Shows
Personality CouchEp 33: The Dirty Truth About Telehealth Therapy & The Rise of Venture CapitalIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, I (licensed clinical psychologist, Doc Bok) take a different approach and lean into the clinical practice part of this podcast. I spill the tea on significant changes in the healthcare landscape, particularly focusing on the rise of telehealth and the influence of venture capital-backed mega telehealth companies. I highlight the conflicts of interest with wealthy investors, ethical and privacy concerns, and market consolidation that threaten the integrity of mental health care and private practice as we know it. This episode emphasizes the importance of patient and clinician awareness, and I provide...2025-07-2928 minPersonality CouchEp 32: When Paranoid Personalities Kill | Analyzing 3 Infamous Mass MurderersIn this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive deep into the dark end of the paranoid personality spectrum, focusing on three notorious cases of mass murder: Jeffrey Weise (school shooter), Richard Farley (jilted lover), and Timothy McVeigh (Oklahoma City bomber). We explore the psychological underpinnings of each of these severe paranoid personalities, the impact of childhood trauma, and how their psyches came unglued. We firstly look at the case of Weise, a 16-year-old school shooter who experienced significant childhood trauma and rejection at the hands of his family. We then...2025-07-1541 minPersonality CouchEp 31: Paranoia, Paranoid Personality, or Schizophrenia? | Which Is It?In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack how paranoia, paranoid personalities, and psychotic disorders overlap. We explore the line between personality disorders and psychosis; misuse of the term schizophrenia; and introduce the concept of paraphrenia as it relates to psychosis in the paranoid personality. We also explore the historical context of paranoia, the nuances between paranoia and delusions, and how the terms became so intertwined in history. We end with our own unfiltered thoughts about limitations to DSM diagnostic categories and how paranoia became so confusing!
...2025-07-0129 minPersonality CouchEp 30: Paranoid Personality | The 6 Subtypes ExplainedIn this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) continue our discussion about paranoid personality disorder, exploring its three severity levels: Mild, Borderline, and Paraphrenic. We unpack the six subtypes of paranoid personalities as outlined by Dr. Theodore Millon: The Self-Righteous Mistrustful, The Obdurate Mistrustful, the Querulous Paranoid, the Insular Paranoid, the severe Fanatic Paraphrenic, and Malignant Paraphrenic. We highlight the fragility of Paranoids at all levels of severity, noting they can easily deteriorate with stressors and setbacks. We emphasize the importance of understanding these very common personality dynamics in all...2025-06-1738 minPersonality CouchEp 29: Paranoid Personality or BPD? | The Unstable DuoIn this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) help differentiate between paranoid and borderline personality disorders. We explore the similarities and differences between these two disorders, discussing their core characteristics, emotional responses, symptoms, and how our own intuition helps us more than we realize. We specifically look at the instability unique to these two personality disorders and how both express anger, shame, and fear. As both disorders can have fleeting episodes of psychosis, we also discuss how delusions can show up in each, but how their triggers are vastly different...2025-06-0331 minPersonality CouchEp 28: The Post Pandemic Narcissist | Unmasking Paranoid PersonalityIn this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) reveal the complex, dangerous, and often misdiagnosed Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD). We discuss the rising prevalence of PPD in the post-pandemic world, the clinical challenges in identifying and treating these individuals, and the critical differences between Paranoid Personalities and narcissism. We believe you’re seeing more of these types in your circles as well, and we want you to be equipped with knowledge so you can best protect yourself! Thus, we unpack not only the DSM-5-TR characteristics of Paranoid Personality Disorder, bu...2025-05-2032 minPersonality CouchEp 27: What's Worse Than a Narcissist? | The Baddest of Them AllIn this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unveil the darkest aspects of personality, focusing on narcissism at its most severe forms. We explore the spectrum of personality types that range from mildly unpleasant to dangerously malignant, discussing examples and case studies that illustrate their risk in relationships. We specifically unpack narcissistic and paranoid personality disorders, malignant narcissism, antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy and sociopathy, and sadistic personalities. While further exploring the characteristics, overlaps, and distinctions among these disorders, we end with a discussion about terrorism and extreme manifestations of sadism.2025-05-0630 minPersonality CouchEp 26: Malignant Narcissists in Politics | Their Rise and Fall to PowerIn this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the dangerous dynamics of malignant narcissism in political leadership. We first explore how these leaders rise to power, the psychological factors that enable their ascent, and the societal conditions that make populations susceptible to their charm. We introduce the narcoticizing and honeymoon phases of their reign where the malignant charmer woos their adoring audience. We then explore the characteristics that define malignant narcissist leaders, including how they navigate crises, the corruptibility of their conscience, and their devolution into psychotic thought processes...2025-04-2236 minPersonality CouchEp 25: The Malignant Narcissist's Mind | Stairway to EvilIn this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) delve into the complex and dark characteristics of malignant narcissism, exploring its origins, characteristics, and using examples from popular culture, particularly the