Volcano or Carbon Monoxide? Why Covert Narcissists Can Be More Dangerous Than Overt Ones
In this episode of The Path to Peace Therapy Podcast, Stephanie Buckley AMFT Solution-Focused Therapist, parenting strategist, and mom to a now-thriving 22 yea old neurodivergent son and married for over 3 decadesdives into one of the most destabilizing dynamics in relationships: overt narcissists versus covert narcissists.
Overt narcissists are the volcanoes: loud, explosive, and impossible to miss. Covert narcissists are the carbon monoxide: subtle, invisible, and just as dangerous. But the deepest danger comes when someone flips between the two, creating what Stephanie calls narcissistic whiplash. One moment you are defending against arrogance and rage. Minutes later, you are consoling fragile victimhood. That constant shifting fractures family trust, destabilizes the nervous system, and leaves partners and children questioning their own perception.
In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the Top Ten ways covert narcissists can be more dangerous than overt narcissists, with real-world examples, psychological explanations, and insight into why they switch between the two.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
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How overt and covert narcissists differ in presentation
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Why covert narcissists are harder to detect and more destabilizing
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The mechanics of narcissistic whiplash and why it keeps families off balance
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Why narcissists shape-shift between arrogance and fragility
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How these patterns fracture attachment and impact family systems
Want to go deeper?
Over on Patreon.com/ThePathToPeaceTherapyPodcast, I share extended deep dives on subjects that are too layered or sensitive to fully cover here on the main feed. If you’d like more, head over there for bonus content and tools.
Resources & Links:
Parenting Strategist & Family Systems Coach
Parenting Strategist & Family Systems Coach
Creator of The Path to Peace Therapy Podcast
Website: ThePathToPeaceTherapy.com
Podcast: The Path to Peace Therapy Podcast (Apple & Spotify)
Instagram: @ThePathToPeaceTherapy
Pinterest: ThePathToPeaceTherapy22
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