This post explores Self-Sacrifice Schema and the impact of projective identification, particularly related to guilt and self-absorption, on ones tendency to be manipulated by others.
Category Archives: Relationships
Running From Guilt and Shame Means Running Towards Narcissism and Caregiving
This post explores characteristics of individuals who have a tendency towards caregiving behaviors versus those who have a tendency towards narcissistic behaviors.
Option and Obligation: Boundaries Mean Letting Others Choose
This post explores the way that boundary problems can impact the way that we are in relationship with others. Often boundary problems cause us to attempt to read other people’s minds in attempt to help them or put them first. Rather than asking them for their thoughts or feelings we can fall into the trap of protecting others rather than allowing them the opportunity to have their own experiences, identify their thoughts and feelings, and respond themselves. This inhibits others from growing in their ability to be vulnerable and prevents us from experiencing authentic intimacy with others.
Intimacy: When Your Strength Overshadows You
This post explores the impact of the Early Maladaptive Schemas Self-Sacrifice and Emotional Inhibition in caregiver and codependent type individuals, often leading them to attract Narcissistic individuals and one-sided relationships and to feel unseen and unvalued.
Reactivity Destroys Conversation: Success is in the Approach
This post explores the concept of Amygdala Hijacking, a physiological response to real or perceived threat, which results in loss of memory and impaired cognitive functioning. Amygdala Hijacking prevents productive conversation, impacting relationships negatively, as well is at the root of anxiety, panic disorders, and PTSD.
Like It or Not, It’s All About the Relationship
This blog explores the impact of early messages from parents and the internal dialogue that we take into adulthood.
Putting the Pieces Together: ACTing to Embrace the Life You Have
This post explores Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT Therapy, and how expectations and disappointments can keep us trapped in negative cycles and prevent us from embracing the life we have.
Ownership: Do You Under or Over Own in Your Relationships?
This post contrasts denial and ownership, as it pertains to self-awareness and growth, and explores relationship patterns of under-owning in narcissists and over-owning in caregivers.
Narcissism and Caregiving: Dancing around the Truth
This post explores narcissism and caregiving and how at the core of both is a difficulty with vulnerability and either creating boundaries with caregiving and respecting boundaries with narcissism. Post explores the giving-taking spectrum and how to go about growth from either end of the spectrum.
Sexuality: The Messages We Hold Close
This post describes the benefits of exploring sexual messages by utilizing a sexual experiences time-line. Additionally, this post offers guidance for exploring sexual experiences and messages and the impact that messages can have on individuals.