One of the biggest reasons why disturbed characters form relationships frequently characterized by various forms of abuse and exploitation is because they think of others as objects to possess.

When the disturbed character wants something, he doesn’t necessarily think about whether it’s right, good, or legal — or whether his pursuit of it might adversely affect anyone. He only cares that he wants it. His incessant concern for himself and the things that he desires creates a pattern of thinking which embodies an attitude of indifference to the rights, needs, wants, and expectations of others.

Persons with disturbed characters don’t act the way most of us do largely because they don’t think the way we do. Some will even advance points of view which they don’t really believe but which they want you to believe that they believe — all with a view to manipulating you or managing your impression of them.

In contrast to traditional psychotherapy, CBT does not focus as much on feelings, emotional conflicts or past traumatic events. Rather the focus is on the here-and-now as well as on how an individual’s thought processes influences their behavior patterns.

The covert-aggressive personality employs a potent one-two punch: concealing obvious aggressive intent to ensure you never really see what’s coming; and exploiting your normal sensitivities, conscientiousness and other vulnerabilities to manipulate you into succumbing to his demands.