Ep 06: Psychodynamic Personality Classification (As Ice Cream)
In this episode of the Personality Couch, we discuss personality flavors and typologies from a psychodynamic lens, using ice cream as our metaphor. Unique to the psychodynamic perspective is the multi-dimensional way it captures personality. We explore psychodynamic’s three personality axes throughout the episode: the severity axis (ranging from personality style to disorder level); the organizational axis (representing movement and disintegration within personality structures); and the character axis (representing distinct personality names and characteristics). We further explore psychopathic, schizoid, depressive and manic, self-defeating, borderline/cyclophrenic, and dissociative personality structures within this framework. A note to our audience: this is a complex and deep topic, and we recommend tuning in to episodes 04 and 05 first: Personality Disorders as Ice Cream Flavors and Millon’s Personality Types (as Ice Cream flavors) first before diving in. Alternatively, you can check out our blogs with visual aides here to guide you: Blog: Psychodynamic Personality Classification (As Ice Cream)
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 05: Millon's Personality Types (As Ice Cream Flavors)
In this episode, we continue discussing personality typologies, focusing on Dr. Theodore Millon’s classifications. We explore six unique types in terms of their characteristics, behaviors, and potential co-occurring disorders. Speculating on what ice cream flavor each type would be, we use creative and humorous descriptions to bring levity to an otherwise complex topic!
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 04: Personality Disorders as Ice Cream Flavors
In this episode of the Personality Couch, we discuss the different types of personality disorders and compare them to flavors of ice cream. We explore the personality disorders that are always in season and the ones that come and go depending on cultural and social factors. We will highlight the ingredients that make up each disorder and how they manifest in individuals. Personality disorders are presented in three clusters: Cluster A (odd or eccentric), Cluster B (dramatic or erratic), and Cluster C (anxious or fearful) with descriptions and examples of each disorder within these clusters. If you want to jump to a specific cluster, please use one of the timestamps/chapters below.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 03: How to Spot a Personality Disorder
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we discuss how to spot a personality disorder. We explore the definition of a personality disorder according to the DSM, which includes enduring patterns of behavior that deviate from cultural expectations and cause distress or impairment. We also introduce the concept of the drama triangle, where individuals can take on different roles such as rescuer, perpetrator, or victim. We discuss how to spot personality disorders through observations of thinking patterns, moods, relationships, and impulsivity. We emphasize the importance of trusting your intuition and paying attention to your body’s reactions when interacting with someone who may have a personality disorder.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 02: What is Personality
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we discuss the concept of personality, its classifications, and its impact on behavior and relationships. We explore various historical classifications of personality, including the four temperaments from ancient Greece and the Enneagram. We also touch on modern classifications such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Big Five personality traits. We emphasize the importance of understanding personality disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the topic of personality.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 01: Introduction to the Hosts: Our Personality Journeys
In this episode, we (Doc Bok and Doc Fish) introduce ourselves and share our personality journeys and career paths! Doc Bok talks about her windy journey to personality, which includes deciding between her doctorate or a career in the FBI. Doc Fish shares about her linear journey to personality and psychology starting in childhood and her intrigue into psychodynamic work with clients. We both discuss why personality is so important, as well as different modalities and approaches to understanding personality, all the while emphasizing the complexity and nuances involved. We express our curiosity and desire to understand people, sharing a mutual passion for the detective work needed to solve the most challenging personality puzzles!
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Welcome to the Personality Couch!
We all encounter personality conflict on a regular basis, whether we know it or not. From funky, can’t-quite-put-my-finger-on-it dynamics with that one friend or family member, to the big blowup drama at work with the last person you’d expect, it all comes down to personality.
Doc Bok