The Covert Narcissistic Mother – When Love Feels Wrong
A depth psychological look at emotional entanglement, guilt, and silent manipulation - Prof. Ashok Riehm
"I only want what's best for you" – but why doesn't it feel like love?
In this video, I explore the dynamics of the covert narcissistic mother: a mother figure who appears caring, selfless, and helpful on the outside – yet leaves her child with deep feelings of guilt, identity doubts, and emotional dependence.
🔎 You will learn:
What distinguishes covert narcissism from overt narcissism
How covert blame and emotional control work
What roles children take on – from the well-behaved child to the mannequin
Why many affected people only understand late in life what has happened to them
What steps help to free oneself internally and regain one's self
📌 Based on real case studies, psychodynamic interpretations, and insights from transactional analysis, this video shows ways out of the invisible prison of parental over-shaping.
Chapter Overview
Introduction – When Motherly Love Feels Wrong
What is covert narcissism? – The Silent Face of Self-Centeredness
Typical Characteristics of Narcissistic Mothers Hidden
Psychodynamic Background – Why Your Mother Needs You, Not Loves You
Behavioral Patterns in Everyday Life – Guilt, Control, and Emotional Devaluation
Childhood Roles – From Good Child to Mannequin
Why Pain Often Only Becomes Conscious Late
How You Can Free Yourself Internally – Steps to Healing and Setting Boundaries
Case Study: Lara – "I Could Never Be Really Happy"
Conclusion – You Are Free to Choose Yourself
💬 If you recognize some of this or have felt "something is wrong with me" for years – then this video can provide some initial clarification.
🔔 Feel free to subscribe to my channel if you would like to learn more about psychological dynamics in families, relationships, and healing processes.
Selected Literature:
Arntz, A., & Jacob, G. (2012). Schema Therapy in Practice: An Introductory Guide to the Schema Mode Approach. Wiley Blackwell.
Banschick, M. (2007). The Intelligent Divorce: Taking Care of Yourself. iUniverse.
Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. Basic Books.
Bradshaw, J. (1990). Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child. Bantam Books.
Brown, L.B. (2008). Children of the Self-Absorbed: A Grown-Up's Guide to Getting Over Narcissistic Parents. New Harbinger.
Crittenden, P.M. (2006). A Dynamic–Maturational Model of Attachment. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 27(2), 105-115.
Gerhardt, S. (2004). Why Love Matters: How Affection Shapes a Baby’s Brain. Brunner Routledge.
Golomb, E. (1992). Trapped in the Mirror: Adult Children of Narcissists in Their Struggle for Self. Morrow.
Greenberg, L. S., & Paivio, S. C. (1997). Working with Emotions in Psychotherapy. Guilford Press.
Imbesi, L. (2021). The Covert Narcissist: Recognizing the Traits and Healing from Emotional Abuse. Independently published.
Kernberg, O.F. (1975). Borderline Conditions and Pathological Narcissism. Jason Aronson.
Kohut, H. (1971). The Analysis of the Self: A Systematic Approach to the Psychoanalytic Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorders. International Universities Press.
Linehan, M.M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Guilford Press.
Miller, A. (1979). The Drama of the Gifted Child: And the Search for the True Self. Suhrkamp.
(English edition: The Drama of the Gifted Child)
Stein, J. (2013). Abusive Parents: The Micromanaging Narcissist. Psychology Today (online).
Streeck-Fischer, A. (2014). Psychodynamic Psychotherapy of Children and Adolescents. Schattauer.
Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2003). Schema Therapy: A Practitioner's Guide. Guilford Press.
The Covert Narcissistic Mother – When Love Feels Wrong
A depth psychological look at emotional entanglement, guilt, and silent manipulation - Prof. Ashok Riehm
"I only want what's best for you" – but why doesn't it feel like love?
In this video, I explore the dynamics of the covert narcissistic mother: a mother figure who appears caring, selfless, and helpful on the outside – yet leaves her child with deep feelings of guilt, identity doubts, and emotional dependence.
🔎 You will learn:
What distinguishes covert narcissism from overt narcissism
How covert blame and emotional control work
What roles children take on – from the well-behaved child to the mannequin
Why many affected people only understand late in life what has happened to them
What steps help to free oneself internally and regain one's self
📌 Based on real case studies, psychodynamic interpretations, and insights from transactional analysis, this video shows ways out of the invisible prison of parental over-shaping.
Chapter Overview
Introduction – When Motherly Love Feels Wrong
What is covert narcissism? – The Silent Face of Self-Centeredness
Typical Characteristics of Narcissistic Mothers Hidden
Psychodynamic Background – Why Your Mother Needs You, Not Loves You
Behavioral Patterns in Everyday Life – Guilt, Control, and Emotional Devaluation
Childhood Roles – From Good Child to Mannequin
Why Pain Often Only Becomes Conscious Late
How You Can Free Yourself Internally – Steps to Healing and Setting Boundaries
Case Study: Lara – "I Could Never Be Really Happy"
Conclusion – You Are Free to Choose Yourself
💬 If you recognize some of this or have felt "something is wrong with me" for years – then this video can provide some initial clarification.
🔔 Feel free to subscribe to my channel if you would like to learn more about psychological dynamics in families, relationships, and healing processes.
Selected Literature:
Arntz, A., & Jacob, G. (2012). Schema Therapy in Practice: An Introductory Guide to the Schema Mode Approach. Wiley Blackwell.
Banschick, M. (2007). The Intelligent Divorce: Taking Care of Yourself. iUniverse.
Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. Basic Books.
Bradshaw, J. (1990). Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child. Bantam Books.
Brown, L.B. (2008). Children of the Self-Absorbed: A Grown-Up's Guide to Getting Over Narcissistic Parents. New Harbinger.
Crittenden, P.M. (2006). A Dynamic–Maturational Model of Attachment. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 27(2), 105-115.
Gerhardt, S. (2004). Why Love Matters: How Affection Shapes a Baby’s Brain. Brunner Routledge.
Golomb, E. (1992). Trapped in the Mirror: Adult Children of Narcissists in Their Struggle for Self. Morrow.
Greenberg, L. S., & Paivio, S. C. (1997). Working with Emotions in Psychotherapy. Guilford Press.
Imbesi, L. (2021). The Covert Narcissist: Recognizing the Traits and Healing from Emotional Abuse. Independently published.
Kernberg, O.F. (1975). Borderline Conditions and Pathological Narcissism. Jason Aronson.
Kohut, H. (1971). The Analysis of the Self: A Systematic Approach to the Psychoanalytic Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorders. International Universities Press.
Linehan, M.M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Guilford Press.
Miller, A. (1979). The Drama of the Gifted Child: And the Search for the True Self. Suhrkamp.
(English edition: The Drama of the Gifted Child)
Stein, J. (2013). Abusive Parents: The Micromanaging Narcissist. Psychology Today (online).
Streeck-Fischer, A. (2014). Psychodynamic Psychotherapy of Children and Adolescents. Schattauer.
Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2003). Schema Therapy: A Practitioner's Guide. Guilford Press.