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. Join clinical psychologists, Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D, (“Doc Bok”) and Dr. Cheyenne Fisher, Psy.D., (“Doc Fish”) biweekly as they unpack the most complex topics like personality disorders and psychopathic behavior, while also making room for lighthearted discussions about personality typologies and humorous anecdotes from private practice. Whether you’re fascinated by personality darkness, a concerned friend or loved one, an “armchair psychologist,” or a licensed professional convinced there is something more going on with patients…. This show is for you.

Episodes

Jul 28, 2026

29 min

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder vs Schizoid Personality | Ep. 59
🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the nuanced differences and overlaps between obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) and schizoid personality disorder(SzPD). We investigate each personality’s core drives, emotional experiences, and defense mechanisms, using a psychodynamic lens to capture these very different (yet similar) personalities. 
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters00:00 Intro & Definitions        01:27 OCPD Defined        02:20 Schizoid Defined (DSM)        02:48 Schizoid Defined (Psychodynamic)03:10 OCPD vs Antisocial04:04 OCPD vs Narcissism04:52 OCPD vs Schizoid (DSM)05:40 OCPD vs Schizoid (Psychodynamic)05:54 OCPD vs Schizoid (Nancy McWilliams)        06:52 Emotionality & Flatness        07:55 Therapeutic Approach09:52 Differing Inner Needs (PDM)        10:06 OCPD Child: Orderly, Aggressive, Irritable        10:25 Schizoid Child: Sensitive, Shy, Overstimulated        11:02 Emotions in OCPD: Anger, Guilt, Anxiety, Shame, Fear        11:32 Emotions in Schizoid: Emotional Pain, Overstimulation        12:10 Defense Mechanisms in OCPD        13:03 Defense Mechanisms in Schizoid13:57 Maladaptive Beliefs (PDM)        14:12 OCPD: Feelings Are Dangerous        14:25 Schizoid: Dependency & Love Are Dangerous        15:16 OCPD: Others Are Less Precise        16:01 Schizoid: Others Are Impinging and Dangerous16:44 Internal Conflicts (PDM)        16:51 OCPD: To Comply or Defy        17:13 Schizoid: Fearing Yet Yearning for Closeness17:29 Are Schizoids Afraid?17:45 Millon’s OC-Schizoid Mixed Subtypes        18:02 Affectless Schizoid        20:53 Parsimonious Constricted Compulsive23:23 Our Thoughts        24:10 Enneagram 5 & Schizoid        24:38 Enneagram 1 & OCPD        24:54 Enneagram 6 & OCPD        25:54 Is OCPD a Core Personality? 27:18 Problems with Therapy & Self-Discovery in OCPD28:39 Summary & Closing 
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Jul 14, 2026

33 min

The 6 Obsessive Compulsive Personality Subtypes | Ep. 58
🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the 6 subtypes of OCPD according to Dr. Theodore Millon. At the mild level, we explore the Conscientiously Reliable (Dependent Features) and the Perfectionistically Reliable, while at the Moderate level, we look at Bureaucratically Constricted (Narcissistic Features) and the Parsimoniously Constricted (Schizoid, Avoidant Features) . We conclude by discussing the more severe subtypes like Puritanical Compulsive (Paranoid Features) and the Bedeviled Compulsive (Negativistic) before sharing our thoughts and experiences in clinical practice.  
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters00:00 Intro & Definition of OCPD01:34 When Perfectionism is Valuable03:17 Compulsive Overlaps with All Personalities06:13 Intro to Millon’s Personality Theory06:27 The Mild Obsessive Compulsive Personality      07:31 Conscientiously Reliable      10:17 Perfectionistically Reliable12:12 Our Personal and Clinical Experience 14:16 Comparing & Contrasting Mild Obsessive Compulsive Subtypes15:15 The Moderate Obsessive Compulsive Personality      16:33 The Bureaucratically Constricted       19:31 Parsimoniously Constricted 21:00 Millon’s Case Named Jane22:38 The Severe Obsessive Compulsive Personality      23:15 Puritanical Compulsive      27:27 Bedeviled Compulsive31:28 Comparing & Contrasting the 3 Severity Levels32:28 Summary & Ending
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✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References)https://personalitycouch.com/blog/obsessive-compulsive-personality-subtypes/
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Jun 30, 2026

