There is a difference between love and abuse. And what makes matters so confusing for the brain of survivors is that pathological narcissists blend the most superficial levels of love with hate that is at the core of their disorder. It’s a toxic cocktail they serve continuously to their partners. The Seductive, Violating World of […]
The Relationship
Let's dive into what it's like to be in a relationship with a psychopath.
The Trauma Bond | The Uncontrollable Drive to Stay Connected
A Brief Chat from the Backyard © All rights reserved In this video I discuss how the reward system is involved in fueling the sensations, emotions, thoughts, and cravings many will have regarding the narcissist. The trauma bond ignites many different regions of the brain and can cause us to feel terribly out of control. […]
Affective Resonance: I Don’t Feel You & You Can’t Feel Me | Narcissists & Psychopaths
(c) 2018 All Rights Reserved | Rhonda Freeman, PhD Affective resonance is basically the unspoken social connection and interaction that takes place between brains. It comes from the deepest regions of the brain reaching out to the deepest regions of the other beings brain. It covers a large range of emotional states — for example, empathy […]
Three Personality Traits That Increase Vulnerability to Unhealthy or Toxic Partners
Does it feel like you attract the same kind of partner again and again? One that does not add value to your life or enhance your personal growth, but rather one that leads you straight to the therapists’ office. Let’s look at certain personality characteristics that may attract unsavory characters into your life. Survivors of […]
Can I make it work if I use my Cluster B Education? | Staying with the Narcissist or Psychopath
Can I make this work? © 2018 Rhonda Freeman, PhD Sometimes I hear from website visitors that they want to stay; and for those who have someone low on the pathological narcissism spectrum, I understand why that would be tempting. They tell me that they want tips that will allow them to ‘manage’ their […]
Psychopathy Researcher Discusses the Behavior of Psychopaths
Dr. David Kosson and Dr. Rhonda Freeman Discuss Behaviors of Psychopaths © 2017 Rhonda Freeman, PhD | All Rights Reserved I have to offer my apologies – the introduction I recorded to our discussion has poor sound quality (low volume). Seems the mic was not close enough given the size of the room. I am […]
Neuroscience Behind Idealize, Devalue, and Discard
Neuroscience Behind Idealize, Devalue, and Discard [My Two Phase Theory] © 2017 NeuroInstincts | All Rights Reserved [Reviewed 2018] Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder and psychopathy tend to rotate through partners in a relatively predictable manner. The well-known idealize, devalue, and discard cycle has been reported by many victims of abuse. (The video below illustrates […]
Why Does It Feel Like Two Different Relationships When One Unwittingly Falls for a Psychopath?
The Two Phases of a Psychopathic Relationship [My Reward System Theory] © 2017 NeuroInstincts | All Rights Reserved No Unauthorized Reproduction Permitted in any form Many women and men struggle with extreme levels of pain and stress due to relationship problems. Some couples can work through their obstacles and get back on track. But, for […]
Video: The Trauma Bond and Mean, Hateful Partners
The Trauma Bond: The Hook of Narcissists, Psychopaths, & Abusers Answers to the following scenarios can be explained, at least in part, by the trauma bond. Why do I feel a connection to someone who is awful to me? I see that she lacks morals, boundaries, and stability, yet I feel addicted to her. Why […]
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not – Psychopathy, Narcissistic Personality, and Safe, Loving Relationships
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not – Psychopathy, Narcissistic Personality, and Safe, Loving Relationships © 2016 NeuroInstincts | All Rights Reserved No Unauthorized Reproduction Permitted in any form One of the most disheartening realities I have encountered as a personality educator is victim shaming and blaming. When you are a survivor or someone who […]
The Spellbinding Bond to Narcissists and Psychopaths – Neurobiology
Neurobiological and Psychological Contributors Why did she stay? This question is at the forefront for many when they consider the actions of some abuse survivors. For the outsider, it looks like a simple logical decision to walk away from anyone who poses a threat or causes psychological harm. But the reasons that many stay entangled […]
Narcissistic & Psychopathic Relationships – Blindsiding and Discarding
The Disrespectful, Hateful, Flippant Breakup © 2016 Rhonda Freeman, PhD | All Rights Reserved Control, rudeness, and disdain will often replace the red hot, all-consuming attraction (‘love’) they have for their partners. This is one of many hallmarks of a narcissistic and psychopathic relationship. In relationships with individuals with psychopathy and narcissism, no one is more important than they […]
