Narcissism as a Shield: How Power and Control Mask Inner Pain
The defense mechanism of narcissism is one of a false personality in order to protect from facing one’s inner shame, guilt, feelings of worthlessness that reside in the victim's true self.
Why do some people use narcissism as a shield to protect themselves from deep-seated pain and shame? In this episode of the 'Narcissism Recovery Podcast', Yitz Epstein unpacks how narcissistic behavior serves as a defense mechanism. Narcissists often create a false persona to avoid confronting their inner guilt and feelings of worthlessness. Through manipulative tactics, they turn their victims into sources of validation, exerting power and control to soothe their own insecurities.
Epstein dives into the addictive nature of this dynamic, explaining how the quest for power becomes a crutch for narcissists. But there's hope—recovery begins with admitting powerlessness over this addiction. By understanding the root causes and seeking help, both narcissists and their victims can embark on a healing journey. Tune in to explore how recognizing and addressing these issues can lead to true self-discovery and recovery.