29 min

psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the inner conflict in those with OCPD: to comply or to defy. We look at defense mechanisms and early attachment (and even potty training!) that drives their fixated behavior. 
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters00:00 Intro & Definition of OCPD02:47 Obsessive vs Compulsive Defined04:04 OCPD vs OCD: Ego-syntonic vs ego-dystonic05:29 The Internal Dysfunction in OCPD05:58 The Role of Potty Training in Developing OCPD08:31 Why is Potty Training Connected with Personality? 10:38 The Central Conflict of Defying or Complying14:16 Defense Mechanisms in OCPD      14:20 Reaction Formation Defined      15:29 Isolation of Affect      16:21 Emotional Exceptions: Righteous Anger & Shame18:21 OCPD vs Schizoid 19:36 OCPD vs Psychosis20:26 Compulsive Behavior of Undoing20:53 When Compulsive Behavior is Pathological (and Not)21:58 Compulsivity and Omnipotent Control 22:46 Thoughts Behind Compulsive Behavior24:28 Our Thoughts & Clinical Experience with OCPD      25:23 The “Compulsive Personality Shell”      26:31 Compulsive Flavors in Other Personalities28:32 Summary & Conclusion
👩‍⚕️Work With Us! https://www.questpsych.org/ 
Personality Couch Links🛋️Websitehttps://www.personalitycouch.com/
✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References)https://personalitycouch.com/blog/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder-diagnostic-criteria/ 
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Jun 16, 2026

32 min

🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the straightforward history of this condition, looking at fun names in history like anankastic and ambitendency. We also unpack the evolution of OCPD in the DSM, highlighting how our own compulsivity shows up in the naming and renaming of the disorder throughout history. We look in detail at the 8 criteria in the DSM and share our thoughts and criticisms about the DSM’s portrayal of this condition.  
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters00:00 Intro & History of OCPD00:35 The Term “Zwang” 01:21 The Term “Anankastic”02:08 The Term “Psychasthenia State”02:31 Freud’s Anal Character02:57 OCPD vs OCD 04:17 The Terms: Sensitive, Insecure, Ambitendency04:33 The Terms: Hoarding Orientation, Obsessive Character, Rigid Styles05:53 History of OCPD in the DSM     06:05 OCPD in the DSM I      06:31 OCPD in the DSM II     07:08 New OCPD Criteria in the DSM III      09:07 New OCPD Criteria in the DSM III-R     11:10 OCPD in the DSM IV 12:06 OCPD in the DSM 5     13:04 Criterion 1: Order, Perfectionism, Control     15:44 Criterion 2: Extreme Perfectionism     17:51 Criterion 3: Work Focused     21:15 Criterion 4: Inflexible Values     23:11 Criterion 5: Hoarding     24:33 Criterion 6: Controlling     26:03 Criterion 7: Financially Stingy     26:59 Criterion 8: Rigidity27:44 Our Thoughts & Opinions30:11 Summary & Conclusion 
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✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References)https://personalitycouch.com/blog/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder-diagnostic-criteria/ 
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Jun 2, 2026

