Shows
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Don't Narcissists Feel Regret? And 4 Other Questions You Need Answered, Featuring Dr. Les CarterDr. Les Carter has spent decades studying narcissists, and in this retrospective, he reveals what most people miss until it's too late.Narcissists seem so perfect at first—charming, attentive, interested in everything about you. But something felt off, didn't it? We revisit five groundbreaking conversations about what's really happening behind the mask: why they can't feel regret, how they gather information like they're building a case file on you, and the warning signs that someone is presenting 'as if' they're safe when they're anything but.Get a glimpse into the weekly Substack newsletter with th...
2025-11-2422 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseDoes the Dark Triad Personality Type Really Exist & Is This Person Dangerous?“Is the Dark Triad a real disorder—or just a dangerous type?”This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Germany who writes after a recent video:“You called ‘dark triad’ a personality disorder, but it isn’t in the DSM-5. Isn’t it a subclinical descriptor?”In this episode, Dr. Kerry clarifies what is the Dark Triad and why we need to get better at spotting this type of personality. Submit Your QuestionIf you’d like your question addressed on air, send it here: 👉 https...
2025-11-2007 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen You Feel Less & Less Safe: How Coercive Control Steals Your Freedom & ChoiceEver feel like you’re slowly running out of air in a “nice” relationship?This week, Eleni Sagredos joins Dr. Kerry to unpack how coercive control hides behind charm and “preferences,” and why it’s so hard to spot until your autonomy has been chipped away. We trace the subtle dynamics that slowly worsen an abusive power imbalance. PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENTFind the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST EXTRA INTERVIEW 🔹 From subtle control to danger: how escalation works—and why “just leave...
2025-11-1732 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHow Do I Help My Adult Son Who's in an Abusive Marriage?“My son’s in a toxic marriage—how do we help without making it worse?”This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Raleigh, North Carolina:“My adult son is in a toxic marriage with a likely narcissist. He’s miserable, says he wants out, but stays—partly because of their three young kids. How can we support him when he shares the emotional abuse without pushing or making things worse?”In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains how best to support a loved one who’s being abused—especially when it’s your son. Learn w...
2025-11-1308 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHow Abusive Relationships Shatter Your Identity & Cost You Your VoiceEver feel like you can’t find “you” anymore? That you’re second-guessing everything, going numb, or swallowing your words just to keep the peace?This week, psychologist Dr. Shahrzad Jalali joins Dr. Kerry to unpack how long-term emotional abuse scrambles your nervous system, erodes self-trust, and leads to identity confusion—and what actually helps you get “you” back. We trace the early red flags, why we repeat familiar patterns, and the body-level toll (sleep, gut, jaw, hypervigilance) that keeps you on edge. PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENTFind the exclusive second segment and wee...
2025-11-1032 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseMy Abusive Husband Claims He’s Trauma-Bonded to Me!“My abuser claims he’s ‘trauma bonded’ to me…Can that be true?This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener on YouTube who wants to know how common it is for an abusive partner to be trauma bonded. Hers claims to be. She’s wonders if this true or if her partner is attempting to dodge responsibility. Submit Your QuestionIf you’d like your question addressed on air, send it here: 👉 https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/fan-mailStay in Touch With Dr. Kerry!You...
2025-11-0606 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHas Your Adult Child Gone No Contact? Here's How to Rebuild That Damaged RelationshipHas your adult child gone no contact? Cut off all communication with you? Are you struggling to figure out how to repair things with them?There’s an alarming trend of adult children walking away from family connections called parental estrangement. Why is going no contact becoming the go-to way of handling strained relationships? And what can you do if it happens to you?This week, psychologist and author Dr. Joshua Coleman, author of Rules of Estrangement, joins Dr. Kerry to unpack why estrangement is on the rise and what actually helps parents reopen the do...
2025-11-0329 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseCan a Psychopath ‘Choose’ to Be a Good Person?“Can narcissists or psychopaths ever live moral lives?”This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener who asks: “Do you think there are some narcissists or psychopaths who genuinely try to live moral lives—perhaps guided by religion or conscience—or are they all just pretending?”Her question was prompted by years of watching her ex, a man she believes to be a malignant narcissist, play the part of a “righteous” and religious man in public while being manipulative and cruel in private.In this episode, Dr. Kerry explores the complex intersection betwe...
2025-10-3007 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy You Keep Picking Narcissists and What to Do About It, Featuring Jessica BaumEver wonder why you keep attracting the same kind of person—the ones who feel magnetic at first but end up draining you emotionally?This week, therapist and author Jessica Baum, creator of Anxiously Attached and SAFE: An Attachment-Informed Guide to Building Secure Relationships, joins Dr. Kerry to explore the hidden attachment wounds that pull us toward toxic partners. Podcast Extra Exclusive InterviewFind the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.More About the Podcast Extra Interview🔹 What does healing really look like after a narc...
2025-10-2735 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy I Stopped Being the Perfect Wife and Daughter-in-Law“How can someone seem loving for years—then suddenly turn cruel?”This week’s Fan Mail revisits a letter that struck a nerve with listeners. A woman wrote about her daughter-in-law, who had seemed like a wonderful addition to the family for seven years—until she “suddenly turned into a monster.”But after the episode aired, Dr. Kerry received another listener’s response who offered the opposite perspective: “I was in a 23-year marriage marked by coercive control and escalating abuse. My in-laws adored me—until I began calling out my husband’s behavior. Then they rallied around hi...
2025-10-2310 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseCan You Spot the 5 Types of People Who Could Ruin Your Life? Here's Bill Eddy's ListEver feel blindsided by someone who seemed charming, helpful, or even caring—only to realize later they were quietly dismantling your peace?This week, conflict expert Bill Eddy, author of The Five Types of People That Ruin Your Life, joins Dr. Kerry to unpack the five high-conflict personality types most likely to cause chaos in relationships, workplaces, and families.Podcast Extra Exclusive InterviewFind the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here. More About the Podcast Extra Interview 🔹 What do you do when walking away from a...
2025-10-2034 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseMy Ex is Blaming Me For His Broken Relationships With Our Kids“Why does my ex always blame me when the kids want nothing to do with him?”This week’s Fan Mail comes from a listener in Rochester, New York, who writes about the heartbreak of watching her children pull away from their abusive father, only to be blamed for it.Her ex insists she’s turned the kids against him, while his family defends him as “such a good man” who’s “done so much for us.”In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains how emotionally immature and abusive individuals deflect accountability, making others feel...
2025-10-1607 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Narcissists Use Secrets to Avoid IntimacyEver feel like your relationship was the most intoxicating connection of your life—only to discover shocking lies and betrayal later?This week, intimacy expert Gary Katz reveals how narcissists protect themselves by keeping secrets, building false connections, and manipulating trust—and why survivors are often left questioning their own instincts.Podcast Extra Exclusive InterviewFind the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.More About the Podcast Extra Interview🔹 Think your relationship is missing intimacy, but not sure why? In this members-only bonus...
