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Personality Couch

Personality Couch

By: Dr. Rebecca Houvener Psy.D. LCP
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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.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Ep 41: The Schizophrenic Personality | Understanding Schizotypal & Schizotypy
    Nov 18 2025

    In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the origins and nuances of schizotypal personality disorder, its genetic links to schizophrenia, and the clinical observations that define it. We discuss the evolution of the term 'schizotypal' in the DSM, the implications of schizotypy, and how environmental factors and social learning influence its development. We also uncover observable traits of schizotypal individuals, their social interactions, and self-concept, providing a comprehensive overview of this intriguing personality disorder that is not quite psychotic, but close.

    🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/

    Chapters 00:00 Intro & History of Schizotypal Personality 01:34 Genetic Research on Schizotypal 05:17 Clinical Research on Schizotypal 08:47 Schizotypal in the DSM 09:29 Schizotypy and Borderline Personality Organization 12:17 Schizotypy Defined 14:32 Schizotaxia Defined 17:39 Schizotypic Endophenotypes Explained 19:57 When Schizotypy Manifests 21:28 Observable Traits of Schizotypal Personality Disorder 30:44 Summary and Conclusion

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    33 mins
  • Ep 40: Schizoid vs Schizotypal vs Schizophrenia | What's the Difference?
    Nov 4 2025

    In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) compare and contrast schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders, as well as schizophrenia. We define key terms, explore the overlap and differences among these disorders, and introduce the concept of schizotypy as a genetic predisposition towards schizophrenia. We further discuss the concept of schizotaxia, or “cognitive slippage” and the impact of birth trauma on schizo development. We also share our opinions about where schizoid fits on this continuum and if they are schizotypes or not.

    🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/

    Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Defining Terms 01:14 Schizoid Personality Defined 01:49 Schizotypal Personality Defined 06:30 Schizophrenia Defined 09:05 Overlap of Schizoid, Schizotypal, & Schizophrenia 12:48 Differences Among Schizoid, Schizotypal, & Schizophrenia 14:34 Meehl’s Model of Schizotypy & Genetics 16:29 Schizotypy Defined 20:00 Premature Birth & Low Birth Weight in Schizo Disorders 22:39 Schizoids’ Unique Relationship to Schizotypy 28:34 Summary & Conclusion

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    32 mins
  • Ep 38: Unpacking Schizoid Subtypes | A Critical Look
    Oct 7 2025

    In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) take a critical look at the subtypes of schizoid personality, critiquing existing definitions and theories, particularly the 6 subtypes of Dr. Theodore Millon. We explore his mild, moderate, and severe subtypes: the Reserved Apathetic, Introspectively Apathetic, Remotely Asocial, Languidly Asocial, Depersonalized Schizoid, and Affectless Schizoid. We propose our own 5 subtypes and invite our schizoid listeners and viewers to share which type they identify with the most!

    🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/

    Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Schizoid Personality Recap 02:21 Historical Subtypes - Brief Review 03:09 Akhtar’s Covert & Overt Schizoid 05:08 Understanding Millon’s Personality Theory 07:51 Millon’s Mild Subtype: The Reserved Apathetic 10:32 Millon’s Mild Subtype: The Introspectively Apathetic 12:15 Millon’s Moderate Subtype: The Remotely Asocial 14:34 Millon’s Moderate Subtype: The Languidly Asocial 16:52 Millon’s Severe Subtype: The Depersonalized Schizoid 19:16 Millon’s Severe Subtype: The Affectless Schizoid 22:04 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Master Masker 25:19 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Quietly Antisocial 27:38 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Depressive Schizoid 30:08 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Slothy Schizoid 32:03 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Scattered Professor 34:25 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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    37 mins
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