40 min

🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex interplay between antisocial and schizoid personalities, highlighting their similarities, differences, and potential for danger when combined. Using the well-documented case of Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen, we analyze how these personality traits can manifest in deadly ways, especially when mixed with other dark features.
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters00:00 Intro00:37 Schizoid Personality Defined01:03 Antisocial Personality Defined01:23 How Schizoid and Antisocial Differ 02:11 Schizoid & Antisocial Similarities          02:22 Neglectful Childhood           02:52 Unresponsive to Environment          04:10 Non-Conforming           05:13 Aloofness05:54 The Nomadic Antisocial Defined (Schizoid Overlap)07:25 When Nomadic Antisocials Turn Dark09:26 When Detachment Turns Psychopathic10:27 Three Personalities Associated with Violent Crime13:12 Serial Killer & Necrophile: Dennis Nilsen | Our Disclaimer14:35 Dennis Nilsen’s Backstory 17:56 Nilsen’s First Murder19:27 Our Psychoanalysis of The Murders           22:11 Did He Want to Get Caught?           23:34 Attracted to Men Resembling His Sister           24:20 Rejection of Same-Sex Attraction           25:43 Alcohol's Role in Murder           27:04 Dissection, Disposal, & Dissociation           28:25 Boiling the Skulls?           31:20 Trial & Psych Evaluators           32:07 Detachment & Curiosity: A Schizoid Dynamic           33:30 Would Prison Meet Social Needs?           35:30 Was Nilsen a Passive Affectionless Psychopath?37:50 Enneagram Antisocial & Schizoid Overlap38:56 Summary & Conclusion 
👩‍⚕️Work with Us!https://www.questpsych.org/
Personality Couch Links🛋️Websitehttps://www.personalitycouch.com/
✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References)https://personalitycouch.com/blog/antisocial-personality-vs-psychopathy/
Podcasts Referenced:https://youtu.be/VHWPYjyKpdw
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May 19, 2026

34 min

Antisocial vs Narcissistic Personality | What's the Difference? | Ep. 54
🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the distinctions between antisocial personality and narcissistic personality by analyzing DSM diagnoses, Stones' Spectrum of Dark Personalities, and subtypes from Dr. Theodore Millon like: Reputation-Defending Devious, Exploitative Egotist,  and the Unprincipled Narcissist. 
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Definitions         00:32 Narcissism Defined        02:10 Antisocial Defined02:25 Antisocial Behaviors: Psychoanalysis of Ourselves07:53 Antisocial Developmental Stage09:11 Narcissistic Developmental Stage10:37 The DSM on Antisocial vs Narcissistic PDs12:27 Passive Parasitic vs Aggressive Antisocial Types13:17 Michael Stone’s Spectrum of Dark Personalities13:43 Malignant Narcissism Defined15:31 Active vs Passive Entitlement16:14 Millon’s Theory: ASPD vs NPD21:55 Millon’s Subtypes        22:21 Reputation Defending Devious         23:07 Exploitative Egoist        24:13 Unprincipled Narcissist25:40: Our Thoughts & Opinions31:28 Ego Cookies in Narci vs Antisocial31:56 Summary & Conclusion
👩‍⚕️Work With Us! https://www.questpsych.org/ 
Personality Couch Links🛋️Websitehttps://www.personalitycouch.com/
✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References)https://personalitycouch.com/blog/antisocial-personality-vs-psychopathy/

May 5, 2026

28 min

🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex distinctions between antisocial personality and psychopathy, delving into historical terminology, key theories, and nuanced subtypes. This episode offers a deep dive into dark personality traits and how they differ.
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters00:00 Intro & History of Antisocial vs Psychopathy        00:36 Psychopath and Sociopath Defined        01:54 Cleckley’s Mask of Sanity03:21 Psychodynamic Theory on Psychopathy vs Antisocial04:17 The DSM on Psychopathy vs Antisocial04:35 Michael Stone’s Negative Personality Spectrum         05:15 Level 1: Negative Personalities         05:41 Level 2: Narcissistic & Paranoid Personality Disorders         07:10 Level 3: Malignant Narcissism         08:43 Level 4: Antisocial Personality Disorder         09:28 Level 5: Psychopathy         10:20 Level 6: Sadistic Personality12:32 Robert Hare's Psychopathy Checklist13:54 Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist vs DSM Antisocial 17:20 Millon’s Theory on Psychopathy         19:30 Spineless Psychopath         19:43 Unprincipled Psychopath (Narcissistic Core)          19:51 Disingenuous Psychopath (Histrionic Core)         21:13 Risk-Taking Psychopath (Histrionic & Antisocial Features)         21:26 Covetous Psychopath (Antisocial Core)         21:57 Malignant Psychopath (Paranoid Core)         22:10 Abrasive Psychopath (Negativistic & Paranoid Features)         22:21 Explosive Psychopath (Sadistic Core, Borderline Features)         22:58 Malevolent Psychopath (Paranoid & Sadistic Features)         23:34 Tyrannical Psychopath (Negativistic & Sadistic Features)24:19 Our Thoughts27:14 Summary & Conclusion