2025-10-1341 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseMy Husband Claims His Facebook Account Has Been Hacked!…What do you do when the evidence points to betrayal, but your partner insists you’re crazy?This week’s Fan Mail comes from a listener in Atlanta, Georgia, who describes the heartbreak of suspecting her husband of nearly 50 years is living a double life. Despite finding suspicious phone activity and even an STD clinic reference, her husband denies everything—blaming and belittling her instead.In this episode, Dr. Kerry unpacks the signs of DARVO (deny, attack, reverse victim and offender), explains why being called “crazy” is psychological abuse, and shares what to do when you feel d...
2025-10-0909 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy It’s So Hard to See Predators Coming: The Story Behind Netflix's Bad VeganPredators are often hiding in plain sight—and even the smartest, most capable people can miss the red flags. In this episode, Dr. Kerry McAvoy talks with Sarma Melngailis, the former restaurateur whose story was told in Netflix’s Bad Vegan. Sarma opens up about how she was manipulated, criminalized, and misrepresented—and why her memoir The Girl with the Duck Tattoo finally tells the truth. Together, Kerry and Sarma unpack why predators are so difficult to spot, how they exploit our best traits, and the steps survivors can take to heal after betrayal. Resource...
2025-10-0646 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhat to Do When You Lose Custody in Court: Answering Your Fan MailThis week’s Fan Mail brings us two powerful questions: • From Syracuse, New York: “The family referee took my custody and handed it over to the father who was absent for years. My children have been separated from their siblings, and I’m only allowed one hour a week of visitation. The court won’t let me present my evidence, and I feel silenced and helpless. What can I do?” From Wichita, KansasAnd from Kansas City, Missouri, a listener asks: “How do I get access to the Podcast Extras?” In this episode, Dr. Kerry tackles both concerns. Firs...
2025-10-0208 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbusePodcast Trailer: Welcome to Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseJoin Dr. Kerry McAvoy on Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse for real talk about toxic relationships and recovery. Mondays feature expert interviews, Thursdays bring our new Fan Mail Q&A. Get clarity, validation, and tools to heal.Stay in Touch with Dr. Kerry!YoutubeInstagramTikTokFacebookMore About Dr. KerryKerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, D...
2025-09-3000 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen Men Say They’ve Been Abused: A Conversation with Josh from The Derelict PodcastDisclaimer: This interview features perspectives from a male divorce coach navigating toxic dynamics. While some views expressed differ from those of trauma-informed psychology, I found it valuable to explore these tensions in real time. Please listen with care, and note that I challenge certain assumptions as we go. This week, I sit down with Josh Tomeoni, a divorce coach who shares his story of what he describes as abuse within his long-term marriage. Josh opens up about the male experience of toxic relationships, why so many men don’t recognize emotional abuse, and how cultural expectations of mas...
2025-09-2941 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen Your Therapist is the Narcissist! + Answering Your Fan MailWhat happens when a narcissistic therapist uses their professional training against you?This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Seattle who writes: “I dated a narcissist who was also a licensed clinical social worker. Can you talk about the weaponization of therapeutic training by narcissists?”In this episode, Dr. Kerry unpacks how narcissistic mental health professionals can use psychology to pathologize your emotions and silence your voice, how the imbalance of power could be weaponized against you.Submit Your QuestionIf you would like your questi...
2025-09-2508 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHow the Victim’s Personality & Attachment Styles Shape Healing and Recovery - Featuring Chelli PumphreyDo you know what one of the most dangerous traps you can fall for? Believing that you can “fix” a narcissist’s early attachment wounds. In this exclusive episode, therapist and author Chelli Pumphrey explains why narcissists rarely have secure attachments, how anxious or disorganized patterns drive their constant need for supply, and why survivors’ empathy often backfires when met with exploitation.PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Find it here for the exclusive interview and weekly newsletter. MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST EXTRA 🔹 What’s the attachment style of a narcis...
2025-09-2238 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseCan You Really Heal a Trauma Bond? + Why Do Narcissists Cheat? Answering Your Fan MailCan you really heal a trauma bond—or is the damage permanent? This week’s Fan Mail features two powerful questions. The first comes from a YouTube listener who asks: “Is it really possible to break a trauma bond? Even Dr. Ramani says she still struggles daily—so what’s the point of fighting, especially if kids are involved?” The second comes from a listener in New York, New York who wants to know: “Why do narcissists cheat—and how can you tell if it’s happening to you?” In this episode, D...
2025-09-1811 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen Your Mother Hurts Instead of Loves You: Understanding The Controlling MomCan you ever be “good enough” for a difficult mother? In this episode, psychotherapist Katherine Fabrizio, author of The Good Daughter Syndrome, reveals why empathic daughters feel trapped in cycles of guilt, exhaustion, and approval-seeking—and how to reclaim your power and identity finally. Tronick’s Still (Blank) Face ExperimentPODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Find it here: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse for the exclusive interview and weekly newsletter. MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST EXTRA 🔹 Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying “no”—it’s about grieving the mother...
2025-09-1528 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Do We REALLY Stay? Answering Your Fan MailThis week’s fan mail dives into two powerful questions about surviving emotional abuse.First, Dr. Kerry explores what it means when you stop crying—and why emotional shutdown can be a survival mechanism in toxic relationships. Then she tackles whether the sunk cost fallacy is really what keeps us stuck with a narcissist, or if something deeper is at play.Submit Your Question!If you would like your question addressed on air, please respond here!Stay in Touch with Dr. Kerry!YoutubeInstagramTikTokFacebookMo...
2025-09-1106 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHow to Outsmart a Narcissist in Court: Family Law Secrets from Michele LockeGoing through a custody battle or divorce with a narcissist? The you know the legal system can feel stacked against you.This week, former family law judge and attorney Michele Locke reveals exactly how narcissists twist the truth, exploit legal loopholes, and weaponize the court process — and what you can do to outsmart them.Whether you’re divorcing a narcissist, navigating parental alienation, or preparing for a high-conflict custody hearing, discover the insider tools to safeguard your case and your peace of mind.Podcast Extr...
2025-09-0828 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbusePractical Steps to Stopping the Crazy Confusion: Answering Your Fan MailWhat do you do when you can’t just cut off a toxic person?This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a YouTube listener who asks: “How do I stop the cognitive dissonance and self-doubt when I can’t go no-contact with a toxic person?”In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why cognitive dissonance is such a powerful trap in emotionally abusive relationships—especially when you’re forced to maintain contact.Submit Your QuestionIf you would like your question addressed on air, please respond here!Stay i...
2025-09-0406 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy We Miss the Abuse — And How to Break Free from the ConfusionWhy do so many survivors miss they’re being abuse?In this Labor Day Special, I’m revisiting three powerful interviews that follow the journey from denial to freedom.First, we explore how abuse often hides in plain sight, even for smart, capable people. The author I’m referencing as “he” is Don Hennessey and his book, How He Gets into Her Head. Then, we examine how cognitive dissonance keeps you stuck. Finally, we describe what late-stage cognitive dissonance sounds and feels like—when you barely recognize yourself, an...