film 'American Psycho'. Citing Eric Fromm’s original work on defining evil, we discuss his triad of: necrophilious orientation, incestuous symbiosis, and malignant narcissism. Using connections to historical figures and Alfred Hitchcock's ‘Psycho,’ we briefly explore what this triad looks like. After drawing on research across the decades to define characteristics of malignant narcissism, we further discuss the spectrum of antiso...2025-04-0829 minPersonality CouchEp 24: The Communal Narcissist's Altruistic IllusionIn this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the tricky topic of communal narcissism, exploring its characteristics, behaviors, and the environments in which these individuals thrive. We discuss the distinction between agentic and communal traits, the illusion of selflessness, and how communal narcissists often deceive themselves and others. We further highlight the presence of communal narcissism in charities, social media, and religious organizations. By examining the darker aspects of this personality type, we discuss insights about collective narcissism and the potential for harmful group dynamics. The episode concludes with...2025-03-2528 minPersonality CouchEp 23: The 4 Narcissistic Subtypes You Need to KnowIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex world of narcissism, focusing on its various subtypes. We unpack grandiose narcissism, its characteristics, as well as fun names in history. Our conversation transitions to communal narcissism, highlighting its deceptive nature and how it can manifest in social settings and religious communities. Next, we examine malignant narcissism, the most severe form, characterized by antisocial, paranoid, and sadistic traits. Lastly, we uncover vulnerable narcissism and the tricky, inside-out way they show up in relationships. The episode concludes with a comparative...2025-03-1144 minPersonality CouchEp 22: Vulnerable and Grandiose Narcissism | The Mirror Has Two FacesIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) delve into the complexities of pathological narcissism, exploring its various expressions, including covert, overt, grandiose, and vulnerable narcissism. We discuss how these themes of overt and covert narcissism appear in all narcissistic individuals, as do grandiose and vulnerable themes. We articulate how covert narcissism is under the surface in thoughts and fantasies, whereas overt narcissism is behavioral. We also highlight the shiny, extroverted themes of grandiose narcissism, while discussing the underlying emotional issues associated with vulnerable narcissism, including shame, anger, and moodiness...2025-02-2535 minPersonality CouchEp 21: Narcissistic Personality Disorder | The 9 SymptomsIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) delve into the complexities of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). We explore the historical origins of narcissism, the DSM criteria for diagnosing NPD, and the key characteristics of individuals with this disorder, including a lack of empathy and pervasive envy. Our conversation highlights the roots, characteristics, and the dual nature of narcissism, as well as the challenges in researching NPD. We highlight characteristics such as grandiose self-importance, the need for excessive admiration, and the interpersonal exploitation that can occur in relationships...2025-02-1134 minPersonality CouchEp 20: Narcissism Gone Bad | 5 Signs Its PathologicalIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the 5 major signs of pathological narcissism, as well as 3 bonus invisible signs of narcissism. We explore warning signs of pride, superiority, vanity, and inauthenticity (among others!), providing insights into how these traits manifest in behavior and relationships. We also explore how anger and lack of empathy manifest. We end the episode by discussing vulnerable narcissistic themes that are less observable, like emptiness, helplessness, and low self-esteem. Our discussion highlights everyday narcissism, as well as darker aspects of it, including antisocial and...2025-01-2834 minPersonality CouchEp 19: Is Narcissism Good? The Surprising Truth About Self-ImportanceIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) delve into the complexities of narcissism, exploring its cultural labeling, the distinction between pathological and trait narcissism, and its development from infancy. We discuss the importance of understanding narcissism in contemporary society, the confusion surrounding its definition, and how it manifests in all personality pathology and personality disorders. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in labeling narcissistic behaviors, the balance between healthy and pathological narcissism, and the impact of parenting styles on narcissistic traits. Our discussion highlights the importance of understanding...2025-01-1429 minPersonality CouchEp 18: The 6 Mental Health Trends: 2024 in ReviewIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the cultural and clinical trends of 2024, focusing on global unrest, political polarization, re-examining power dynamics, and the ongoing mental health crisis. We discuss the impact of trauma awareness and the complexities of the victim mentality, as well as state-specific mental health trends revealed through recent research. In this episode, we further explore the state of mental health in America, discussing various mental health trends across states, the impact of misinformation on mental health, and the public's outrage towards healthcare practices, as...2024-12-3133 minPersonality CouchEp 17: BPD Part 5: Quiet Borderline: A Closer Look at SubtypesIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we continue to explore the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), particularly focusing on the lesser-known subtype: Quiet BPD. We delve into the historical origins of the term 'borderline,' discuss the various subtypes of BPD, and highlight the differences between Quiet and Noisy BPD. The conversation also touches on the lack of recent empirical research on Quiet BPD and the cultural emergence of the term. We further emphasize the importance of understanding the internal versus external presentations of BPD symptoms and the implications for treatment. The discussion emphasizes the importance...2024-12-1737 minPersonality CouchEp 16: BPD Part 4: What BPD Therapy Really Looks LikeIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we dive into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) treatment, in particular, the healing power of the invisible dynamics in therapy. We discuss the importance of motivation and insight in recovery for BPD, and the significance of the therapeutic relationship. The conversation emphasizes that while BPD is treatable, the journey is often non-linear and requires active participation from the patient. We also highlight the necessity of setting boundaries within therapy to create a safe and effective environment for healing. