In a codependent relationship, the codependent partner often sacrifices their own needs to meet the needs of the narcissistic partner, narcissistic parent or narcissistic coworker. This dynamic, known as the codependent narcissist trap, can lead to unhealthy relationships, emotional abuse and a loss of self worth and loss of self.
This codependency and narcissism course focuses on this tangle from several angles, including the Jungian, the mythological, and the psychoanalytic. Codependency can include feeling responsible for regulating the emotions of others, saving and rescuing, difficulty setting boundaries, feeling rejected when criticized, and guilt over not doing enough for others.
A narcissistic person is seeking constant validation and narcissistic supply. They exploit the codependent other’s need for approval and fear of abandonment. Characteristics of narcissism include selfishness, exploitation, undermining, and retaliation.
Because grandiose narcissism is generally not difficult to spot, in this course we will focus mainly on covert (or ‘vulnerable’) narcissism: the kind that begins with charm and apparent deep empathy and ends in acrimonious attack. They may appear shy or introverted but still exhibit manipulative and self-centered behaviors. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for those in a codependent narcissist relationship to protect themselves. This course examines how these two psychologies play out in families, at work, and in relationships.