2025-09-0127 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy the Narcissist’s Mask Slips: Answering Your Fan MailIs my daughter-in-law a malignant narcissist? How did she hide her worst qualities for so long?Today, Dr. Kerry answers 2 listeners’ questions. The first is from New York, New York about narcissists’ public and private personas. Many narcissistic individuals create a false mask to hide their worst qualities. The second comes from Southern Pines, North Carolina, who wants to know more about love-bombing. SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION! If you would like your question addressed on air, please respond here! Stay in Touch with Dr. Kerry!You...
2025-08-2808 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseExposing Love Bombing: Insights from The Wolf of Wall Street’s Ex-WifeWhat if the person you fell in love with never really existed?In this episode, Dr. Nae — psychologist, author of Run Like Hell, and former wife of the real “Wolf of Wall Street” — exposes how master manipulators use love-bombing, mirroring, and coercive control to create a false sense of intimacy.Learn: How abusers build a fake romantic persona to hook their targets Why trauma bonds are so difficult to break, even when you see the truth The role of cognitive dissonance in keeping survivors trapped How...
2025-08-2529 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHe Has Successfully Destroyed Me! Answering Your Fan MailWelcome to our new podcast segment called Fan Mail! This is where Dr. Kerry answers your questions. To kick off our weekly bonus episode, Dr. Kerry is responding to a listener who writes, “He has destroyed me and my world after 16 years of marriage.” -- from Westminster CaliforniaMore About the EpisodeToday Dr. Kerry answers two fan mail requests: 1. "Please address abuse from a man's perspective." -Cleveland, Ohio2. "I can't heal...He's successfully destroyed my world. -Westminster, CaliforniaSubmit Your QuestionIf you w...
2025-08-2106 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseDr. Les Carter on the #1 Sign Someone Lacks Emotional Maturity in ConflictWhat’s the single biggest giveaway that someone lacks emotional maturity — especially when the pressure’s on?In this episode, Dr. Les Carter, psychologist, best-selling author, and expert on narcissism and emotional health, reveals the #1 sign of low emotional maturity during conflict. We dive into how this pattern plays out in everyday disagreements, why it derails problem-solving, and what you can do to protect your own emotional space when dealing with it.You’ll learn:The clearest sign of emotional immaturity — and why it instantly escalates tension How emotionally immature people use defensivene...
2025-08-1828 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseThe Part No One Talks About: What It Really Takes to Heal from Narcissistic AbuseThis week, I’m pulling back the curtain on something few of us talk about—the emotional toll of surviving narcissistic abuse after the relationship ends. Healing is hard. Helping others heal while still navigating your own recovery? Even harder. In this episode, I share why I’m taking a short summer hiatus—and how you can still stay connected and supported during this time. 💌 For Paid Substack Subscribers: Here’s What’s Ahead This Summer -July 9th @ 5pm CT – Ask Me Anything: A Real Conversation with Dr. Kerry → RSVP Here (https://form.jotform.com/Kerry_McAv...
2025-06-0209 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhat’s Wrong With Me? Why Abuse Victims Believe They're the NarcissistThis US holiday weekend, let’s revisit three of your favorite podcast episodes. Interestingly, they all have the same theme: why narcissistic abuse survivors initially think they’re the problem.Clip 1 is from Season 3 Episode 64: "How mad can I make you?" The Toxic Games Covert Narcissists Play”Video: https://youtu.be/pfU0y1ycgtgAudio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/15052505Clip 2 is from Seoson 3 Episode 57: “Am I The Narcissist? When Toxic People Accuse You of Being The Problem”Video: https://youtu.be/wwKnai4Gu2MAudio: https://www.buzzsp...
2025-05-2625 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHave Bad Taste in Partners? The Red Flags We Often MissWhy do we pick bad partners? Is purely because of deception or are we missing early warning signs of a toxicity?This week, author and clinician, Mary Crocker Cook joins us to discuss the problems of early socialization and different expectation in the dysfunctional relationship.Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Mary Crocker Cook?🔹 Are you wondering how to exit a toxic relationship safely? Mary shares some powerful no-nonsense advice on how to prepare to leave. Subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter to hear the extended interview.Get imme...
2025-05-1926 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHow Your Relationship Changes When Your Partner Has Narcissism and ADHDCan someone be both narcissistic and neurodivergent?This week, ADHD coach and neurodiversity educator Sheila Henson joins Dr. Kerry to explore the nuanced overlap between narcissistic traits and ADHD. Together, they unpack how these two very different dynamics can sometimes co-exist—and what that means for the health of your relationship.Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Sheila Henson?🔹 Are you wondering if your narcissistic partner who’s struggling with ADHD can change? Sheila shares some powerful no-nonsense advice on how to assess the viability of your relationship.Subscri...
2025-05-1227 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen Is It Really Over? The Top Signs a Dying RelationshipIs your relationship displaying signs that it’s over? Maybe it’s on its last legs, and you wonder if it can be saved?In this episode, Dr. Becky Whetstone delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the challenges faced during marriage crises. She shares her experiences and insights as a marriage therapist, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and recognizing the signs of an unhealthy relationship.Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Dr. Becky Whetstone? 🔹 What do you know that your relationship is no longer salvageable? Dr. Whetstone shares p...
2025-05-0530 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseAre You an Over-Functioner? The Problem of Doing Too MuchAre you living with a narcissist or a stressfully demanding person? These types of relationships often require us to step up with extra emotional labor without us even realizing it. This week, psychotherapist and author Terri Cole joins us to explore the hidden costs of high-functioning codependency. Learn why over-helping is often a trauma response, not a personality trait—and what to do if you're living with a boundary bully.Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Terri Cole? 🔹What should you do if you can’t leave a toxic r...
2025-04-2824 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen Your Best Friend is a Narcissist: Cost of Toxic Female RelationshipsAre female friendships just as damaging as pathological love relationships?This week, Sabrina Kirberg, author of We Used to be Best Friends, joins us to discuss the harmful consequences of toxic women friendships. Learn why we often miss spotting toxic female relationships and their common harmful dynamics.Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Sabrina Kirberg?🔹Does your best friend fit one of the toxic female stereotypes? Learn the most common toxic women relationships when you subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter. Gain immediate access to a growing archive of e...
2025-04-2124 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseThe Shocking Psychological Cost of Living with a Narcissist: Interview with Lynn StrathdeeLiving with a narcissistic or emotionally toxic person will wreak havoc on your personality or sense of self. This week, Lynn Strathdee, mental health therapist and expert, joins us today to discuss the effects of chronic exposure to narcissistic abuse. Learn how dysfunctional relationship shapes your personality, giving “echoistic” tendencies. Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Lynn Strathdee? 🔹Can the psychological damage done to our personality be repaired? Learn the practical steps Lynn recommends we take to heal from narcissistic abuse when you subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter...
