You ever meet someone and just instantly dislike them? Like, they haven’t done anything particularly bad, but something about them just gets under your skin? Or maybe the opposite—you meet someone and immediately put them on a pedestal, convinced they’re perfect, enlightened, untouchable? Well, congratulations. You just met your shadow.

The show Severance and movie The Substance demonstrates the consequences of living with a fragmented self. In Part III we dive deeper and explore narcissism.

The show Severance and movie The Substance demonstrates the consequences of living with a fragmented self. In Part II we dive deeper and explore self-hatred and perfectionism.

The show Severance and movie The Substance demonstrates the consequences of living with a fragmented self.

How do feeling-toned complexes deepen therapy? These clusters of emotions, memories, and beliefs may have been marinating in your unconscious mind and driving the show.

Have you ever felt like you were shouting into the void, speaking truth to power only to be met with blank stares, defensiveness, or outright dismissal? Welcome to the Cassandra complex.

Have you’ve ever found yourself wondering what “mental health” actually looks like?

Let’s talk about narcissism. It’s one of those words that gets thrown around so much it’s basically lost all meaning. “He’s such a narcissist,” “My ex? Total narcissist,” “Ugh, stop taking selfies, you narcissist.” It’s become the go-to insult for anyone who’s a little too into themselves—or, honestly, anyone we don’t like.

Let’s talk about codependency. It’s one of those therapy buzzwords that gets thrown around a lot—on social media, in friend group chats, maybe even in your late-night spiral down Google’s rabbit hole. But what does it really mean? And how is it different from just being in a close relationship? Let’s break it down.

Are you thriving (or at least trying your best), but also carrying this gnawing guilt for walking away from the chaos of your family? Let’s talk about it—because survivor’s guilt is real, and if you’re breaking intergenerational trauma cycles, you’re likely no stranger to it.