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of evaluating effort in...2024-12-0339 minPersonality CouchEp 15: BPD Part 3: Suicidal Behavior and Self InjuryIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we delve into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), focusing on the themes of suicidal ideation and self-harm. We explore the DSM criteria for BPD, the motivations behind self-harming behaviors, and the stigma associated with these actions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional pain experienced by individuals with BPD and the impact on their relationships. We provide insights into navigating these dynamics, the need for professional help, and the significance of setting boundaries.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Series
01:46 DSM...2024-11-1939 minPersonality CouchEp 14: BPD Part 2: Fear of Abandonment, Psychosis, and DissociationIn our second episode of the Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) series, we discuss how this condition manifests in relationships and clinical practice. We explore the pervasive patterns of instability, fear of abandonment, and the role of attachment theory in understanding BPD, while also touching on psychosis and dissociation. Our conversation highlights the challenges faced by individuals with BPD in their relationships and the dynamics that arise in therapeutic settings. We further emphasize the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of BPD and the need for compassionate approaches in treatment.
Chapters
00:00 Borderline DSM Symptoms Overview
04:09...2024-11-0531 minPersonality CouchEp 13: BPD Part 1: History, the Media, and the DSM SymptomsIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we delve into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We discuss the stigma and misinformation surrounding BPD, the media's misrepresentation of the disorder, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of its symptoms and diagnosis. The conversation highlights the emotional experiences of individuals with BPD, the criteria for diagnosis, and the importance of recognizing the spectrum of presentations within the disorder. We advocate for a reboot in the classification of personality disorders to better reflect the lived experiences of those affected by BPD.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction...2024-10-2241 minPersonality CouchEp 12: Myths About Being a Mental Health ProfessionalIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we discuss common myths surrounding therapy and therapists. We debunk misconceptions about therapists being perfect, the necessity of shared experiences for effective therapy, and the idea that therapists are always analyzing everyone. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, the reality of therapists' personal struggles, and the motivations behind choosing a career in therapy. We also address the financial aspects of being a therapist and encourage listeners to seek help without being deterred by myths.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Therapy Myths
01:02 Therapists Are Perfect and Have No Problems
05:02 Therapists...2024-10-0836 minPersonality CouchEp 11: The Drama Triangle in Every Personality DisorderIn this episode, we dive into the concept of the drama triangle, a psychological model that explains interpersonal conflict through three roles: the victim, the persecutor, and the rescuer. We explore the historical context of the drama triangle, its origins in transactional analysis, and how these roles manifest in relationships, particularly in the context of personality disorders. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing these dynamics to disrupt unhealthy patterns and foster healthier interactions.
00:00 Introduction to the Drama Triangle
01:16 Historical Context of the Drama Triangle
07:59 The Purpose of the Drama Triangle
10:44 Roles in the...2024-09-2444 minPersonality CouchEp 10: How We Diagnose Personality Disorders as ProfessionalsIn this episode, we discuss how we diagnose personality disorders as licensed professionals in clinical practice. Personality data is often observed as early as the initial contact for treatment. Once treatment begins, we engage in a "meta process" of observing what's going on inside ourselves as professionals, as well as the dynamic in the room. Because of the nuances and complexities of diagnosing personality disorders, psychological testing is an important tool to peel back the layers of the psyche. We end by discussing what psychological testing involves and point listeners to resources if they are interested in an evaluation.2024-09-1040 minPersonality CouchEp 09: Cultural Trends & Mental HealthIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we discuss four trends we have observed in the post-pandemic world: collective trauma, mental health diagnoses as identity labels, over-identification with neurodivergence, and self-diagnosing. We explore the impact of the pandemic on mental health, including increased anxiety and hostility. We also discuss how mental health diagnoses have become identity labels, providing a sense of validation and belonging. We delve into the over-identification with neurodivergence, particularly autism, and the challenges of diagnosing this condition. Lastly, we address the issue of self-diagnosing and the proliferation of misleading information on social media platforms.