2025-04-1430 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Betrayal Keeps Abuse Survivors Trapped in a Victim Mindset: Interview with Dr. Debi SilberAre you trying to heal from a betrayal? If you have survived a narcissistic relationship then you have experienced betrayal. Often repetitive, devastating breaches of trust.This week, Dr. Debi Silber joins us to discuss how to rebuild renewed confidence after betrayal. She outlines the five stages of betrayal recovery as well the common pitfalls that keep survivors stalled from fully healing after abuse. Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Dr. Silber?🔹Is your healing at risk of being stalled after surviving betrayal? Learn which betrayal recovery stage is the...
2025-04-0726 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Sex Goes Wrong in a Narcissistic Relationship: An Interview with Dr. Lisha AntiquaToxic relationships tremendously impact our emotional selves, but what about our sexual selves? Dr. Lisha Antiqua, an expert in sexual intimacy and soul psychology, joins us to discuss how common toxic dynamics in narcissistic relationships, such as objectification and transactional relationships, diminish our intimate connection with one another. She also defines the importance of healthy interpersonal and sexual boundaries. Looking for the Podcast Interview with Dr. Lisha Antiqua?🔹Is it ever abusive to say no to sex? Learn in this week's exclusive Podcast Extra interview when saying no to sex i...
2025-03-3126 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseIs It Narcissism or Autism? When Neurodivergence Is Used as an ExcuseIs it autism or narcissism? It’s become trendy lately to excuse toxic/abusive behavior as neurodivergence.Today, Erica Little-Herron, an expert/advocate on autism, joins us to discuss the key differences between narcissism and autism.Looking for the Podcast Interview with Erica Little-Herron?🔹Learn in this week's exclusive Podcast Extra interview why Erica Little-Herron thinks the autistic community is frequently targeted by narcissists when you subscribe to the Breaking Free from Narc Abuse newsletter. Gain immediate access to over 45 video expert interviews designed to help...
2025-03-2427 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen It’s Necessary to Go No Contact With a Narcissistic Mother: A Conversation with Alex Anderson, FOG MovieGoing no contact with a parent, particularly when it’s your mother, is a gut-wrenching decision.Alex Anderson, an independent film-maker and writer joins me to discuss his timely movie, FOG, which explores a toxic mother-daughter dynamics. He describes how Fog-Obligation-Guilt drives this challenging relationship.Learn more about Alex and his work here: https://www.youtube.com/@alexanderson2467To watch the FOG trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DacCvo7ngLASee the full movie of FOG here: https://youtu.be/aAknjJiYZJA?si=blSq5URg7RGhC7RgLooking fo...
2025-03-1724 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseThe Disturbing Reasons Why Men Justify Violence Against Women: Interview with Chuck Derry, Co-Founder of Gender Violence InstituteWhy do men abuse? How does this behavior benefit them?Today, Chuck Derry, the co-founder of the Gender Violence Institute, joins us to discuss the disturbing reasons for male violence and what community responses are needed to curb these toxic/dangerous behaviors.To learn more about the results of Chuck Derry’s study, visit: https://voicemalemagazine.org/abusive-men-describe-the-benefits-of-violence/Gender Violence Institute: https://www.genderviolenceinstitute.orgLooking for the Podcast Interview with Chuck Derry?🔹Learn what steps Derry thinks we need to take to reduce violence against women and c...
2025-03-1022 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen Your Ex’s New Life Looks Like a Dream After They Shattered YoursYou’re barely picking up the pieces, and your ex has already moved on—posting picture-perfect snapshots of their new, fabulous life. Meanwhile, you're left wondering: Were they always this happy, or is this just for show? In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni dive into why narcissists and toxic personalities seem to seamlessly transition into a "perfect" new relationship. Is it real, or is it just another illusion? And if you’re struggling with the gut-punch of watching your ex’s highlight reel, we’ve got practical strategies to help you break free from the comparison...
2025-03-0325 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseCould Your Partner Be Sadistic? Why We Excuse Cruelty in RelationshipsEver wondered if your partner’s cruelty is intentional? Do they know they’re being hurtful, or is it just thoughtlessness?This week, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni expose a chilling but often-overlooked dynamic in toxic relationships: sadism.Learn what sadism really is, how it shows up in narcissistic partnerships, and why some toxic individuals seem to take pleasure in your pain. ➡️ Want to watch the Podcast Extra Interview? https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse🔹 Need support? Get expert insights and practical strategies for recognizing and addressing sadism in re...
2025-02-2426 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseThe Four Most Dangerous Personalities Types to Avoid: An Interview with Joe Navarro, Former FBI Special AgentWhat signs warn that we’ve met not just a toxic person, but someone dangerous?This week Joe Navarro, author and former FBI special agent joins us to discuss the four most dangerous personalities. Navarro is most well-known for his work as a body language expert. He’s authored several books, including What Every Body is Saying, Dangerous Personalities, Louder Than Words, and The Dictionary of Body Language.To Watch the Podcast Extra Interview▶︎ Get practical help on how to recognize and escape a dangerous situation in this week’s Podcast Extra excl...
2025-02-1728 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen the Narcissist Says They Love You: Are They Lying?Narcissists often claim to love us. That they want the save the relationship; but do they?In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni discuss the confusing dynamic of narcissistic partners claiming to be changing and addressing the relationship issues, only aren’t. Learn how survivors can tell the difference between genuine effort from sophisticated manipulation.Is it tricky to distinguish real from fake love? Be sure to check out this week’s podcast extra on how to spot someone lying about their intentions. Get immediate access to this exclusive content when you subscribe here: subst...
2025-02-1028 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Toxic Relationships Always Leave Us Traumatized and Confused: An Interview with Dr. Peter SalernoNarcissists know they are being abusive--that they're being manipulative and exploitative. This week, Dr. Peter Salerno is back to discuss his latest book, Traumatizing Cognitive Dissonance. He discusses with Lisa Sonni why abusive relationships with narcissists leave survivors feeling psychologically battered and confused. Are you looking for help battling the mental confusion caused by a narcissist? Dr. Salerno gives practical steps to reduce this mental confusion so that mental clarity and peace are possible again in this week's Substack Breaking Free Podcast Extra. Get immediate access to this and other exclusive interviews when you join he...
2025-02-0327 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseControlled by Guilt: A Popular Tool Narcissists Love to Use Against YouNarcissists will use any means to control you, especially guilt.In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa discuss the common reasons guilt is such a powerful weapon in the hands of a narcissist or toxic personality.For practical examples of common guilt phrases and how to break free from this toxic dynamic, join the Podcast Extra’s newsletter on SubStack for immediate access to this week’s exclusive video.Join here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse****************************************Stay in Touch with Us!Kerry McAvoy, PhDYoutube - ht...
