Ep. 21 – Pathological Narcissism with Diana Diamond
What’s the difference between healthy confidence and pathological narcissism? Dr. Gail Saltz is joined by psychoanalyst Diana Diamond to break down how narcissism functions on a spectrum. From everyday self-esteem to more severe forms that disrupt relationships and identity.
They explore why pathological narcissism alternates between grandiosity and vulnerability, how it shows up in personal and professional life, and why it has historically been difficult to treat. Diamond also discusses a psychoanalytic treatment approach that shows promise, along with the broader cultural forces—from social media to leadership dynamics—that may be amplifying narcissistic traits today.
At its core, the conversation returns to this: lasting well-being is grounded less in status or admiration, and more in the capacity for genuine relationships.
Our Guest
Diana Diamond is a psychoanalytic clinician, professor, and researcher. Dr. Diamond specializes in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and supervision. In her private practice, she treats patients who are experiencing conflicts around normative life cycle transitions (e.g., puberty, marriage, parenthood) and who have difficulties with intimacy, identity formation, and goal definition. She also works with patients with severe problems in interpersonal functioning and self- and affect-regulation. She also treats couples and families. Her general therapeutic orientation is informed by contemporary psychoanalytic object relations theory, which integrates the contributions of attachment theory and cognitive neuroscience.
Our Host
Dr. Gail Saltz is best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional wellbeing, and mental health contributor in the media where she is a go-to expert for commentary on the mental health aspects of current/breaking issues and news. She is a bestselling author of numerous books. She serves on the public information committee for the American Psychoanalytic Association and for The Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry.
The Official APsA Podcast
‘Psychoanalysis & You‘ is the official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) where each episode features engaging discussions on key psychoanalytic concepts, such as transference, defense mechanisms, and the role of the unconscious in everyday life. We explore the intricacies of psychoanalysis under the guidance of our host, Gail Saltz. Founded in 1911, the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) is the oldest national psychoanalytic organization in the nation.
APsA is committed to being a professional membership organization for psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic psychotherapists, academics, researchers, students, and other interested people – all whose work is profoundly informed by psychoanalytic theory and values, and to supporting their education and continuing professional development.
What to Expect
Each episode features engaging discussions on key psychoanalytic concepts, such as transference, defense mechanisms, and the role of the unconscious in everyday life. Whether you’re a psychology student, a mental health professional, or simply curious about your own psyche, our content is designed to enlighten and inspire. Our episodes are published monthly and we welcome any feedback, suggestions, or guest invitations. Explore more episodes here
