Darren F Magee

The reasons behind and impact of infantilising and coddling adults

Narcissistic people often manipulate and control the meaning and use of words and language in order to control and dominate others. By leveraging linguistic ambiguity, non sensical gobbeldygook, word salad, technical jargon and emotive arguments they gain and maintain control over narratives, other people and situations. By using various linguistic tactics they manipulate perceptions and behaviours to serve their own interests, and avoid facing consequences for their actions. This video outlines some of the common tactics used and gives examples of how they gaslight others.

Narcissistic people tend to have a need for control and domination over others and over situations. One of the ways they gain, and maintain control is through a form of manipulation known as problematising. This involves making everything an issue to cause confusion, to grind down, to divide and conquer They actively look for or create problems and difficulties in order to cause chaos and disharmony, to sow seeds of doubt and uncertainty. This video looks at how narcissistic people, and those with traits found on the Dark Tetrad exploit difficulties and issues in order to control.

"Group harassment" and "mobbing" are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can have nuanced differences in both connotation and application. This video outlines the similarities and differences in both, looks at the motivations behind the behaviour such as 'group think', and personality types behind the behaviour, such as those with dark personality traits. It also looks at the 'narcissism of small differences', which is when members of the same group begin to turn against each other. And lastly, looking at the impact mobbing and group harassment can have on those targeted.

Although Carl Jung didn't use the term explicitly, the term ' Devouring Mother' is often discussed in the context of psychoanalysis and Jungian psychology. It can be related to his broader ideas about archetypes and the collective unconscious. It is a parent who can be dysfunctional, possessive, detached from reality, self absorbed, and exerts control over their children just to meet their own needs. While it is traditionally associated with mothers, fathers or other caregivers can exhibit similar behaviours. They consume their children emotionally and psychologically. Instilling helplessness, guilt, fear, shame, and often robbing them of their own identity. Stifling their growth as individuals.

Abuse can take place in different ways such as emotional, psychological, physical, financial and so on. Abuse by proxy, also known as proxy abuse or triangulation, refers to a form of emotional or psychological abuse in which an individual manipulates or uses others to carry out abusive behavior, often involving a third party as a means of controlling, intimidating, or manipulating a victim. In this type of abuse, the abuser uses intermediaries to inflict harm or control over the victim indirectly. Different types of abuse by proxy include mobbing, gossiping, ostracising and stalking and is carried out by others, commonly referred to as 'flying monkeys'. The abuse can take place in communities, workplaces, families, even on social media.

Malingering is neither a medical or psychological condition, nor is it a symptom of a condition. It is a behaviour aimed at manipulating others. It is the intentional exaggeration of, or pretending to have physical or psychological symptoms for a specific purpose or gain. This video looks at the different kinds of malingering, how it differs from factitious disorder, the motivations behind it and the impact it can have on those who genuinely suffer and struggle. #malingering #manipulation #mentalhealth

Narcissistic people are particularly sensitive to threats to their self-esteem, sense of superiority and entitlement and can react with vindictiveness when they perceive such threats. Because they lack both empathy and humility a threat could be a disgreement, a different perspective, even someone’s boundaries. This video outlines some of the common reasons behind their vindictive nature and gives some examples of how their vindictiveness can manifest in their different relationships and interactions.

This video was originally recorded in 2021 answering the question "Is Cancel Culture really just vindictive narcissism?", In the video I look at the different personality types behind the behaviour.

What is a cult and what are the telltale characteristics that set cults apart from mainstream groups? From charismatic leaders to mind-bending manipulation tactics, this video looks at some common indicators and explores how they recruit others. Understanding the Pull: What makes someone willingly step into the realm of a cult? Exploring the complex web of emotional vulnerabilities, the search for belonging, and the yearning for meaning that often entices individuals to trade their autonomy for a sense of purpose.