2025-01-2727 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Narcissists Are So Good At Disturbing Our Peace: Interview with Anna Runkle, Crappy Childhood FairyHave you noticed how upset narcissists get? How they can't regulate themselves?Anna Runkle of the wildly popular Crappy Childhood Fairy YouTube channel joins me today to talk about the importance of learning how to regulate yourself, especially after living with a narcissist.Learn more about the role of psychological regulation plays in setting us free from the lingering effects of trauma and abuse.Want to know the first steps to gaining peace and control after an upsetting event? Find out Anna's recommendations when you become a subscriber of Breaking Free Podcast Extra...
2025-01-2026 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseThe Little Known Reasons Why Love-Bombing Works Every Time: Interview with Nadine Macaluso, Ex-Wife of the Wolf of Wall StreetThere are powerful psychological reasons why love bombing works nearly every time. In this episode, Dr. Nadine Macaluso, the ex-wife of the Wolf of Wall Street shares what she’s uncovered about why we fall so easily spellbound for a toxic or narcissistic individual. What questions you have asked Dr. Nae about the movie, The Wolf of Wall Street? Find out ours when you subscribe to the Podcast Extra Substack newsletter. Unlock access here: http://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuseTo learn more about Dr. Nadine Macaluso (often known to as Dr. Nae), please visit: ht...
2025-01-1324 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHow Narcissists' Use Breadcrumbs of Love to Create an Agonizing ConfusionTrauma bonds are one of the most misunderstood yet powerful connections that narcissists and toxic individuals exploit to keep their partners trapped.These bonds create a confusing dynamic where the very person causing harm becomes the source of comfort—a cycle that is as addictive as it is painful.In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to break down the making and breaking of trauma bonds. Together, we uncover how these devastating ties form, why they’re so hard to escape, and what you can do to break free....
2024-12-3034 min
The Divorce Survival Guide PodcastFeatured Episode: Healing from Narcissistic Relationships with Dr. Kerry Kerr McAvoyI'm bringing back one of my most impactful conversations with psychologist and writer Dr. Kerry Kerr McAvoy about healing from narcissistic relationships. We unpack the challenges of being in a relationship with someone who has narcissistic personality disorder, the profound impact it can have on your emotional and mental well-being, and actionable strategies for self-nurturing after the relationship ends. We also take a closer look at the common phrase "it takes two to tango" and what it means in the context of unhealthy relationships. If you're healing from a toxic relationship or want to gain clarity on...
2024-12-2649 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseThe High Cost of Toxic Relationships on Health, Wealth, and Peace of MindNarcissistic relationships are parasitic in nature. Toxic personalities often drain others of their time, money, attention, and resources.In this podcast, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss the high and sometimes hidden cost of narcissistic relationships.Reference: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van de Kolk: https://amzn.to/3AtGt6zReady to heal from narcissistic abuse? Join Lisa and my upcoming Healing Strong live group coaching. Groups limits to 8 and the next group begins Jan 9, 2024. Secure your spot here! Looking for direction on what first steps you should take...
2024-11-1826 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseFeeling Confused? How Toxic People Keep Us Baffled and StuckHave you noticed that when you’re finally ready to leave, your toxic or narcissistic partner suddenly does something amazing? Do they keep you off balance and confused about the state of the relationship?In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss how narcissists and other toxic people use emotional manipulation to keep their partners and loved ones psychologically stuck in a bad relationship.And, in this week’s Podcast Extra, Lisa and I discuss one listener’s struggles to leave. Learn what helpful suggestions and strategies we suggest to help her break free. Get im...
2024-11-1127 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen You Can't Leave or Stay: How to Recognize a Trauma BondThere comes a point when you know you need to leave, but you can’t. The connection with your loved one is too powerful. In this episode, Rossana Faye joins me to discuss the signs and symptoms of a late-stage trauma bond. If you think you’ve been trauma bonded, become a subscriber today and get immediate access to the exclusive podcast extra interview on the first steps to finding enough strength to save yourself. Subscribe here: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ Did you know you don't need to wait a week for your next...
2024-11-0424 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen You've Been Driven Mad and Snap: The Power of Reactive AbuseHas someone driven you to the breaking point? When you just lose it and snap? This week, Rossana Faye joins me to discuss the destructive power of reactive abuse. Victims often feel terribly guilty afterward, yet they’ve been deliberately provoked into reacting.To learn how to stop reactive abuse, subscribe for immediate access to the practical steps on this week’s Podcast Extra. Join here: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuseDid you know you don't need to wait a week for your next podcast fix? For only $5/month, sign up for weekly podcast extr...
2024-10-2824 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseIs it Just the Silent Treatment or Really Rejection? Why Stonewalling is HarmfulIs it Just the Silent Treatment or Really Rejection? Why Stonewalling is HarmfulSilence occurs for many reasons, but sometimes it’s intentionally used as punishment.Rossana Faye joins me in this podcast episode to discuss why stonewalling is so painful. Silence can be weaponized to send powerful messages of rage and rejection.Are you struggling to recognize stonewalling? Maybe your partner is just emotionally overwhelmed. In this week’s Podcast Extra, Ro and I discuss the differences between being emotionally flooded and giving someone the silent treatment. Get immediate access to this and...
2024-10-2124 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy is My Partner a Narcissist? Which is it—A Nature or Nurture Problem?Are narcissists born or made? And why does this question matter, considering the terrible toll of narcissistic abuse?This week, psychotherapist Dr. Peter Salerno joins me to discuss the root causes of narcissism along with the common misunderstandings about Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Learn the importance of understanding the underpinning of this character makeup when it comes to healing and recovery.Follow Dr. Peter Salerno on social media: @drpetersalernoLearn more about him: https://www.drpetersalerno.comCheck out his new book, The Nature and Nurture of Narcissism: https://www.drpetersalerno.com
2024-10-1425 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseDoes Childhood Abuse Leave a Lasting Legacy in Adult Relationships: An Interview with Nia ReneeWhat is the impact of childhood abuse on adult relationships? Can children overcome early trauma?Nia Renee joins me this week to discuss the lasting legacy of abuse. She describes the impact of chronic gaslighting and neglect on her later relationships. Learn what role resiliency and determination played in helping break the abuse cycle.Could your child be showing signs of trauma? Learn how to spot early signs of distress in this week’s Podcast Extra. Become a paid subscriber and get weekly exclusive interviews along with helpful healing tips and strategies. Get your immediate ac...
2024-10-0724 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHow Narcissistic Abuse Could Cost You Your Identity: The Dangers of EchoismAre you speaking up less? Fawning more? There’s a high cost to living with a narcissist, and it could be your identity.This week, Lynn Strathdee, psychodynamic therapist, joins me to discuss echoism, the true opposite personality style to narcissism. She shares how fawning could result in a loss of our very self.To learn more about Lynn’s work:Website: https://www.echoismrecovery.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theechochamber?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLynn Strathdee is a dedicated psychodynamic therapist with a passi...
2024-09-3025 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHow Relationships Become Dangerous: The Slow Shift from Toxic to DeadlyDangerous relationships rarely begin physically abusive. Initially, you think you’ve met a fantastic partner, but slowly, the toxicity turns into something more insidious and lethal.Trigger warning: this week, Lisa Sonni and I share vulnerable details of how we missed the early signs of danger in our narcissistic relationships.IF YOU ARE A RISK of immediate danger or abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.References: Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft https://amzn.to/4e505fw Blind to Betrayal by Je...
