Why Narcissism Feels Like Love with Dr. Joy Berkheimer

Why Narcissism Feels Like Love with Dr. Joy Berkheimer

From Love-ly: Exploring Modern Relationships by Immigrantly Media

April 3, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

Dr. Joy Berkheimer discusses her experiences with narcissism and its impact on love and relationships.

What if the love you grew up with wasn't love at all — it was control? This week, Mehak (@whathemehak) sits down with Dr. Joy Berkheimer, licensed marriage and family therapist, for an honest and frankly, jaw-dropping conversation. Dr. Joy doesn't just talk about narcissism from behind a clipboard — she lived it. From growing up in a Caribbean-American household where perfectionism was survival, to marrying a narcissist without realizing it, to discovering an affair when her daughter was just seven months old. In this episode: The Summer House Amanda & Wes situation — instamacy or betrayal What "instamacy" is and why it feels like a soulmate connection What narcissism actually looks like in a family system Why marriage has historically not benefited women What sexual liberation actually looks like vs. performing confidence Why modern dating feels so dry and what Dr. Joy required before saying yes to a date Connect with Dr. Joy: Website: joyberkheimer.com | Instagram: @glowyourgoddess Hosted by: Mehak ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@whathemehak⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on TikTok | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@whathemehak_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG Subscribe & Listen 🔗 Immigrantly Uninterrupted on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — $3.99/month or $34.99/year for…

People in this episode

Host: Mehak

Guest: Dr. Joy Berkheimer

Topics covered

  • narcissism
  • modern relationships
  • family dynamics
  • marriage
  • sexual liberation
  • dating

Keywords

  • narcissism
  • love
  • control
  • marriage
  • family
  • dating
  • sexual liberation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Immigrantly Media

Places: Caribbean-American

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