Dr. Cortney S. Warren is a board-certified psychologist with clinical training at Harvard Medical School. Most recently, she has taken to exposing the predictable patterns of extremely narcissistic people. In her new book, Letting Go of Your Ex, she beautifully unpacks the relationship challenges we all struggle with. She focuses most acutely on how psychological traits, particularly narcissism, can make these dynamics much more treacherous.
As we’ve learned from Dr. Warren, narcissists tend to see themselves as special, better than everyone else. This understanding of self, whether conscious or not, drives them to use language that is manipulative and derogatory towards other people as a way to rise above them. Dr. Warren has identified seven common phrases that narcissistic individuals frequently employ, such as “You should feel relieved that I haven’t cut you out of my life” and “No one else would ever want to be with you.” These statements are in line with a broader trend of emotional blackmail to lower the value of people near them.
Dr. Warren’s deep roots in clinical psychology give her incredible insight into these dynamics. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Texas A&M University. Both through her practice and writing, she’s established an impressive track record as a thought leader and expert in her field. Her creative and smart insights have gone super viral on social media. As you might imagine, she keeps busy on Instagram (@DrCortneyWarren) and Twitter (@DrCortneyWarren), providing terrific tips and tools to an even broader audience.
As Dr. Warren points out in her analysis, it’s critical to stay cool under the fire of narcissistic comments. She encourages each of you to just pause and think before you answer these kinds of statements. For instance, she advises saying, “I need to think about this before I respond, so I’m going to need a minute.” This change may seem like a small detail, but it gives you the ultimate advantage in a field overtaken with convoluted and corrupt terminology.
In addition to her work on narcissism, Dr. Warren is promoting an online course offered by CNBC titled “How to Change Careers and Be Happier at Work.” Our goal with this new course is to better equip people to make successful career transitions and find more meaning and purpose in their work lives. If this sounds good to you, Dr. Warren has made an incredibly generous 30% off his usual course fee of $67 (plus taxes and fees). Take advantage of this special, limited-time offer—pre-register by May 13, 2025! The coupon code to receive this discount is EARLYBIRD.
Dr. Warren’s book, “Letting Go of Your Ex,” provides further guidance for individuals looking to move on from past relationships, particularly when they involve narcissistic partners. Through her work, she illuminates the devastating emotional impact these relationships have on students and provides innovative strategies for overcoming trauma and beginning the healing process.
Narcissistic behavior in the workplace and interpersonal relationships is starting to take a toll and become an epidemic. For young people—especially BIPOC youth and LGBTQIA+ youth—who are dealing with multifaceted emotional hurdles developed by narcissistic tendencies, Dr. Warren’s thoughts are a harbinger and a how-to for anyone who might find themselves on the receiving end of these antics.