Apr 21, 2026

44 min

🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the passive-parasitic and aggressive subtypes from history before jumping into Dr. Theodore Millon’s 6 subtypes. At the mild level, we look at: the Covetously Aggrandizing & Disaffected Aggrandizing Antisocials. At the moderate level, we explore the Risk-Taking Devious and Reputation-Defending Devious Antisocials. At the severe/disordered level, we discuss the Nomadic & Malevolent Antisocial Subtypes. We end with our thoughts and opinions about the line for disorder and explain why the antisocial personality is so challenging to understand. 
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters0:00 Intro to Antisocial’s Historical Names02:16 Are antisocials born or made (psychopath vs sociopath)? 03:14 Passive-parasitic and Aggressive Antisocials04:32 What is a Normal Antisocial Personality?          04:40 The Adventurer          05:45 The Unconventional Antisocial  08:28 Intro to Millon’s 6 Subtypes08:48 Mild Level: Aggrandizing Antisocial          09:59 Does Dominance Fill an Inner Void?          10:52 The Covetously Aggrandizing Antisocial           11:22 Criminal Behavior at the Mild Level          15:11 The Disaffected Aggrandizing Antisocial          17:06 Proneness to Addiction          18:11 Proneness to Infidelity          19:02 Contrasting the Mild Types20:25 Moderate Level: The Devious Antisocial          21:39 Risk-Taking Devious (Histrionic & Turbulent Features)          25:56 Reputation-Defending Antisocial (Narcissistic & Sadistic Features)          27:24 Proneness to Criminal Behavior           28:02 Relationship & Work Challenges          29:17 What Are They Defending?31:17 Severe Level: Antisocial Personality Disorder          31:45 Nomadic Antisocial (Schizoid & Avoidant Features)          33:18 Doom & Invincibility Focus          36:54 Malevolent Antisocial (Sadistic & Paranoid Features)41:49 Our Thoughts & Opinions43:46 Summary & Conclusion

Apr 7, 2026

31 min

🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive deep into the complex inner world of antisocial personality disorder, challenging the traditional DSM view and exploring psychoanalytic theory to uncover the internal processes behind antisocial behaviors. This episode is essential for clinicians, students, and anyone interested in understanding the motivations and defenses of antisocial individuals. ⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters00:00 Intro & Limitations of Antisocial in DSM02:48 Causes of Antisocial Personality     03:30 Genetic Studies     05:21 Environmental Studies07:34 Attachment & Antisocial Personality12:23 Inside the Antisocial’s Psyche:      12:29 Depression & Emptiness     14:55 Shame & Self-Importance17:09 Defense Mechanisms in the Antisocial     17:42 Omnipotent Control     20:54 Projective Identification     21:49 Dissociation      23:26 Acting Out 26:34 Biological & Neuropsychological Processes of Antisocials 28:37 Perverse & Distorted Sexuality in Antisocials30:07 Summary & Conclusion

Mar 24, 2026

41 min

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack some of our difficulties understanding antisocial personality disorder in how it combines psychology, morality, philosophy, and societal judgment. We focus on: where’s the line for disorder; how can we diagnose without judgment; and what does this personality look like when it’s not disordered? We pull from historical examples of antisocial types in specialized roles and also hypothesize that America might have transitioned from a narcissistic nation to an antisocial one. 
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.  
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Antisocial Personality & DSM Problems02:46 Antisocial Personality Defined in the PDM07:02 Where’s the Disorder Line?17:29 Other Dark & Criminal Personalities21:08 Morality & Antisocial Traits in Specialized Professions23:37 Are We An Antisocial Society in America?30:43 Are Antisocials Treatable?34:37 Holding Empathy & Accountability for Antisocials40:00 Closing Quote

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