2024-09-2325 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseIf You're in a Narcissistic Relationship, Why Couples Therapy is a Bad IdeaWhen there’s trouble in a relationship, most couples are urged to seek couples counseling.In today’s episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to talk about why this suggestion is a terrible idea if your partner is a narcissist. Too many couples therapists lack the education to identify narcissistic abuse, and narcissistic and toxic partners are highly sophisticated at manipulating the therapeutic process.For help breaking a trauma bond, see Lisa’s resources: https://strongerthanbefore.caIn the Subscriber's Edition, Lisa and I discuss alternative strategies to couples therapy. Learn a simple test on how...
2024-09-1625 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Narcissists Have Problems with Being Securely Attached to YouWhat’s the connection between attachment styles and narcissism? This week, Dr. Erin Leonard, a practicing psychotherapist, joins me to discuss the common problems narcissists have with emotional intelligence and creating secure connections with others. She’s recently authored How to Outsmart a Narcissist, where she describes the best ways to protect ourselves from narcissists’ efforts to manipulate and exploit. More about Dr. Leonard: BOOK- How to Outsmart a Narcissist: Use Emotional Intelligence to Regain Control at Home, at Work, and in Life by Erin Leonard: https://amzn.to/3z32yrI WEBSITE- https://www.recorecounseling.net/schedule PSYCHO...
2024-09-0926 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseDr. Carter's Best Advice About Narcissists That Every Survivor Needs to KnowHave you wondered what a narcissist was thinking? Why would they do what they do? Do they intentionally know they were being cruel?This week, I’m going to re-release an interview I did with Dr. Carter in 2023. In it, he gave a unique perspective on the narcissist’s mindset and explained their worldview and defensiveness. Learn how they so effectively turn the tables on us, making us think we’re the crazy ones. Stay safe this week! I look forward to having you back for our new episode featuring psychologist Dr Erin Leonard next week. S...
2024-09-0229 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Family Court Too Often Takes the Side of the Narcissistic AbuserHave you noticed that too off family court becomes just another battle ground for the narcissist? Lisa Sonni joins me this week to discuss post-separation of abuse. Most of us passionately want to protect our children from our toxic ex only to experience more helplessness in the mediation and courtrooms. To learn how to tip the scales in your favor legally, join me for the Podcast Extra interview by becoming a paid subscriber. Learn the common mistake too many parents make, and what to do instead. Get immediate access here: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse?utm...
2024-08-2624 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Most People, Including the Victim, Fail to Recognize Narcissistic AbuseAre you being abused and don’t know it? Not only is society blind to narcissistic abuse, but so are most victims. In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to talk about why narcissistic abuse is so difficult to spot, even to the victims, and the role this plays in the difficulty of getting help.To learn how to break your silence and society’s denial in this week’s podcast extra interview with Lisa. You get access to this resource along with twenty other amazing interviews with experts like Dr. Les Carter and Bill Eddy...
2024-08-1929 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseBill Eddy's Best Advice For Dealing with Narcissistic BulliesEvery person who has dealt with a narcissist has been bullied. This week, expert and author Bill Eddy joins me to discuss what we get wrong about bullying behavior and the practical steps we all should take to better protect ourselves from antagonistic and vindictive people. To learn more about Bill Eddy and his work, visit: https://highconflictinstitute.comAnd be sure to check out his latest book, Our New World of Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them - How to Stop Them: https://amzn.to/3Abr0r3Is using the...
2024-08-1228 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Sometimes It Feels Wrong or Immoral to Leave a NarcissistLeaving is a moral choice. Often, breaking up or divorce is viewed as a personal choice, but it has ramifications and is character-defining. Rossana Faye joins me this week to discuss why sometimes it becomes a moral dilemma to leave our narcissistic partner. Deciding to divorce is often not as clear-cut for many of us. Did you know you don't need to wait a week for your next podcast fix? For only $5/month, sign up for weekly podcast extras! Join me on Substack! Follow Dr. McAvoy!YouTube: @kerrymcavoyphdInstagram: @kerrymcavoyphdFacebook: @kerrymcavoyphdE-mail: hell...
2024-08-0524 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen Your Partner is a Narcissist, Why the Term "Narcissistic" MattersThese days, it seems like everyone is a narcissist. Is the label of narcissist or narcissistic harmful or helpful? This week, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss the importance and impact of identifying narcissistic abuse and dysfunctional relationship dynamics. Did you know you don't need to wait a week for your next podcast fix? For only $5/month, sign up for weekly podcast extras! Join me on Substack! Follow Dr. McAvoy!YouTube: @kerrymcavoyphdInstagram: @kerrymcavoyphdFacebook: @kerrymcavoyphdE-mail: hello@kerrymcavoyphd.comNewsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D...
2024-07-2926 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseBest Advice for Divorcing a Narcissist Without Losing Your Sh*t: Interview with The Dirty Laundry PodcastDivorcing a narcissist often ends up a contentious battle. Victims come into court shaken up and traumatized, whereas their toxic ex appears poised and confident. Today, two Toronto legal mediators, Amanda Silver and Alex Howard, are joining me. They are also the co-hosts of the Dirty Laundry Podcast. They are going to share how to protect your interests better when leaving a narcissist. To learn more about Amanda and Alex, please see: Podcast: https://dirtylaundry.buzzsprout.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJxM73RNPkuk5doIOcqelWADid you know you don't...
2024-07-2228 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen You Can't Leave: How to Survive a Narcissistic RelationshipWhat if you're not going to leave a narcissist? What if leaving isn't possible? Is there a way to survive a toxic relationship? Sometimes, leaving a toxic relationship isn't possible due to complex reasons. Lisa Sonni joins me this week to discuss why some victims find themselves trapped in a bad partnership and what to do if this describes your situation. Resources Referenced:Should I Stay or Should I Go? Surviving a Relationship with a Narcissist by Dr. Ramani Durvasula: https://amzn.to/4cx4cAeWhat to learn practical survival tips...
2024-07-1526 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseStop trauma dumping on me! How to know if you're trauma dumping vs. trauma reprocessingHave you heard of trauma dumping? It’s become a new way to attack victims for talking about their narcissistic abuse experiences. Rossana Faye joins me as this week’s special guest to explore the importance of sharing your trauma and the role it plays in helping you heal from abuse. And you don’t want to miss this week’s Podcast Extra where Ro and I discuss the differences between trauma reprocessing and trauma dumping. For this exclusive interview, subscribe here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuseReference: Betrayal Blindness by Jennifer Freyd: https://amzn.to...
