pitfalls25:24 The Dual Nature of Optimism25:40 Understanding Humility and Self-Deprecation26:26 The Complexities of Honesty27:09 Patience vs. Passivity27:24 Competence and Arrogance28:00 Cleo's Relationship with Ray29:04 The Struggle of Highly Sensitive People29:48 The Challenge of Leaving Toxic Relationships33:23 The Cognitive Dissonance and Trauma Bonding45:04 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries46:03 Encouragement for Personal GrowthIf you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, https://www.tonyoverbay.

    49 min

  4. SEP 3

    Emotional Survival Tips: Responding to Crisis in Narcissistic Relationships

    Tony Overbay, LMFT, delivers an emergency bonus episode addressing a heartfelt listener email. The episode discusses cognitive dissonance, gaslighting, emotional abuse, scapegoating, and trauma bonding often experienced in relationships with narcissists. Tony breaks down the listener's experiences, offering insight into their struggles, including emotional manipulations and prolonged emotional trauma. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing these abusive patterns, seeking help from therapists specializing in narcissistic abuse, and prioritizing self-care and self-compassion. The episode revisits key concepts like whole object relations, object constancy, and cognitive dissonance, encouraging listeners to strive for emotional intelligence and balanced relationships.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:21 Emergency Bonus Episode Announcement01:14 Reading and Analyzing a Listener's Email04:25 Understanding Gaslighting and Emotional Abuse12:08 Cognitive Dissonance in Relationships16:57 Whole Object Relations and Object Constancy21:10 Understanding Cognitive Dissonance21:59 Balancing Good and Bad in Relationships23:11 Empowerment Through Clarity24:36 Navigating Emotional Trauma25:49 The Narcissist's Manipulative Tactics28:20 Therapy and Emotional Manipulation31:21 Breaking Free from Trauma Bonds33:58 Self-Reflection and Sanity39:03 Seeking Help and Moving ForwardIf you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, https://www.tonyoverbay.comIf you are a man interested in joining Tony's "Emotional Architects" group to learn how to better navigate your relationship with a narcissistic or emotionally immature partner or learn how to become more emotionally mature yourself, please reach out to Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, https://www.tonyoverbay.com (https://www.tonyoverbay.com/)

    42 min

  5. AUG 21

    Gaslighting's Greatest Hits: The Top Lies You Believed About Yourself

    Have you ever felt like you were constantly walking on eggshells, desperately trying to prove your worth in a relationship, only to realize later you were never the problem to begin with? ...

    51 min

  6. JUL 30

    Do Healthy Relationships Even Exist? A Journey Through Narcissism, Nice Guy Syndrome, Emotional Immaturity, and…MAGIC!

    Have you ever wondered, during the 'waking up' process—whether to your own emotional immaturity or to the narcissistic traits in a partner—'What does a healthy relationship even look like?' Tony Overbay, LMFT, explores the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences between narcissists, the emotionally immature, and those with 'nice guy syndrome.' He explains the need to understand and embrace complex emotions and introduces the MAGIC Connection, a powerful framework for understanding and cultivating healthy relationships. Whether you're navigating a problematic partnership, questioning your own behaviors, or simply curious about what makes relationships tick, this episode serves as a roadmap to healthier connections. It decodes complex personality patterns and illuminates the path to the kind of relationship you deserve. Get ready to distinguish between the unicorns and the chameleons in your life and learn what real relationship magic looks like!00:00 A Pie in the Face: Dreams vs. Reality01:44 The Interview Experience: Expectations vs. Reality03:36 Welcome to Waking Up the Narcissism05:30 Understanding Emotional Immaturity and Narcissism09:00 Confabulation and Narcissistic Gaslighting14:10 Navigating Relationships with Emotional Maturity30:18 The Magic Connection: Building Healthy Relationships31:36 Reintroducing Magic Mike31:53 Navigating the City Together32:15 Mike's Calm Problem Solving33:02 Appreciating Teamwork34:15 Understanding Nice Guy Syndrome35:45 Emotional Immaturity vs. Narcissism38:59 Financial Struggles in Relationships43:43 Developing Self-Regulation Skills50:38 Complex Emotions and Whole Object Relations01:01:05 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsIf you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, https://www.tonyoverbay.comIf you are a man interested in joining Tony's "Emotional Architects" group to learn how to better navigate your relationship with a narcissistic or emotionally immature partner or learn how to become more emotionally mature yourself, please reach out to Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, https://www.tonyoverbay.com

