pod.link/breakingfreewithkerrytara
pod.link copied!
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.

Are you in a relationship that confuses you? One that leaves you feeling attacked or walking on eggshells? Maybe you've left but... more

Listen now on

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Podcast Addict
Pocket Casts
Castbox
Podbean
iHeartRadio
Player FM
Podcast Republic
Castro
RSS

Episodes

Being Taken for Granted? How to Protect Your Big-Heartedness from Toxic People's Manipulation

Send us a textAs a nod to this week’s holidays, let’s revisit three of my favorite episodes that discuss how... more

25 Nov 2024 · 28 minutes
The High Cost of Toxic Relationships on Health, Wealth, and Peace of Mind

Send us a textNarcissistic relationships are parasitic in nature. Toxic personalities often drain others of their time, money, attention, and... more

18 Nov 2024 · 25 minutes
Feeling Confused? How Toxic People Keep Us Baffled and Stuck

Send us a textHave you noticed that when you’re finally ready to leave, your toxic or narcissistic partner suddenly does... more

11 Nov 2024 · 26 minutes
When You Can't Leave or Stay: How to Recognize a Trauma Bond

Send us a textThere comes a point when you know you need to leave, but you can’t. The connection with... more

04 Nov 2024 · 23 minutes
When You've Been Driven Mad and Snap: The Power of Reactive Abuse

Send us a textHas someone driven you to the breaking point? When you just lose it and snap? This week,... more

28 Oct 2024 · 24 minutes
Is it Just the Silent Treatment or Really Rejection? Why Stonewalling is Harmful

Send us a textIs it Just the Silent Treatment or Really Rejection? Why Stonewalling is HarmfulSilence occurs for many reasons,... more

21 Oct 2024 · 24 minutes
Why is My Partner a Narcissist? Which is it—A Nature or Nurture Problem?

Send us a textAre narcissists born or made? And why does this question matter, considering the terrible toll of narcissistic... more

14 Oct 2024 · 24 minutes
Does Childhood Abuse Leave a Lasting Legacy in Adult Relationships: An Interview with Nia Renee

Send us a textWhat is the impact of childhood abuse on adult relationships? Can children overcome early trauma?Nia Renee joins... more

07 Oct 2024 · 23 minutes
How Narcissistic Abuse Could Cost You Your Identity: The Dangers of Echoism

Send us a textAre you speaking up less? Fawning more? There’s a high cost to living with a narcissist, and... more

30 Sep 2024 · 24 minutes
How Relationships Become Dangerous: The Slow Shift from Toxic to Deadly

Send us a textDangerous relationships rarely begin physically abusive. Initially, you think you’ve met a fantastic partner, but slowly, the... more

23 Sep 2024 · 24 minutes
If You're in a Narcissistic Relationship, Why Couples Therapy is a Bad Idea

Send us a textWhen there’s trouble in a relationship, most couples are urged to seek couples counseling.In today’s episode, Lisa... more

16 Sep 2024 · 25 minutes
Why Narcissists Have Problems with Being Securely Attached to You

Send us a textWhat’s the connection between attachment styles and narcissism? This week, Dr. Erin Leonard, a practicing psychotherapist, joins... more

09 Sep 2024 · 25 minutes
Dr. Carter's Best Advice About Narcissists That Every Survivor Needs to Know

Send us a textHave you wondered what a narcissist was thinking? Why would they do what they do? Do they... more

02 Sep 2024 · 29 minutes
Why Family Court Too Often Takes the Side of the Narcissistic Abuser

Send us a textHave you noticed that too off family court becomes just another battle ground for the narcissist? Lisa... more

26 Aug 2024 · 24 minutes
Why Most People, Including the Victim, Fail to Recognize Narcissistic Abuse

Send us a textAre you being abused and don’t know it? Not only is society blind to narcissistic abuse, but... more

19 Aug 2024 · 29 minutes
Bill Eddy's Best Advice For Dealing with Narcissistic Bullies

Send us a textEvery person who has dealt with a narcissist has been bullied. This week, expert and author Bill... more

