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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

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Episodes

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
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
Is the abuse harmful to children? Two survivors share their personal experiences
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
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Description

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