Psychoanalysis & You

What’s the difference between healthy confidence and pathological narcissism? Dr. Gail Saltz is joined by psychoanalyst Diana Diamond to break down how narcissism functions on a spectrum. From everyday self-esteem to more severe forms that disrupt relationships and identity.

They explore why pathological narcissism alternates between grandiosity and vulnerability, how it shows up in personal and professional life, and why it has historically been difficult to treat. Diamond also discusses a psychoanalytic treatment approach that shows promise, along with the broader cultural forces—from social media to leadership dynamics—that may be amplifying narcissistic traits today.

At its core, the conversation returns to this: lasting well-being is grounded less in status or admiration, and more in the capacity for genuine relationships.

Diana Diamond is a psychoanalytic clinician, professor, and researcher. Dr. Diamond specializes in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and supervision. In her private practice, she treats patients who are experiencing conflicts around normative life cycle transitions (e.g., puberty, marriage, parenthood) and who have difficulties with intimacy, identity formation, and goal definition. She also works with patients with severe problems in interpersonal functioning and self- and affect-regulation. She also treats couples and families. Her general therapeutic orientation is informed by contemporary psychoanalytic object relations theory, which integrates the contributions of attachment theory and cognitive neuroscience.

Janet Rotter explains social media use in children and adolescents and how to manage screen time. In this episode, we explore how to connect and engage with children and adolescents in non-digital ways.

In this episode of Psychoanalysis and You, host Dr. Gail Saltz talks with Dr. Amy Levy, clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and co-chair of APsA’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence, about how AI is reshaping mental health, relationships, and self-understanding.

Dr. Levy approaches AI as a “new other” in our psychological lives, exploring why it is so compelling and what unconscious needs it may be responding to. Drawing on psychoanalytic theory, she examines the appeal of AI relationships, the risks of emotional dependency and belief amplification, and the limits of AI in providing meaningful mental health care.

The conversation also addresses whether AI could replace therapists, how psychoanalysts can engage in public discussions about emerging technology, and what parents should consider as children grow up immersed in AI-driven environments. Together, Drs. Saltz and Levy emphasize curiosity, reflection, and the enduring importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode, we delve into the foundational principles, therapeutic techniques, and transformative impact of psychoanalysis on children and families. Whether you are a parent, mental health professional, student, or someone interested in understanding the human mind, this episode offers valuable insights and practical knowledge. Our guest, Dr. Alexander D. Kalogerakis provided a comprehensive overview of psychoanalysis, focusing on its application in child psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Dr. Kalogerakis discussed the history, core concepts, and real-world benefits of psychoanalytic therapy for children with APsA Podcast Host, Dr. Gail Saltz. Learn about the therapeutic process, the importance of early intervention, and how psychoanalysis can foster emotional growth and resilience in young people and children in Episode 18 of ‘Psychoanalysis & You.’

Psychoanalysis & You is the official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) about psychoanalysis and everyday.

In this episode of ‘Psychoanalysis and You’, Dr. Gail Saltz interviews Barbara Milrod M.D., a distinguished professor of psychiatry and director of psychotherapy research. They discuss the challenges and advancements in psychoanalytic research, including Dr. Milrod’s impactful work on psychodynamic psychotherapies. The conversation also covers the efficacy of different treatments, the importance of peer review, and the integration of neuroscience in psychoanalytic practices. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how psychoanalytic research is evolving and its relevance in today’s mental health landscape.

Our Guest - Barbara Milrod, M.D.

Barbara Milrod, M.D. is a leading psychoanalyst and psychiatrist whose pioneering work has advanced the psychoanalytic treatment of anxiety and somatic symptom disorders. She is especially known for developing and researching evidence-based psychoanalytic psychotherapies for panic disorder, agoraphobia, and conversion disorder in both adults and children. Dr. Milrod received her medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, completed psychiatric training at The Payne Whitney Clinic, and undertook advanced psychoanalytic training at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute, where she is now on faculty. She also teaches at the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.She serves on the board for the APsA Research Training Program and received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to the advancement of psychoanalysis through clinical research and teaching.

Chapters

00:47 Meet Dr. Barbara Milrod
02:54 The Importance of Research in Psychoanalysis
05:57 Challenges in Psychoanalytic Research
10:00 Efficacy of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
21:15 Combining Medication with Psychotherapy
26:56 Advice for Aspiring Researchers
40:29 Freudian Quickies: Audience Questions

Our Podcast

In this podcast, we explore the intricacies of psychoanalysis under the guidance of our host, Gail Saltz. Founded in 1911, the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) is the oldest national psychoanalytic organization in the nation. APsA is committed to being a professional membership organization for psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic psychotherapists, academics, researchers, students, and other interested people – all whose work is profoundly informed by psychoanalytic theory and values, and to supporting their education and continuing professional development.

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