The Self-Love Recovery Podcast

Covert narcissists take full advantage of the winter holidays, especially Christmas. They get to show off while exploiting others. Patreon Exclusive Content: for exclusive content, insights, and services, consider subscribing to Ross Rosenberg's/Self-Love Recovery Institute's new Patreon Subscription Program: https://www.patreon.com/RossRosenbergSLRIABOUT ROSS ROSENBERG Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC, is a psychotherapist, educator, expert witness, and celebrated author. He is also a global thought leader and clinical expert in codependency, trauma, pathological narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and addictions.Ross's pioneering contributions to codependency have provided sweeping theoretical and practical updates and developed a treatment program that permanently resolves the issue. Ross has been featured on national TV and radio and is a regular radio and podcast guest. In addition, he has traveled the world, giving his one-of-a-kind keynote presentations and educational workshops. His global impact is best illustrated by his YouTube channel, with 30 million views and 297,000 subscribers, and the sale of 190,000 Human Magnet Syndrome books published in 12 languages. In 2013, Ross created The Self-Love Recovery Institute, a hub for his personal development, workshops, professional training, retreats, other programs, and services.Learn more at www.SelfLoveRecovery.com. Facebook.com/TheCodependencyCure) Instagram (@rossrosenberg_slri) Twitter (@RossRosenberg1) and now…TikTok! (@RossRosenberg1)Support the showABOUT ROSS ROSENBERG Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC, is a psychotherapist, educator, expert witness, and celebrated author. He is also a global thought leader and clinical expert in codependency, trauma, pathological narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and addictions.Ross's pioneering contributions to codependency have provided sweeping theoretical and practical updates and developed a treatment program that permanently resolves the issue. Ross has been featured on national TV and radio and is a regular radio and podcast guest. In addition, he has traveled the world, giving his one-of-a-kind keynote presentations and educational workshops. His global impact is best illustrated by his YouTube channel, with 30 million views and 297,000 subscribers, and the sale of 190,000 Human Magnet Syndrome books published in 12 languages. In 2013, Ross created The Self-Love Recovery Institute, a hub for his personal development, workshops, professional training, retreats, other programs, and services.Learn more at www.SelfLoveRecovery.com. Facebook.com/TheCodependencyCure) Instagram (@rossrosenberg_slri) Twitter (@RossRosenberg1) and now…TikTok! (@RossRosenberg1)

Interviewed by John Cooper for his Podcast. This interview focuses on Ross Rosenberg’s theories about toxic relationship patterns, particularly the Human Magnet Syndrome and Self‑Love Deficit Disorder (SLDD), formerly known as codependency. Rosenberg explains how people with unmet attachment needs and low self‑love are unconsciously drawn to pathological narcissists through intense chemistry, familiarity, and trauma bonding rooted in childhood attachment trauma. The discussion explores how narcissists and self‑love‑deficient individuals often come from the same dysfunctional family systems but adapt differently, and why these relationships feel euphoric at first.The conversation also examines how concepts such as trauma bonding, limerence, and relationship addiction are frequently misunderstood, why narcissism is difficult to treat in therapy, and challenges myths like “idealize–devalue–discard.” It differentiates types of narcissism and emphasizes that healing begins with accurately understanding these dynamics and rebuilding self‑love in order to break repetitive, painful relationship cycles.Support the showABOUT ROSS ROSENBERG Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC, is a psychotherapist, educator, expert witness, and celebrated author. He is also a global thought leader and clinical expert in codependency, trauma, pathological narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and addictions.Ross's pioneering contributions to codependency have provided sweeping theoretical and practical updates and developed a treatment program that permanently resolves the issue. Ross has been featured on national TV and radio and is a regular radio and podcast guest. In addition, he has traveled the world, giving his one-of-a-kind keynote presentations and educational workshops. His global impact is best illustrated by his YouTube channel, with 30 million views and 297,000 subscribers, and the sale of 190,000 Human Magnet Syndrome books published in 12 languages. In 2013, Ross created The Self-Love Recovery Institute, a hub for his personal development, workshops, professional training, retreats, other programs, and services.Learn more at www.SelfLoveRecovery.com. Facebook.com/TheCodependencyCure) Instagram (@rossrosenberg_slri) Twitter (@RossRosenberg1) and now…TikTok! (@RossRosenberg1)

