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Being Human Podcast - Episode 68: "I'm Not Narcissistic, You're Narcissistic!" (An Antidote to Narcissism: Part Two)

podcast Jan 01, 2020

Welcome to Episode 68 of the Being Human Podcast: "I'm Not Narcissistic, You're Narcissistic!" (An Antidote to Narcissism: Part Two)

This week on the podcast, Dr. Greg digs deeper into the topic of narcissism as he answers a listener’s question about how to best approach conversation with a family member who has narcissistic tendencies. He breaks open the fear that lies at the core of narcissism, the difference between narcissistic traits and narcissistic personality disorder, and gives steps in how to best love the narcissists in our lives. 

Discussed in this episode: 

  • The importance of delineating between narcissistic tendencies and a full-blown narcissistic personality disorder, as well as the differences between the two; 
  • Understanding narcissism as a terror of worthlessness or of having no value as a person, and how manipulative behaviors are manifestations of a need for validation.
  • Balancing sympathy with firm boundaries and proper discernment as key when deciding how much interaction to have with someone who has narcissistic tendencies; 
  • Steps for dealing with difficult personalities and the importance of self-ownership in these relationships; 
  • One of the most helpful things you can do for someone who struggles with narcissistic tendencies; 
  • Fear of being unimportant as a sign of our infinite worth as sons and daughters of God.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

If there is a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address, please email your request to [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

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About Dr. Greg and the CatholicPsych Institute

Dr. Bottaro is a clinical psychologist and founder of the CatholicPsych Institute. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, a graduate school that integrates Catholic philosophy and theology with sound, empirically validated psychology.

 Before his degree, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). He lived four years in the Bronx, serving the poor in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience helped him form a spirituality based on Abandonment to Divine Providence which he now applies to psychological principles in his practice. He learned from Fr. Benedict how to discern God's voice and live a life in service to others.

 Six years after leaving NYC as a friar, he returned as a psychologist. The CatholicPsych Institute began there in 2012 and has since grown to 5 offices with 12 therapists serving clients around the globe.

 Dr. Bottaro now lives in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their six children. He actively avoids watching the news and spends his free time thinking up crazy new ideas on how to make the world a better place.

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