12 Aug 2024 · 28 minutes
Why Sometimes It Feels Wrong or Immoral to Leave a Narcissist

Send us a textLeaving is a moral choice. Often, breaking up or divorce is viewed as a personal choice, but... more

05 Aug 2024 · 23 minutes
When Your Partner is a Narcissist, Why the Term "Narcissistic" Matters

Send us a textThese days, it seems like everyone is a narcissist. Is the label of narcissist or narcissistic harmful... more

29 Jul 2024 · 25 minutes
Best Advice for Divorcing a Narcissist Without Losing Your Sh*t: Interview with The Dirty Laundry Podcast

Send us a textDivorcing a narcissist often ends up a contentious battle. Victims come into court shaken up and traumatized,... more

22 Jul 2024 · 27 minutes
When You Can't Leave: How to Survive a Narcissistic Relationship

Send us a textWhat if you're not going to leave a narcissist? What if leaving isn't possible? Is there a... more

15 Jul 2024 · 25 minutes
Stop trauma dumping on me! How to know if you're trauma dumping vs. trauma reprocessing

Send us a textHave you heard of trauma dumping? It’s become a new way to attack victims for talking about... more

08 Jul 2024 · 28 minutes
Aren't all relationships tough? Why We Struggle to Spot Narcissistic Abuse

Send us a textIn celebration of the upcoming holiday, this episode features three of our listeners’ favorites. Listen in as... more

01 Jul 2024 · 25 minutes
Only Me & Never You: Inside the Bizarre Mind of a Narcissist - Interview with Dr. Les Carter

Send us a textThe mind of a narcissist is wildly self-absorbed and oblivious to those around them. They are excessively... more

24 Jun 2024 · 21 minutes
I desperately love and fear them: The Terrifying Power of a Trauma Bond

Send us a textCould you be trauma-bonded to a narcissist? Are you battling a strange mix of love and fear?... more

17 Jun 2024 · 29 minutes
Why Can't I Leave? The Crazy Confusion from Late-Stage Cognitive Dissonance

Send us a textHave you asked yourself, "Why can't I leave?" You know you should. You've even started hiding the... more

10 Jun 2024 · 25 minutes
Feeling duped and conned? Why We Miss the Signs of a Covert Narcissist: An Interview with Eleni Sagredos

Send us a textHave you left a relationship feeling duped? Not just betrayed, but conned? You’ve likely met a covert... more

03 Jun 2024 · 24 minutes
Is my partner a narcissist? Highlights from Dr. Kerry's 3 Favorite Interviews

Send us a textRelationships with narcissists can be confounding, confusing, and incredibly frustrating. Join Dr. Kerry for this holiday episode... more

27 May 2024 · 24 minutes
"We're just trying to help!" How to Manage Toxic In-Law Drama

Send us a textAre you battling toxic in-law drama? Is your mother-in-law or father-in-law intruding into your relationship or family?This... more

20 May 2024 · 27 minutes
"How mad can I make you?" The Toxic Games Covert Narcissists Play

Send us a textDo you find yourself exasperated or angry at your partner, but you aren’t sure why? Do they... more

13 May 2024 · 26 minutes
"You're trying to control me!" Why Managing Boundaries with Narcissists Fails

Send us a textHave you noticed managing boundaries with narcissists always fails? That they find some tricky way to evade... more

06 May 2024 · 27 minutes
"You’re not taking my babies from me!" How Jessica Kent Escaped Abuse

Send us a text(Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of abuse.)This week, Jessica Kent, a wildly popular social media... more

29 Apr 2024 · 28 minutes
How Could I Have Not Known? How Devastating Betrayals Blind Us

Send us a textSometimes, the truth can be right in front of you, but you still can't see it. Rossana... more

22 Apr 2024 · 26 minutes
Why I'd Snoop Again: How this Toxic Behavior Sometimes Provides Closure and Safety

Send us a textIs it ever okay to go through your partner's phone? I've been guilty of snooping and might... more

15 Apr 2024 · 27 minutes
I Think My Pet is Being Hurt! The Danger Narcissists Pose to Our Animals

Send us a textAn all-too-common problem is narcissists and pets. Toxic people often pose a serious danger to our beloved... more

