In this video, Ross Rosenberg explains how an article on the “Happiness Paradox” completely changed his understanding of happiness by revealing that chasing it actually destroys it. He describes how true happiness arises naturally when we’re present, emotionally aligned, and engaged in life—not when we try to force it as a goal. Rosenberg connects this to self‑love deficit disorder (SLDD), noting that many codependents mistake the absence of pain or the approval of narcissistic partners for happiness, leaving them stuck in a cycle of chasing emotional “mirages.” He emphasizes that real happiness comes from healing, building self‑love, and creating a life rooted in peace and authenticity. Instead of chasing “butterflies,” he urges viewers to “mend their garden”—to care for themselves and their emotional world—so joy can appear on its own.

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ABOUT ROSS ROSENBERG
Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC, is a psychotherapist, educator, expert witness, and celebrated author. He is also a global thought leader and clinical expert in codependency, trauma, pathological narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and addictions.

Ross's pioneering contributions to codependency have provided sweeping theoretical and practical updates and developed a treatment program that permanently resolves the issue. Ross has been featured on national TV and radio and is a regular radio and podcast guest.

In addition, he has traveled the world, giving his one-of-a-kind keynote presentations and educational workshops. His global impact is best illustrated by his YouTube channel, with 30 million views and 297,000 subscribers, and the sale of 190,000 Human Magnet Syndrome books published in 12 languages. In 2013, Ross created The Self-Love Recovery Institute, a hub for his personal development, workshops, professional training, retreats, other programs, and services.

Learn more at www.SelfLoveRecovery.com.

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Instagram (@rossrosenberg_slri)
Twitter (@RossRosenberg1)
and now…TikTok! (@RossRosenberg1)

Ross Rosenberg’s video delves into the roots and reality of Self-Love Deficit Disorder (SLDD)—a trauma-based condition stemming from early childhood experiences with narcissistic and codependent parents. He explains how these formative wounds create “core shame” and “pathological loneliness,” driving people into unhealthy, addictive relationships in a desperate attempt to soothe their sense of unlovability. Through his SLDD framework, Rosenberg highlights the emotional pain that fuels codependency and the false perception that external validation or relationships can fix inner emptiness.

In the video, Rosenberg challenges viewers who believe they are healing from codependency to confront denial and self-deception. He argues that true recovery requires facing deeply buried shame and loneliness rather than avoiding them through therapy, spiritual practices, or intellectual insight alone. Drawing on decades of experience, he presents his Self-Love Recovery Program as a structured path to genuine healing—one that dismantles denial, breaks addictive patterns, and nurtures authentic self-love. His message closes with encouragement to face emotional truth courageously, emphasizing that lasting freedom and connection begin with honest self-awareness.

Support the show

ABOUT ROSS ROSENBERG
Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC, is a psychotherapist, educator, expert witness, and celebrated author. He is also a global thought leader and clinical expert in codependency, trauma, pathological narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and addictions.

Ross's pioneering contributions to codependency have provided sweeping theoretical and practical updates and developed a treatment program that permanently resolves the issue. Ross has been featured on national TV and radio and is a regular radio and podcast guest.

In addition, he has traveled the world, giving his one-of-a-kind keynote presentations and educational workshops. His global impact is best illustrated by his YouTube channel, with 30 million views and 297,000 subscribers, and the sale of 190,000 Human Magnet Syndrome books published in 12 languages. In 2013, Ross created The Self-Love Recovery Institute, a hub for his personal development, workshops, professional training, retreats, other programs, and services.

Learn more at www.SelfLoveRecovery.com.

Facebook.com/TheCodependencyCure)
Instagram (@rossrosenberg_slri)
Twitter (@RossRosenberg1)
and now…TikTok! (@RossRosenberg1)

For decades, the word codependency shaped how we understood toxic relationship cycles — but it was never quite enough. In this video, Ross Rosenberg explains why he redefined the concept as Self-Love Deficit Disorder (SLDD), a trauma-based framework that better explains the root causes of codependency and why recovery often fails without addressing them.

Ross takes you back to his early years as a psychotherapist, how The Human Magnet Syndrome was born, and what inspired the Self-Love Recovery model that’s now helped thousands reclaim their self-worth.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in painful relationship patterns, this story will help you see the real cause — and the way out. Visit selfloverecovery.com to learn more about his courses, books, and psychotherapy program.

Support the show

ABOUT ROSS ROSENBERG
Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC, is a psychotherapist, educator, expert witness, and celebrated author. He is also a global thought leader and clinical expert in codependency, trauma, pathological narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and addictions.

Ross's pioneering contributions to codependency have provided sweeping theoretical and practical updates and developed a treatment program that permanently resolves the issue. Ross has been featured on national TV and radio and is a regular radio and podcast guest.

In addition, he has traveled the world, giving his one-of-a-kind keynote presentations and educational workshops. His global impact is best illustrated by his YouTube channel, with 30 million views and 297,000 subscribers, and the sale of 190,000 Human Magnet Syndrome books published in 12 languages. In 2013, Ross created The Self-Love Recovery Institute, a hub for his personal development, workshops, professional training, retreats, other programs, and services.

Learn more at www.SelfLoveRecovery.com.

Facebook.com/TheCodependencyCure)
Instagram (@rossrosenberg_slri)
Twitter (@RossRosenberg1)
and now…TikTok! (@RossRosenberg1)