2024-07-0829 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseAren't all relationships tough? Why We Struggle to Spot Narcissistic AbuseIn celebration of the upcoming holiday, this episode features three of our listeners’ favorites. Listen in as Tara Blair Ball and I discuss:1. How narcissistic abuse is different from emotional abuse2. Why covert narcissists are difficult to spot3. If it's true that narcissists make good loversListen to the full episodes here:S2 EP 33: Were you emotionally abused or narcissistically abused? Why the differences matterS2 EP 38: Are you trapped by a covert narcissist? The top reasons why you're not spotting covert narcissists faster!S2 EP 30: Ar...
2024-07-0126 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseI desperately love and fear them: The Terrifying Power of a Trauma BondCould you be trauma-bonded to a narcissist? Are you battling a strange mix of love and fear? Lisa Sonni joins me this week to discuss trauma bonds--an intense connection to another person that is very difficult to break. We think we feel love when it's based on fear. Learn more about how to recognize if you're trauma-bonded and why it's so difficult to leave. Become a subscriber and get the Podcast Extra exclusive conversation about WHY identifying and breaking a trauma bond is so difficult. substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse or https://ko-fi.com/kerrymcavoyphd...
2024-06-1730 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy Can't I Leave? The Crazy Confusion from Late-Stage Cognitive DissonanceHave you asked yourself, "Why can't I leave?" You know you should. You've even started hiding the ugly truth of what's really going on behind closed doors. In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss late-stage cognitive dissonance. Learn the underlying cause of the agonizing confusion that paralyzes the victim from acting in their own best interest. Find out what it took for us to break free from its terrible grip.To learn more about cognitive dissonance, become a Podcast Extra Subscriber. This week, Lisa and I deconstruct the causes of intense paralysis and...
2024-06-1027 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseFeeling duped and conned? Why We Miss the Signs of a Covert Narcissist: An Interview with Eleni SagredosHave you left a relationship feeling duped? Not just betrayed, but conned? You’ve likely met a covert narcissist.In this episode, Elena Sagredos, author of But They’re So Nice, joins me to talk about the deceptiveness of covert abuse. We often miss the signs we’ve met a covert narcissism behind their guise of niceness, only later to discover their extreme duplicity. To learn more about Eleni, you can follow her here:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nonarcsenseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/no_narcsenseTo purchase her book:Bu...
2024-06-0325 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseIs my partner a narcissist? Highlights from Dr. Kerry's 3 Favorite InterviewsRelationships with narcissists can be confounding, confusing, and incredibly frustrating. Join Dr. Kerry for this holiday episode when she revisits the highlights of her three favorite interviews. Hear Dr. Les Carter’s explanation of why narcissists are so tricky, Lisa Sonni’s three steps to breaking a trauma bond, and Dr. Robin Stern’s disturbing description of gaslighting’s power. To listen to these full episodes: Dr. Les Carter: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/podcast/s2-ep25-why-do-narcissists-have-to-make-life-miserable-dr-les-carter-explains-narcissism/Lisa Sonni: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/podcast/s2-ep27-why-am-i-so-confused-the-making-breaking-of-a-trauma-bond-with-lisa-sonni/Dr. Robin Stern: h...
2024-05-2726 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse"We're just trying to help!" How to Manage Toxic In-Law DramaAre you battling toxic in-law drama? Is your mother-in-law or father-in-law intruding into your relationship or family?This week, Rossana Faye joins us to discuss common toxic in-law drama, particularly when it involves a narcissistic mother- or father-in-law. This week's self-help tip is the importance of strengthening your couple's boundaries over time. Question for you: Is your toxic mother-in-law ruining your marriage or partnership? In this week's Podcast Extra, Ro and I dive into this particularly toxic match-up. Learn how to defeat toxic in-laws by becoming a subscriber. Get...
2024-05-2028 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse"How mad can I make you?" The Toxic Games Covert Narcissists PlayDo you find yourself exasperated or angry at your partner, but you aren’t sure why? Do they put you into no-win binds?Covert narcissists love to play subtle, often hidden mind games. They are masterful at twisting the truth, hiding exploitative agendas, and playing the victim, enraging their partners and families while keeping them in the dark. In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins to discuss the common mind games covert narcissists use. This week's self-help tip is how to use your emotional reaction and personal history to identify toxicity. Join Lisa and me a...
2024-05-1328 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse"You're trying to control me!" Why Managing Boundaries with Narcissists FailsHave you noticed managing boundaries with narcissists always fails? That they find some tricky way to evade limit setting? Suddenly, you’re being accused of being too controlling or sensitive, or they can’t understand what you're asking. In this podcast, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss the problems of managing boundaries with narcissists. We'll explore this issue from a narcissist's perspective: why they find boundaries threatening. The self-help tip is the importance of evaluating both partners' investment in the relationship as a measure of a healthy relationship. Now, you don't need to wait...
2024-05-0628 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse"You’re not taking my babies from me!" How Jessica Kent Escaped Abuse(Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of abuse.)This week, Jessica Kent, a wildly popular social media figure, joins me to share her story of escaping abuse. Jessica reveals how covert narcissistic abuse can go from subtle to violent, especially when victims leave the relationship. Jessica Kent is best known for prison reform advocacy. To learn more about her and her work:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaKentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesken12/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jesken12?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook...
2024-04-2929 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseHow Could I Have Not Known? How Devastating Betrayals Blind UsSometimes, the truth can be right in front of you, but you still can't see it. Rossana Faye joins me this week to discuss a concept Dr. Jennifer Freyd, in her book Blind to Betrayal, calls “betrayal blindness.” Some truths can be so devastating that they are difficult to face. And, the self-help tip is the importance of listening to what feels off, uncomfortable, or wrong to recognize signs you may be missing critical details in your relationship or family.Blind to Betrayal: Why We Fool Ourselves When We Aren’t Being Fooled by Jennifer Freyd...
2024-04-2227 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhy I'd Snoop Again: How this Toxic Behavior Sometimes Provides Closure and SafetyIs it ever okay to go through your partner's phone? I've been guilty of snooping and might consider doing it again.Narcissists and toxic personalities are masters at creating ambiguity. My ex used to readily offer me his credit card after we first started dating. He'd send photos of broken machinery and take me on company runs, all as a way to build trust so that I couldn't tell real company crises from manufactured ones. I later learned he'd created this elaborate ruse to hide a double life.Yet going through our loved...
2024-04-1529 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseI Think My Pet is Being Hurt! The Danger Narcissists Pose to Our AnimalsAn all-too-common problem is narcissists and pets. Toxic people often pose a serious danger to our beloved animals. In this podcast, Lisa Sonni and Dr. Kerry discuss the relationship toxic people often have with their family pets. Narcissists will often shower animals with love and attention only to harm the pets in private. The self-help tip includes some important boundaries to consider when beginning a relationship with someone new. Now, you don't need to wait a week for your next podcast fix. For only $5/month, sign up for weekly podcast extras! Join me on Ko-fi!
2024-04-0826 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseDid the Church Groom Me for Abuse? When Spiritual Leadership Becomes ToxicHave you been a victim of spiritual abuse? It's not just interpersonal relationships that can be toxic, but also group systems and leaders. Many are stepping forward to expose toxic church leadership and oppressive and abusive spiritual belief systems. This week, Natalie Hoffman, author of Is it Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse and her latest book, All the Scary Little Gods: a Memoir, joins me to discuss this sensitive topic. To learn more about Natalie, you can find her on Instagram: https...