08 Apr 2024 · 24 minutes
Did the Church Groom Me for Abuse? When Spiritual Leadership Becomes Toxic

Send us a textHave you been a victim of spiritual abuse? It's not just interpersonal relationships that can be toxic,... more

01 Apr 2024 · 28 minutes
Am I The Narcissist? When Toxic People Accuse You of Being The Problem

Send us a textHave you ever wondered, "Am I the narcissist?" Have you been accused of being the problem? In... more

25 Mar 2024 · 29 minutes
Is It Really Abuse If I Can't Do What I Want? What is Coercive Control?

Send us a textIs being overly controlling a form of abuse? In this podcast episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to... more

18 Mar 2024 · 27 minutes
When Stonewalling Is Used Against You: How to Disarm Toxic Interactions

Send us a textStonewalling or giving someone the silent treatment is one of the nastiest forms of unfair fighting. When... more

11 Mar 2024 · 27 minutes
What's wrong with me? The Power of Gaslighting to Confuse and Control: Interview with Dr. Robin Stern

Send us a textHave you wondered what's wrong with me? This could be a sign of gaslighting. Dr. Robin Stern,... more

04 Mar 2024 · 31 minutes
When Fear of Change Keeps You from Leaving: How to Say Goodbye to a Toxic Life

Send us a textLeaving often brings along with it a fear of change. We might dread how change will affect... more

26 Feb 2024 · 29 minutes
Could Your Relationship be Making You Sick? The High Cost of Living With a Narcissist

Send us a textCould living with a narcissist be making you sick? Are you struggling with more illnesses? Maybe you... more

19 Feb 2024 · 28 minutes
Don't Trust Yourself? How Self-Doubt Keeps Us Stuck in a Bad Relationship

Send us a textAre you stuck in a bad relationship? Are you wondering if you have good enough reasons enough... more

12 Feb 2024 · 26 minutes
Time to Leave? Top Dos and Don'ts When Divorcing a Narcissist: Interview with Kate Anthony

Send us a textAre you considering divorcing a narcissist? Wondering how to do it safely?In today's podcast, Kate Anthony, a... more

05 Feb 2024 · 27 minutes
Off-balanced by the ups and downs? How narcissists keep you confused.

Send us a textAre you feeling off-balanced? Do you wonder how your narcissistic partner or loved one is keeping you... more

29 Jan 2024 · 26 minutes
Men can't be victims, right? Common myths about men and narcissistic abuse: An Interview with Brent MacLerie

Send us a textOne of many harmful stereotypes men face is that they can't be victims of narcissistic abuse, yet... more

22 Jan 2024 · 28 minutes
Deceived by your partner? The devastating effects of betrayal trauma

Send us a textWhen there's been a massive breach of trust, victims experience what's called betrayal trauma. Yet, there's... more

15 Jan 2024 · 28 minutes
How narcissists can turn dream honeymoons into a waking nightmare!

Send us a textDid you think you had met the most amazing person only to discover you had married a... more

08 Jan 2024 · 24 minutes
How to manage runaway triggers in new situations and at family celebrations

Send us a textAre you managing trauma triggers in new situations or at family holiday celebrations? Are you struggling with... more

18 Dec 2023 · 25 minutes
How to make your holidays special despite the yearly toxic family drama!

Send us a textDo you struggle each holiday with the toxic family drama? In this episode, Tara and I discuss... more

11 Dec 2023 · 23 minutes
What red flags are you missing in that new relationship? An Interview with Dr. Heidi Brocke

Send us a textWhat red flags are you missing? Are you ignoring the early warning signs of a possible toxic... more

04 Dec 2023 · 31 minutes
Can't live without them? Watch out for this early sign of a trauma bond!

Send us a textDependency can be an early red flag that you're trapped in a traumatic bond with a narcissist.... more

27 Nov 2023 · 26 minutes
Are you arguing a lot? Here's why you should not try to win a fight with a narcissist

Send us a textAre you fighting a lot? Maybe it's better to learn how not to win an argument with... more

20 Nov 2023 · 25 minutes
Does the narcissist always ruin your holidays? How to handle celebration nightmares!

Send us a textHave you wondered why narcissists ruin holidays? Why they can't let you enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, or your... more

13 Nov 2023 · 25 minutes
Suddenly on your own? How narcissists use isolation to cut you off from others

Send us a textAre you suddenly alone? Learn how a narcissist isolates you as a way to gain control over... more

06 Nov 2023 · 26 minutes
Are you trapped by a covert narcissist? The top reasons why you're not spotting covert narcissists faster!

