Is It Love—or Emotional Control?

In this episode, we dive into the emotional power struggles that define vulnerable narcissism, particularly within parent-child relationships. We unpack how covert control, dependency, and cycles of shame quietly shape toxic dynamics—and how these patterns are often misread as love or concern.  If you’ve ever felt trapped in a relationship that looks caring but feels suffocating, this conversation offers a path toward clarity. 

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Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.