In this crucial follow-up to his viral video with 3.8 million views, psychotherapist and author Ross Rosenberg delivers a vital warning: never try to unmask or expose a covert narcissist.He explains that because covert narcissists possess strong sociopathic traits, they experience exposure as an existential threat—equivalent to "murder" in their psyche—and their only response will be to utterly destroy you through smear campaigns, triangulation, and ruthless retaliation. Drawing from his own painful mistakes and professional experience, Rosenberg reveals why direct confrontation activates "false power syndrome" and guarantees your defeat. Instead, he provides the true path to victory and self-preservation: disengage without explanation, leave their mask intact, and run quietly. Learn why walking away is the ultimate act of strength and self-love when dealing with this dangerous personality type. If you're trying to escape a toxic relationship, this advice is not just helpful—it's essential for your safety and recovery.Support the showABOUT ROSS ROSENBERG Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC, is a psychotherapist, educator, expert witness, and celebrated author. He is also a global thought leader and clinical expert in codependency, trauma, pathological narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and addictions.Ross's pioneering contributions to codependency have provided sweeping theoretical and practical updates and developed a treatment program that permanently resolves the issue. Ross has been featured on national TV and radio and is a regular radio and podcast guest. In addition, he has traveled the world, giving his one-of-a-kind keynote presentations and educational workshops. His global impact is best illustrated by his YouTube channel, with 30 million views and 297,000 subscribers, and the sale of 190,000 Human Magnet Syndrome books published in 12 languages. In 2013, Ross created The Self-Love Recovery Institute, a hub for his personal development, workshops, professional training, retreats, other programs, and services.Learn more at www.SelfLoveRecovery.com. Facebook.com/TheCodependencyCure) Instagram (@rossrosenberg_slri) Twitter (@RossRosenberg1) and now…TikTok! (@RossRosenberg1)

In this video, Ross Rosenberg explains how an article on the “Happiness Paradox” completely changed his understanding of happiness by revealing that chasing it actually destroys it. He describes how true happiness arises naturally when we’re present, emotionally aligned, and engaged in life—not when we try to force it as a goal. Rosenberg connects this to self‑love deficit disorder (SLDD), noting that many codependents mistake the absence of pain or the approval of narcissistic partners for happiness, leaving them stuck in a cycle of chasing emotional “mirages.” He emphasizes that real happiness comes from healing, building self‑love, and creating a life rooted in peace and authenticity. Instead of chasing “butterflies,” he urges viewers to “mend their garden”—to care for themselves and their emotional world—so joy can appear on its own.Support the showABOUT ROSS ROSENBERG Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC, is a psychotherapist, educator, expert witness, and celebrated author. He is also a global thought leader and clinical expert in codependency, trauma, pathological narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and addictions.Ross's pioneering contributions to codependency have provided sweeping theoretical and practical updates and developed a treatment program that permanently resolves the issue. Ross has been featured on national TV and radio and is a regular radio and podcast guest. In addition, he has traveled the world, giving his one-of-a-kind keynote presentations and educational workshops. His global impact is best illustrated by his YouTube channel, with 30 million views and 297,000 subscribers, and the sale of 190,000 Human Magnet Syndrome books published in 12 languages. In 2013, Ross created The Self-Love Recovery Institute, a hub for his personal development, workshops, professional training, retreats, other programs, and services.Learn more at www.SelfLoveRecovery.com. Facebook.com/TheCodependencyCure) Instagram (@rossrosenberg_slri) Twitter (@RossRosenberg1) and now…TikTok! (@RossRosenberg1)

Ross Rosenberg’s video delves into the roots and reality of Self-Love Deficit Disorder (SLDD)—a trauma-based condition stemming from early childhood experiences with narcissistic and codependent parents. He explains how these formative wounds create “core shame” and “pathological loneliness,” driving people into unhealthy, addictive relationships in a desperate attempt to soothe their sense of unlovability. Through his SLDD framework, Rosenberg highlights the emotional pain that fuels codependency and the false perception that external validation or relationships can fix inner emptiness.In the video, Rosenberg challenges viewers who believe they are healing from codependency to confront denial and self-deception. He argues that true recovery requires facing deeply buried shame and loneliness rather than avoiding them through therapy, spiritual practices, or intellectual insight alone. Drawing on decades of experience, he presents his Self-Love Recovery Program as a structured path to genuine healing—one that dismantles denial, breaks addictive patterns, and nurtures authentic self-love. His message closes with encouragement to face emotional truth courageously, emphasizing that lasting freedom and connection begin with honest self-awareness.Support the showABOUT ROSS ROSENBERG Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC, is a psychotherapist, educator, expert witness, and celebrated author. He is also a global thought leader and clinical expert in codependency, trauma, pathological narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and addictions.Ross's pioneering contributions to codependency have provided sweeping theoretical and practical updates and developed a treatment program that permanently resolves the issue. Ross has been featured on national TV and radio and is a regular radio and podcast guest. In addition, he has traveled the world, giving his one-of-a-kind keynote presentations and educational workshops. His global impact is best illustrated by his YouTube channel, with 30 million views and 297,000 subscribers, and the sale of 190,000 Human Magnet Syndrome books published in 12 languages. In 2013, Ross created The Self-Love Recovery Institute, a hub for his personal development, workshops, professional training, retreats, other programs, and services.Learn more at www.SelfLoveRecovery.com. Facebook.com/TheCodependencyCure) Instagram (@rossrosenberg_slri) Twitter (@RossRosenberg1) and now…TikTok! (@RossRosenberg1)