Send us a textDo you want to know why you're not spotting a covert narcissist? Learn what is a covert... more

30 Oct 2023 · 29 minutes
Are all narcissists abusive? Aren't we unfairly demonizing a group of people?

Send us a textAre all narcissists abusive? Aren't we unfairly classifying a group of wounded people as toxic or dangerous?... more

23 Oct 2023 · 23 minutes
Has the narcissist got you feeling confused? Here's how they keep you in the dark!

Send us a textHave you wondered what's real? Maybe you've noticed how narcissist keeps you in the dark--that they say... more

16 Oct 2023 · 28 minutes
Is it a boundary or an ultimatum? Why narcissists hate limit setting

Send us a textHave you wondered why narcissists hate limit setting? Why are your boundaries treated as though optional, yet... more

09 Oct 2023 · 29 minutes
Why isn't my narcissistic partner changing when they say they're trying?

Send us a textHave you ever asked yourself, Why isn't my narcissistic partner changing despite going to therapy? Many narcissists... more

02 Oct 2023 · 25 minutes
Were you emotionally abused or narcissistically abused? Why the differences matter.

Send us a textWhy distinguish narcissistic abuse from emotional abuse? Aren’t both referring to the same thing? In this episode,... more

25 Sep 2023 · 21 minutes
Are you trapped? What to do if you're stuck in a bad relationship

Send us a textWhat should you do if you get trapped in a bad relationship? Narcissistic abuse victims often have... more

18 Sep 2023 · 18 minutes
Is it love bombing or real love? Can you tell the difference?

Send us a textHow do you know if it's love bombing vs. real love? What signs should we be watching... more

11 Sep 2023 · 23 minutes
Are all narcissists sex addicts? What goes wrong with intimacy in the bedroom

Send us a textCan narcissism be linked with sex addiction, and what exactly is sex addiction? In this episode, Kerry... more

28 Aug 2023 · 19 minutes
Have you met a narcissist? How sympathy sometimes can be a warning

Send us a textIs empathy a good indicator you've met a healthy person? Narcissists are often thought of as emotionally... more

21 Aug 2023 · 12 minutes
Feeling knocked down? Defeated? Here's Kerry's secret on how to become an overcomer

Send us a textIn this episode, Tara flips the script and interviews Kerry. Dive in as Kerry reveals a hidden... more

14 Aug 2023 · 27 minutes
Why am I so confused? The Making & Breaking of a Trauma Bond with Lisa Sonni

Send us a textIn this episode, Tara and Kerry interview Lisa Sonni, author and trauma bond expert, on the development... more

07 Aug 2023 · 35 minutes
How to find joy and renewed power after surviving abuse: An interview with Tara

Send us a textIn this episode, we get a behind-the-scenes look into our co-host, Tara's life. She shares how she... more

31 Jul 2023 · 23 minutes
Why do narcissists have to make life miserable? Dr. Les Carter Explains Narcissism

Send us a textIn this episode, Tara and Kerry interview Dr. Les Carter, a psychologist with wildly popular YouTube channel... more

24 Jul 2023 · 30 minutes
If it was just a "situationship", why do I feel so miserable?

Send us a textIn this episode, Kerry and Tara respond to a listener's letter about the struggle of recovering from... more

17 Jul 2023 · 20 minutes
Does everyone deserve our kindness? How to reduce the risk of being exploited

Send us a textIn this episode, Kerry and Tara share some of their struggles with figuring out the difference between... more

10 Jul 2023 · 21 minutes
Am I still trauma bonded? Top Signs That You’ve Broken That Toxic Connection

Send us a textIn this episode, Kerry and Tara share the initial signs they had broken the trauma bond with... more