2024-08-2738 minPersonality CouchEp 08: Enneagram Personality ClassificationsIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we provide an overview of the Enneagram personality typology as a growth tool instead of a personality "box" or label. We discuss our personal journeys with the Enneagram, our typologies, and how we use this non-diagnostic tool in clinical practice. By exploring the different centers of intelligence (body, head, and heart) and the three types within each center, we highlight the key characteristics and tendencies of each of the 9 types, including their strengths and challenges.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the Enneagram
01:00 - Our Enneagram Journeys
07:30...2024-08-1351 minPersonality CouchEp 07: Personalities That KillIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we discuss personality darkness and specifically focus on personalities that are prone to violence and extreme behavior. We also discuss two important research studies, the Milgram study and the Stanford prison experiment, that shed light on the capacity for humans to engage in harmful acts. We then delve into the different personality types within Cluster A (schizoid, schizotypal, and paranoid); Cluster B (borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic); and Cluster C (avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive) and discuss their risk levels for violence and murder. In this conversation, we also explore sadistic personalities, a category...2024-07-3058 minPersonality CouchEp 06: Psychodynamic Personality Classifications (as Ice Cream)In this episode of the Personality Couch, we discuss personality flavors and typologies from a psychodynamic lens, using ice cream as our metaphor. Unique to the psychodynamic perspective is the multi-dimensional way it captures personality. We explore psychodynamic’s three personality axes throughout the episode: the severity axis (ranging from personality style to disorder level); the organizational axis (representing movement and disintegration within personality structures); and the character axis (representing distinct personality names and characteristics). We further explore psychopathic, schizoid, depressive and manic, self-defeating, borderline/cyclophrenic, and dissociative personality structures within this framework. A note to our audience: this is...2024-07-1638 minPersonality CouchEp 05: Millon's Personality Types (as Ice Cream Flavors)In this episode, we continue discussing personality typologies, focusing on Dr. Theodore Millon's classifications. We explore six unique types in terms of their characteristics, behaviors, and potential co-occurring disorders. Speculating on what ice cream flavor each type would be, we use creative and humorous descriptions to bring levity to an otherwise complex topic!
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
01:50 - Melancholic Personality: The Gloomy Type
07:02 - Turbulent Personality: The Energetic Type
17:09 - Sadistic Personality: The Pain Inflicting Type
21:56 - Masochistic Personality: The Willing Victim Type
27:20 - Negativistic Personality: The Grouchy and Skeptical Type
32:28...2024-07-0242 minPersonality CouchEp 04: Personality Disorders as Ice Cream FlavorsIn this episode, we discuss the different types of personality disorders and compare them to flavors of ice cream. We explore the personality disorders that are always in season and the ones that come and go depending on cultural and social factors. Highlighting the “ingredients” that make up each disorder and how they manifest, we explore the DSM-5-TR classifications of: Cluster A (odd or eccentric), Cluster B (dramatic or erratic), and Cluster C (anxious or fearful). If you want to jump to a specific cluster, just use one of the timestamps/chapters below. If you’re new to person...2024-06-1845 minPersonality CouchEp 03: How to Spot a Personality DisorderIn this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we discuss how to spot a personality disorder. We start with the definition of a personality disorder according to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM), which includes enduring patterns of behavior that deviate from cultural expectations and cause distress/impairment. We also introduce the concept of the personality drama triangle, where individuals can take on different roles as a rescuer, persecutor, or victim. We discuss how to spot personality disorders through observations of thinking patterns, moods, relationships, and impulsivity. We emphasize the importance of trusting your intuition and paying attention to your...2024-06-0347 minPersonality CouchEp 02: What is Personality?In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we talk a little more about our intrigue for personality, pathology, and darkness, which influence our media consumption. We discuss seeing personality everywhere - from pets to babies to our everyday relationships. Walking through history, we explore various classifications including, the Four Temperaments, Freud and Psychoanalysis, the MBTI, the Big 5, and more! We look at the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) definition and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), which includes the field’s current classification of personality disorders.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Intrigue of Personality Darkne...2024-06-0352 minPersonality CouchEp 01: Introduction to the Hosts (Our Personality Journeys)In this episode, we (Doc Bok and Doc Fish) introduce ourselves and share our personality journeys and career paths! Doc Bok talks about her windy journey to personality, which includes deciding between her doctorate or a career in the FBI. Doc Fish shares about her linear journey to personality and psychology starting in childhood and her intrigue into psychodynamic work with clients. We both discuss why personality is so important, as well as different modalities and approaches to understanding personality, all the while emphasizing the complexity and nuances involved. We express our curiosity and desire to understand people, sharing...2024-06-0336 minPersonality CouchWelcome to the Personality Couch Podcast.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 licensed clinical psychologist, Doc Bok and colleagues 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, a...2024-03-2304 min