Challenging Personalities: Understanding Borderline & Narcissism with Robert Drozek (307)

Borderline and narcissism are often misunderstood—this episode separates myth from science.

Robert Drozek explores the science behind borderline and narcissistic personality disorders, separating common myths from current research. Together, he and Sue discuss attachment, trauma, genetics, parenting, evidence-based treatments, and why understanding these often misunderstood conditions can bring greater compassion, hope, and healthier relationships.

“Borderline is driven by a need to reconnect.” – Robert P. Drozek, LICSW

Time Stamps for Challenging Personalities: Understanding Borderline & Narcissism with Robert Drozek (307)

04:14 Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder 09:25 Exploring narcissism: Definitions and types 13:29 Vulnerable vs. grandiose narcissism 18:56 The Role of Trauma in Personality Disorders 22:25 Parenting styles and their impact on narcissism 27:14 Identifying narcissism in relationships 33:34 Treatment approaches for Borderline Personality Disorder 36:45 Challenges in treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder 45:26 Navigating relationships with narcissistic individuals

About our Guest – Robert P. Drozek, LICSW

Robert P. Drozek, LICSW is the clinical director of the Mentalization-Based Treatment Clinic at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. He is a teaching associate in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, specializing in the treatment of borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He is author of the new book, Mentalization: Utilizing reflection to heal from borderline personality disorder—the first book for the general public about mentalization-based treatment.

 

Resources for Challenging Personalities: Understanding Borderline & Narcissism with Robert Drozek (307)

Download page – Free worksheets and handouts from the book

Mentalization Coach App – The first mobile app for mentalization and MBT, adapted from my new book

Mentalization-based Treatment for Pathological Narcissism – Handbook

Mentalization-based Treatment for Personality Disorders– A practical guide

Cambridge Guide to Mentalization-based Treatment

Anna Freud Centre – The worldwide training hub for mentalization-based treatment (MBT)

NPD Basic – A free guide to narcissistic personality disorder

MBT Boston – An organization that Robert co-founded that offers traini