26 Jun 2023 · 23 minutes
My relationship is toxic? I thought all relationships required a lot of work

Send us a textIn this episode, Kerry and Tara address a common fallacy that all relationships are a lot of... more

19 Jun 2023 · 25 minutes
How will I know when I'm supposed to leave? What if I make the wrong decision?

Send us a textIn this episode, Kerry and Tara tackle one of the most asked questions of abuse survivors: how... more

12 Jun 2023 · 29 minutes
Could you be at risk? Why you should be afraid of the Dark Triad Personality

Send us a textIn this episode, Kerry and Tara discuss a particularly dangerous group of people, the Dark Triad Personality... more

05 Jun 2023 · 28 minutes
Friends as Enemies: What to do when those you love are narcissistic

Send us a textIn this episode, Kerry and Tara tackle how complicated it can be when the narcissists in your... more

22 May 2023 · 25 minutes
How can my narcissistic ex move on so easily? The Problem of Grief

Send us a textVictims of narcissistic abuse often complain about seeing happy photos of their exes on social media. In... more

15 May 2023 · 25 minutes
Waking up to a Stranger: What Happens Once Love Bombing is Over

Send us a textHave you noticed how narcissists and toxic people morph into someone new once love-bombing is over? In... more

08 May 2023 · 27 minutes
Announcement

Send us a textBreaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse will be dropping a new episode on May 8, 2023. In the... more

24 Apr 2023 ·
Could I be the narcissist? The power of reactive abuse to make victims feel crazy.

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Kerry and Tara tackle the power of reactive abuse to make some narcissistic... more

17 Apr 2023 · 25 minutes
Am I more vulnerable to toxic relationships because I have ADHD or Autism? The answer might surprise you.

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the vulnerabilities those of us with ADHD or Autism... more

10 Apr 2023 · 31 minutes
Aren’t narcissists fantastic lovers? Tackling the myth of great sex in abusive relationships

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the myth of sex in the narcissistic relationship, and... more

03 Apr 2023 · 26 minutes
Why do I feel so confused and awful? Are these signs of cognitive dissonance?

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the signs of cognitive dissonance and the impact it... more

27 Mar 2023 · 27 minutes
Are you a gaslighter? How we might unintentionally gaslight in even healthy relationships

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss how we might actually gaslight in healthy relationships and... more

20 Mar 2023 · 32 minutes
Is Codependency a Bad Word? Should it be Used to Describe Narcissistic Abuse Victims?

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss codependency vs. Super Traits, what's the difference, and why... more

13 Mar 2023 · 28 minutes
Why do I love my abuser? The power of a trauma bond explained

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Kerry and Tara give an intimate look at the emotional power of a... more

06 Mar 2023 · 25 minutes
What's best for the kids, leaving or staying in a toxic relationship?

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss co-parenting challenges when you have a toxic ex. How... more

27 Feb 2023 · 26 minutes
Can we still be friends? How to handle the toxic post-split lovebomb request

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss why your toxic ex might come back and try... more

20 Feb 2023 · 25 minutes
Do I really need to go no contact with my narcissistic ex?

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss following through with limited contact or no contact after... more

13 Feb 2023 · 25 minutes
Help, I think I'm being financially abused! What can I do about it?

Send us a textResearch has found that over 99% of victims in abusive relationships were also being financially abused. Could... more

06 Feb 2023 · 27 minutes
What to do when your narcissistically abusive ex tries to come back

Send us a textIn this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the common problem of exes trying to return after... more

30 Jan 2023 · 24 minutes
What Is "Narcissistic Abuse?" How Is It Different from Abuse? Is It Being Overused?

Send us a textIn this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the use of narcissistic abuse. It's become a very... more

23 Jan 2023 · 23 minutes
As a survivor of abuse, are you setting realistic goals for yourself in 2023?

Send us a textIn this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss setting realistic goals in 2023 and the Self-Help Tip... more

16 Jan 2023 · 28 minutes
Big changes for the new year! Let’s make it one of wholeness & health

Send us a textWelcome back to a new season! I’m being joined with a co-host, Tara Blair Ball, author &... more

