Narcissism & Narcissistic Abuse with Stephanie Lee

Narcissism & Narcissistic Abuse with Stephanie Lee Say Hello to Your Therapist What even is a narcissist anyway? Dr. Bethany Valenti opens season two of the Say Hello to Your Therapist podcast with licensed clinical professional counselor Stephanie Lee, who specializes in narcissism and narcissistic abuse. They discuss how “narcissism” is often misused, the difference between narcissistic traits, narcissistic abuse, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and why diagnosis is difficult. Stephanie outlines multiple narcissism subtypes and defines gaslighting, distinguishing it from lying, and introduces the DARVO pattern. They explore common abuse dynamics such as love bombing, discard, and hoovering, coercive control, and warning signs like chronic blame, lack of accountability, and survivors doubting their own judgment. The episode shares safety guidance, including contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, and notes the discussion is not medical advice. To learn more about Stephanie: Mentella Bio: https://mentellahealth.com/therapists... To learn more about Bethany Valenti, PsyD: Podcast Website: https://www.bethanyvalenti.com/podcast Bethany's Website: http://www.bethanyvalenti.com/ Say Hello to Your Therapist Podcast Instagram:   / sayhellotoyourtherapistpodcast   Bethany's Instagram:   / bethanyvalentipsyd   Bethany's Facebook Page:   / bethany-valenti-psyd-61579092524236   Things we talked about: DARVO: https://harbormentalhealth.com/2025/1... DSM-5-TR: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health... 00:00 Podcast Intro and Safety Notes 02:01 Meet Stephanie Lee 02:13 From Paramedic to Therapist 04:16 Why Narcissistic Abuse 05:48 Narcissism vs NPD 09:21 Patterns and Change 22:16 Emotional Immaturity Overlap 25:39 Subtypes and Insecurity 29:14 Gaslighting and DARVO 37:21 Narcissism Subtypes Tour 46:07 Sponsor Break 46:21 How to Find Me 47:09 Communal Narcissism Explained 48:54 Self Righteous and Neglectful Types 51:11 Seven Subtypes Spectrum Review 54:22 Spotting Narcissistic Red Flags 58:38 Love Bombing Discard Hoovering 01:07:01 When It Becomes Abuse 01:14:05 Can Narcissists Change 01:16:28 DARVO and Self Doubt Signs 01:22:04 Tiger Cage Relationship Test 01:26:59 Wrap Up and Where to Find Stephanie