2024-04-0130 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseAm I The Narcissist? When Toxic People Accuse You of Being The ProblemHave you ever wondered, "Am I the narcissist?" Have you been accused of being the problem? In this podcast episode, Rossana Faye joins me to discuss how to know who's creating the chaos. Narcissists are notorious for never seeing themselves as the root cause, but how do we know that the issue isn't us? And the self-help tip is how to use your history to identify dysfunctional relationship patterns. Please join me for the weekly Podcast Extra! For just $5 a month, get key takeaways, helpful psychological insights and tools, and an exclusive podcast aud...
2024-03-2531 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseIs It Really Abuse If I Can't Do What I Want? What is Coercive Control?Is being overly controlling a form of abuse? In this podcast episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss the subtleties of coercive control. Learn how to recognize the common control tactic of this insidious form of abuse. And this week's self-help tip is to assess how your partner's feelings and demands affect you. Are you doing less and becoming increasingly isolated to please them?Would you like to learn more about this topic? Be sure to become a subscriber for the weekly Podcast Extra. Get a jam-packed newsletter with examples, psychological insights, reflective...
2024-03-1828 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen Stonewalling Is Used Against You: How to Disarm Toxic InteractionsStonewalling or giving someone the silent treatment is one of the nastiest forms of unfair fighting. When we ignore or reject another person's bid for a connection more than thirty percent of the time, the likelihood the relationship won't make it dramatically increases. In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss why stonewalling is such a popular toxic behavior and what to do if it's happening to you. A big thank you to this podcast's sponsor, GettheTea.com. Check out their supplements and teas and get better health today!You don't need t...
2024-03-1128 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhat's wrong with me? The Power of Gaslighting to Confuse and Control: Interview with Dr. Robin SternHave you wondered what's wrong with me? This could be a sign of gaslighting. Dr. Robin Stern, psychoanalyst, author, and expert on gaslighting, joins me to discuss the underlying dynamics of a toxic or narcissistic relationship. She delves into the hidden motivations of both the gaslighter as well as the gaslightee. •Learn more about Dr. Stern: https://robinstern.com•The Gaslight Effect Podcast: https://robinstern.com/podcast/about-the-gaslight-effect-podcast/•My Interview with Dr. Stern on The Gaslight Effect Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/032-breaking-chains-dr-kerry-mcavoys-triumph-over-marital/id1645322193?i=1000637507698•The Gaslight Effect book: https://amzn.to...
2024-03-0432 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen Fear of Change Keeps You from Leaving: How to Say Goodbye to a Toxic LifeLeaving often brings along with it a fear of change. We might dread how change will affect our kids or our friendships. Maybe we're concerned about how leaving could disrupt life as we know it. In this podcast episode, Tara and Dr. Kerry discuss the fears of change they faced and how they overcame them to leave. Tara also is leaving the show and shares about her future plans. The self-help tip is the power of letter writing to find closure after leaving a toxic relationship. Join Our Newsletter!Di...
2024-02-2630 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseCould Your Relationship be Making You Sick? The High Cost of Living With a NarcissistCould living with a narcissist be making you sick? Are you struggling with more illnesses? Maybe you even have an autoimmune disease.In this podcast episode, Tara Blair Ball and Lisa Sonni discuss the invisible impact of living with a narcissist on our health. Learn how narcissists and other toxic people not only sabotage our self-care but also impact our physical and mental health. Resources: The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk- https://amzn.to/3Sh06nc ***************Did you know you don't need to wait a week for your next podcast fi...
2024-02-1930 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseDon't Trust Yourself? How Self-Doubt Keeps Us Stuck in a Bad RelationshipAre you stuck in a bad relationship? Are you wondering if you have good enough reasons enough to leave? In this podcast episode, Rossana Faye, Rollercoaster of Love, joins to me to discuss how self-doubt can trap us in a bad relationship. How we can get stuck in our own heads, which only adds to the confusion we already feel in narcissistic relationships. And the self-help tip is the power of finding forgiveness for ourselves through acceptance and love.You don't need to wait a week for your next podcast fix. For only $5/month, sign...
2024-02-1228 min
Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseTime to Leave? Top Dos and Don'ts When Divorcing a Narcissist: Interview with Kate AnthonyAre you considering divorcing a narcissist? Wondering how to do it safely?In today's podcast, Kate Anthony, a High-Conflict Divorce Coach and author of The D Word, joins me to discuss how to become our own best advocate when leaving a narcissist. She covers the top dos and don'ts to exiting these challenging and even dangerous relationships. Kate Anthony: https://kateanthony.comThe D Word: Making the Ultimate Decision About Your Marriage: https://amzn.to/3HDbTHhDid you know you don't need to wait a week for your next podcast fix? Sign...
2024-02-0529 min
Begin The Full Audiobook Everyone Is Talking About — So Breakthrough!Love You More by Kerry Kerr McAvoy Ph.D.Please visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/169735to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Love You More
Author: Kerry Kerr McAvoy Ph.D.
Narrator: Kerry Kerr McAvoy
Format: mp3
Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 08-31-23
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 19 ratings
Genres: Dysfunctional Families
Publisher's Summary:
Dr. Kerry McAvoy was juggling the life of an overly-committed mom, wife, and psychologist when the loss of her husband brought her world to a crashing halt. Then she meets Cesar, a charming, handsome, and ambitious man who sweeps her off her feet with the promise of new love.
2023-08-319h 17
You Are Not CrazyThe Cycle of Narcissistic Abuse with Psychologist Kerry Kerr McAvoyOn todays podcast, Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., joins me to discuss the Narcissistic Cycle of Abuse. Dr. McAvoy is a psychologist and writer, an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. She's been featured on Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse. She’s also recently published a workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist: A Guide to Resolving Cognitive Dissonance, designed to he...
2023-02-0148 min
Narcissism Archives - Treasured MinistriesHow to Recognize a Narcissist with Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D. (Narcissism – Episode 4)
Setting Boundaries with a Narcissist
We believe it is important for every woman to be aware of the narcissistic personality so that you can set boundaries. For these reasons and in response to your questions, we wanted to interview experts in this field. Don’t miss today’s episode and please share with others!
Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a psychologist, and writer, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her podcast, Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse offers advice on trauma-related issues. Recently she released a workb...
2023-01-3100 minNarcissism Archives - Treasured MinistriesHow to Recognize a Narcissist with Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D. (Narcissism – Episode 4)
Setting Boundaries with a Narcissist
We believe it is important for every woman to be aware of the narcissistic personality so that you can set boundaries. For these reasons and in response to your questions, we wanted to interview experts in this field. Don’t miss today’s episode and please share with others!
Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a psychologist, and writer, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her podcast, Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse offers advice on trauma-related issues. Recently she released a workb...
2023-01-3100 min