The Self-Love Recovery Podcast

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 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 throu...

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 ...

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 framewo...

For decades, the word codependency shaped how we understood toxic relationship cycles — but it was never quite enough. In this video, Ross Rosenberg explains why he redefined the concept as Self-Love Deficit Disorder (SLDD), a trauma-based framework that better explains the root causes of codependency and why recovery often fails without addressing them.

Ross takes you back to his early years as a psychotherapist, how The ...

In this podcast, psychotherapist Ross Rosenberg addresses the challenge of making friends after age 40, especially following a divorce or major life change. He explains that while it can be difficult, it is entirely possible by focusing on key mental and social strategies. The most critical factor is cultivating a positive, self-loving mindset, as anxiety and negativity can become self-fulfilling prophecies. 

Rosenberg pro...

Do you have a "graveyard of broken relationships" because you confront people who hurt you? In this video, Ross Rosenberg introduces the latest addition to his list of codependency personality types: the Abandonment-Sensitive Codependent (or Self-Love Deficient individual). These individuals are highly reactive to perceived abandonment, often confronting the pathological narcissists they are magnetically attracted to, whi...

Narcissism and codependency don’t just appear out of nowhere — they are passed down through families, generation after generation. In this video, Ross Rosenberg explains why children of narcissistic parents often grow up to become either codependent or narcissistic themselves, and how the cycle of trauma and attachment wounds continues unless it is broken.

You’ll learn how conditional love, neglect, or emotional abuse shap...

Narcissists use chronic devaluation, criticism, and gaslighting to crush self-esteem and keep their partners feeling powerless. In this video, Ross Rosenberg explains why defending yourself while staying in the relationship rarely works and why rebuilding self-worth starts with choosing self-love. Learn how to break free from narcissistic abuse, overcome core shame, and take the first steps toward healing.

If you’re ready ...

What happens when one of your parents is a covert narcissist? Behind their mask of charm and respectability lies a devastating truth that can destroy a child’s sense of self. In this video, Ross Rosenberg explains the unique dangers of covert narcissist parents, why they’re so hard to expose, and how their manipulation can leave lasting scars. These experiences often leave children questioning their reality and struggling with deep...

Ross Rosenberg gives a mini movie review, but focuses on the concept of the complete loss of one's identity as it melds into that of the pathological narcissist. 

Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie abandon their old lives and move to the countryside, hoping to escape their problems. But when all you have left is each other, love can turn into something monstrous. After tensions between them reach a breaking...

In this powerful reunion, Ross Rosenberg sits down once again with life coach and author Rick Belden to revisit the profound topic of the mother wound. Their last discussion on this subject reached over 400,000 views, and for good reason — it's a topic that resonates deeply with so many. This time, they go even deeper, exploring how early relational injuries with a mother — whether due to neglect, enmeshment, or emotional abse...

In this episode, Ross Rosenberg breaks down one of the most emotionally disorienting and dangerous tactics used by narcissists: the Humanization Technique. This subtle yet deeply manipulative behavior emerges when a narcissist feels they're about to lose control — suddenly becoming vulnerable, tearful, or apologetic in ways that evoke intense sympathy from their codependent partner. But is it real… or a trap?

Ross sha...

In this episode, Ross Rosenberg breaks down the complex and often misunderstood concept of trauma bonding — the deep emotional ties that form between codependents (or those with Self-Love Deficit Disorder™) and pathological narcissists. Drawing from his Human Magnet Syndrome framework, Ross explains how early attachment trauma shapes our adult relationship patterns, why we stay in harmful relationships, and how trauma creates a pow...

Ross Rosenberg explains how pathological narcissism infects USA politics. 

NOW AVAILABLE: THE HUMAN MAGNET SYNDROME WORKBOOK. https://bit.ly/HMS_Workbook

Consider subscribing to Ross Rosenberg's/Self-Love Recovery Institute's new Patreon Subscription, where you can access exclusive content, insights, and services. https://www.patreon.com/RossRosenbergSLRIatreon 

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ABOUT ROSS ROSENBERG
R...

In this episode I explain the term cognitive dissonance, and how it can be someone's friend, especially is they are suffering from codependency or what I call self-love deficit disorder.  The basic definition: it is the uncomfortable mental feeling you get when your thoughts, beliefs, or actions don't match. Your brain doesn’t like contradictions, so it tries to resolve the tension. For example, if you believe eating heal...

Ross Rosenberg created the metaphor of “The Surgeon General’s Warning” to prepare and protect individuals struggling with Self-Love Deficit Disorder (SLDD)—also known as codependency—for the emotional costs of their healing journey. Much like the health warnings on cigarette packaging that alert users to the dangers of smoking, Rosenberg’s metaphor serves as a cautionary message to those embarking on Self-Love Recovery: profound an...

In this eye-opening episode, Ross Rosenberg introduces his groundbreaking Human Magnet Syndrome Workbook and unveils his powerful "Alpha Narcissist Theory."

Drawing from decades of clinical experience and deep psychological insight, Rosenberg explores the rarely discussed dynamic that occurs when two narcissists enter a relationship—a battle of control, manipulation, and dominance. He explains how, in these high-...

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ABOUT 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 p...