How Can I Love You? You Caused Such Pain
How Can I Love? You Caused Such Pain? © 2016 NeuroInstincts | All Rights Reserved | No Unauthorized Reproduction Permitted in any form Stress and abuse are very difficult conditions to endure when they stem from someone you love. When we are intimately connected with someone who is harsh, callous, and motivated to ‘spin’ reality […]
Relationship Cycle of Individuals with Psychopathy and Narcissistic Personality Disorder – Idealize, Devalue, Discard
Common Relationship Cycle of Pathological Narcissists (c) All Rights Reserved The well-known cycle of idealize, devalue, and discard has been experienced by many abuse victims. The cycle takes an abuser from intense interest to total disdain of their partner. And if you’ve fallen in love with someone within the Cluster B Personality Disorder group, you’ve likely […]
Craving Your Ex? Addicted to a Dangerous Partner
Craving Your Ex? When You’re Addicted to a Dangerous Partner © 2015 NeuroInstincts | All Rights Reserved No Unauthorized Reproduction Permitted in any form Did you know it’s normal for our brain to have an addicted feeling toward the people we love? Yes! It is nature’s way of ensuring we mate and also properly care for […]
Are You Dating a Psychopath? | 16 Warning Signs of Psychopathic Traits
Signs you could be dating a psychopath © 2015 Rhonda Freeman, PhD Could you be dating a psychopath? In the beginning it can be nearly impossible to tell. However, as time wears on, there are often many red flags and signs of psychopathy. The psychopathic partner introduces elements to an intimate relationship that should never […]
Nine Steps Toward Self Compassion After an Abusive Relationship
9 Steps Toward Self Compassion After an Abusive Relationship © 2015 Rhonda Freeman, PhD | All Rights Reserved Here’s a Pinnable for you ~ (Pinterest!) Relationships with people within the *Cluster B Personality Disorder category can tear into the self-esteem and self- worth of the people who love them. Why? Because their disorders demand the focus […]
Are women with Borderline Personality Disorder & Psychopathy similar in Relationships?
Are those with Borderline Personality Disorder & Psychopathy similar in relationships? © All Rights Reserved Individuals with personality disorders, regardless of the type have interpersonal difficulties. Relating to others in a healthy consistent manner is problematic for them. However, I’d like to touch on two personality disorders that particularly for women are sometimes confused – borderline personality […]
Dating Again After Abuse | New Relationships
Dating Again | New Relationships © 2014 NeuroInstincts | All Rights Reserved | No Unauthorized Reproduction Permitted in any form Dating again can be a difficult area to approach after an abusive partner. It can be frightening to open up to someone new after emotional or physical violation from a person you trusted. After enduring the pain […]
Female psychopathy – Are we missing the diagnosis?
Female psychopathy – Are we missing the diagnosis? © 2014 NeuroInstincts | All Rights Reserved | No Unauthorized Reproduction Permitted in any form Scientific research currently supports higher prevalence rates of psychopathy within the male population (Warren, Burnette, South, 2003; Wynn, Høiseth, Pettersen, 2012). However, could it be that the tools we use to diagnose […]
A Touch of Neuroscience – Psychopathy
A Touch of Neuroscience © 2013 NeuroInstincts | All Rights Reserved Psychopathy is a complex disorder from a neurobiological and psychological standpoint. Neuroscience is a field that’s leading the way in investigating the brain profiles within psychopathy. What’s wrong and/or what’s different within the brain of someone with strong psychopathic traits is extremely important […]
Psychological Abuse | Emotional Abuse
Psychological Abuse | Emotional Abuse © 2013 NeuroInstincts | All Rights Reserved | No Unauthorized Reproduction Permitted in any form Psychological and emotional abuse are common within relationships with partners who lack empathy and a conscience. For most it will be safest to avoid individuals with traits associated with violating the rights of others. Otherwise, exposure to individuals […]
Stress and Abuse | The Pain of an Abusive Relationship
Stress, Abuse and the Brain © 2013 NeuroInstincts | All Rights Reserved | No Unauthorized Reproduction Permitted in any form Stress and abuse are difficult conditions to endure. For individuals who become involved with abusive partners, it is not uncommon for them to experience frequent frustration, pain, anxiety and perhaps even fear. Under such […]
Grooming | New Romantic Partnerships with Manipulators
Grooming | New Romantic Partnerships with Manipulators © 2013 Rhonda Freeman, PhD [Reviewed 2018] For many individuals with severe personality disturbances there is an additional layer to their excitement and addiction in the beginning stage of their relationships – Grooming. Unlike the excitement they have for their new target, the grooming component of their relationships is intentional. It is tailored to […]