09 Jan 2023 · 22 minutes
Ready for the holidays? My three top tips for dealing with difficult relatives and in-laws

Send us a textNarcissist and other difficult people love to ruin the holidays. They will find some way to make... more

22 Dec 2022 · 25 minutes
I've lost my sense of self after narcissistic abuse. How do I reclaim it?

Send us a textNarcissistic abuse damages our sense of self because our sense of self is constantly in flux. An... more

19 Dec 2022 · 22 minutes
Why does every issue turn into an argument? My partner says I'm the problem

Send us a textHave you noticed how narcissists can take a seemingly straightforward decision and turn it into an exhausting,... more

15 Dec 2022 · 23 minutes
Is the abuse harmful to children? Two survivors share their personal experiences

Send us a textDoes abuse affect children the same way as the adult partner? Today, I’m joined by Bri Peterson... more

12 Dec 2022 · 41 minutes
Why can't I find a therapist who knows something about narcissistic abuse?

Send us a textAnyone looking for a mental health clinician with expertise in narcissistic abuse knows this is challenging. What... more

08 Dec 2022 · 27 minutes
I think I'm trauma bonded. Now what? How do I start my healing?

Send us a textTrauma bonds are painful connection with another person that is based on fear. There’s an addictive quality... more

05 Dec 2022 · 27 minutes
Is it healthy to obsess over my past narcissistic partner and what happened to me?

Send us a textIt’s become popular to spend time thinking about psychopathic and narcissistic abuses—for us to obsess over what’s... more

01 Dec 2022 · 28 minutes
How do I combat my partner turning every issue into a "me" problem?

Send us a textHave you heard of the acronym DARVO? It’s a nasty type of gaslighting that flips the script... more

28 Nov 2022 · 18 minutes
How do I rebuild trust in myself after surviving narcissistic abuse?

Send us a textIt’s tough when you first leave a narcissistically abusive relationship. Your partner has made most of the... more

21 Nov 2022 · 29 minutes
What people don’t understand about abuse and why it’s hard to leave a toxic relationship

Send us a textThe most common, useless advice given to victims is just to leave. Why do we say this... more

17 Nov 2022 · 27 minutes
Should we blame victims for not spotting the signs they've met a dangerous person?

Send us a textI recently started reading a book that’s been around a while—Neil Strauss’ book called The Game, though... more

14 Nov 2022 · 22 minutes
Why can't I leave my partner? The seven stages of a trauma bond

Send us a textHave you heard of the term “trauma bond?” It’s a condition similar to being brainwashed by Stockholm’s... more

10 Nov 2022 · 31 minutes
What quality did I miss when I got into a relationship with a toxic person?

Send us a textEvery victim wants to know how they got into a toxic or dangerous relationship. Was there an... more

07 Nov 2022 · 26 minutes
Is it too much masculine energy for women to protect their boundaries?

Send us a textOn social media, it’s gotten popular to discuss masculine and feminine energy. Boundaries have come under attack... more

03 Nov 2022 · 22 minutes
Could chronic stress or trauma be making me sick?

Send us a textWhy are we surprised that there is a mind-body connection? That what we experience, like abuse, will... more

31 Oct 2022 · 22 minutes
What is a Dark Triad Personality, and how dangerous is this person?

Send us a textHave you heard of the Dark Triad Personality disorder? Some have suggested this is a new personality... more

27 Oct 2022 · 28 minutes
Am I a bad friend if I shut someone down for talking about a toxic relationship?

Send us a textIt’s become popular to call it “trauma dumping” when someone talks about their abuse. But is that... more

24 Oct 2022 · 21 minutes
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
Why can't I leave my partner? The seven stages of a trauma bond
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
0:00
-0:00

Listen now on

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Podcast Addict
Pocket Casts
Castbox
Podbean
iHeartRadio
Player FM
Podcast Republic
Castro
RSS

Description

Send us a textHave you heard of the term “trauma bond?” It’s a condition similar to being brainwashed by Stockholm’s Syndrome. Victims... more