    1h 3m

  7. JUL 17

    Explaining the “False Self,” aka Why Good People Get Trapped In Bad Relationships

    Have you ever found yourself trapped in a toxic relationship, unable to break free despite knowing it's unhealthy? You're not alone. In this gripping episode, Tony Overbay, LMFT, unravels the psychological maze of destructive love.Journey with Tony as he introduces the concept of the "false self" - the masks we wear to fit in. But what happens when someone never develops their own mask, instead shape-shifting to meet others' expectations? Through the captivating story of Farrah and Gil, Tony illuminates why smart, capable people get stuck in cycles of toxic love.Dive deep into the world of emotional immaturity, narcissistic personality disorder, and the powerful grip of intermittent reinforcement and trauma bonds. Uncover the mysteries of whole object relations, object constancy, and identity diffusion - concepts that explain baffling relationship behaviors.Whether trying to understand your relationship patterns or supporting a loved one, this episode is a must-listen. Tony offers profound insights and practical tools to break free from the clutches of toxic love and pave the way for healthier connections.Prepare to be enlightened, challenged, and empowered. Your journey to relationship wisdom starts here!00:00 Introduction: A True Story of Heartbreak00:16 Farrah's Emotional Turmoil00:33 Gil's New Relationship and Farrah's Struggle01:18 The Urge to Reach Out01:52 Seeking Closure and Self-Blame02:24 A Desperate Call to Gil03:03 Understanding Toxic Relationships04:43 The Concept of the False Self12:03 Emotional Immaturity and Its Impact19:28 Narcissistic Personality Disorder vs. Emotional Immaturity29:11 Intermittent Reinforcement: The Psychology Behind Toxic Bonds30:03 The Obsession of Random Rewards30:40 Intermittent Reinforcement in Abusive Relationships31:08 The Power of Intermittent Reinforcement32:50 Recognizing Trauma Bonds35:34 Emotional Whiplash and Inconsistent Affection40:26 Identity Diffusion and Emotional Immaturity50:23 Whole Object Relations and Object Constancy53:04 Wrapping Up: Understanding Emotional Immaturity

    57 min

  8. JUN 14

    Healing Childhood Neglect: The Roots of People Pleasing and Narcissism

    Tony delves into the origins of people pleasers, empaths, highly sensitive individuals, and the emotionally immature, highlighting the similarities that arise from childhood abandonment...

    50 min
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  • Based on the overwhelming amount of feedback from the "Waking Up to Narcissism" podcast, particularly in the form of questions, Tony Overbay, a licensed marriage and family therapist, answers listener questions specifically related to narcissism, narcissistic traits and tendencies, and emotional immaturity in relationships. A percentage of the proceeds of the podcast will go toward helping people in narcissistic or severe emotionally immature relationships receive help in the form of counseling, legal and moving costs, and providing additional tools to help people rediscover their self-worth, and learn how to successfully find their voice, their sense of purpose and understand that everybody has the right to their own opinion, experience and goals out of life.

    • 4.5 (35)
    • MENTAL HEALTH
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About

"Waking Up to Narcissism" is a podcast hosted by Tony Overbay, LMFT, host of the award-winning Virtual Couch podcast, dedicated to helping individuals recognize and navigate narcissistic traits and tendencies in their relationships and within themselves. With a focus on emotional immaturity versus narcissism, Tony provides tools and guidance for personal growth and managing relationships with narcissistic or emotionally immature individuals, even if that individual is you!

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