Being authentic doesn't mean being perfect; it means being true to who you are and striving to live in a way that aligns with your core values and beliefs. Authenticity is often valued in personal relationships, leadership, and various aspects of life because it fosters trust, genuine connections, and a sense of being real in a world that can sometimes feel artificial or superficial. An authentic person is someone who is true to themselves and their values. Authenticity is about being genuine, honest, and transparent in your thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. #authentic #authenticity #mentalhealth

If you've ever encountered a narcissist in your personal or professional life, you know just how bewildering and emotionally draining their manipulative tactics can be. This video outlines five of the most common mind games they play to emotionally manipulate, control and evade responsibility. Mind games such as deflection, a 'toxic' amnesia, playing on people's fear of public opinion, mind reading and pretending not to understand. #narcissisticabuseawareness #narcissistrelationship #mentalhealth

Narcissistic people are particularly sensitive to threats to their self-esteem, sense of superiority and entitlement and can react with vindictiveness when they perceive such threats. Because they lack both empathy and humility a threat could be a disgreement, a different perspective, even someone’s boundaries. This video outlines some of the common reasons behind their vindictive nature and gives some examples of how their vindictiveness can manifest in their different relationships and interactions. #narcissisticabuseawareness #vindictivenarcissist #mentalhealth

In this live stream I'll be answering questions live from viewers. If you have any questions ready please ask them in the description of this video or on the community tab (better chance I'll get to see them). Please remember to try to keep questions general as I cannot answer questions about real people or specific situations. Nor am I able to give specific advice. Many thanks and hope to see you there. #mentalhealth #counselling

For some, going no contact with someone who has hurt and abused them isn't always an easy choice. There can also be consequences to keeping contact as well consequences to cutting ties altogether. This live stream looks at the pros and cons of both to help navigate difficult choices.

Narcissistic people often assign roles to people in their lives as a means of fulfilling their own emotional needs and maintaining control over their relationships. This includes in their own families. These roles, which include the Golden Child, the Scapegoat, and the Enabler and Hero Child can undergo transformation over time due to various factors such as personal growth, changing family dynamics, and external influences 00:00 Intro 00:33 Family Roles 03:27 Purpose of Roles 05:13 Shifting Roles 08:24 Conclusion #narcissisticfamily #narcissisticparent #mentalhealth

The jealousy displayed by narcissistic people is often rooted in their need for validation, fear of losing their perceived superiority, and an inability to empathise with others. This video looks at the world of narcissism to uncover the roots of their intense envy and jealousy. From their fragile self-esteem to their insatiable need for admiration and the factors that contribute to their jealous and envious nature. Looking also at how these emotions manifest in their relationships and interactions with others at work, with friends and partners and on social media. #narcissistrelationship #narcissism #mentalhealth

We all have inner strengths and resources we sometimes don't recognise in ourselves. In this livestream I look at ways to help identify and build on them to help improve confidence and resilience for personal growth. #mentalhealth #resilience #selfconfidence

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon first proposed by Leon festinger. It occurs when individuals hold conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviours, leading to feelings of discomfort and internal conflict. This video looks at some ways to help identify and address it. #cognitivedissonance #mentalhealth

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when individuals hold conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviours, leading to feelings of discomfort and internal conflict. First proposed by Leon Festinger in 1957, cognitive dissonance theory has since become a significant aspect of social psychology, shedding light on how people cope with inconsistencies in their thoughts and actions. Victims of abusive relationships often experience cognitive dissonance due to the conflicting beliefs and emotions they encounter within the context of the abusive dynamic. #cognitivedissonance #mentalhealth

Empathy is not just understanding and being able to resonate with how others feel. There are different kinds of empathy, from cognitive, effective, compassionate, somatic and dark empathy. As much as empathy is an important aspect of emotional intelligence, it can also be exploited by others - so also looking at how empathy with boundaries can be a powerful self defence mechanism. Looking also at the 'super empath' #empathy #superempath #boundaries