Send us a text

Is 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 you move forward.

👉 Join today: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

To learn more about Erica: 

TikTok

Instagram

YouTube

****************************************

Stay in Touch with Us!

Kerry McAvoy, PhD

• Youtube
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube
• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Facebook

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, 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, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence.  She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

Support the show

Send us a text

Going 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/@alexanderson2467

To watch the FOG trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DacCvo7ngLA

See the full movie of FOG here: https://youtu.be/aAknjJiYZJA?si=blSq5URg7RGhC7Rg

Looking for the Podcast Interview with Alex Anderson?

🔹 Learn what are the biggest questions Alex gets about the FOG movie and about his future work when you subscribe to our Podcast Extra newsletter. Gain immediate access to a growing archive of expert insights and video interviews designed to help you move forward.

👉 Get immediate access to the Podcast Extra when you join here today: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

                                      ****************************************

Stay in Touch with Us!

Kerry McAvoy, PhD

• Youtube
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube
• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Facebook

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, 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, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence.  She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

Support the show

Send us a text

Why 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.org

Looking for the Podcast Interview with Chuck Derry?

🔹Learn what steps Derry thinks we need to take to reduce violence against women and children when you subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter. Gain immediate access to a growing archive of expert insights designed to help you move forward.

👉 Get immediate access to Chuck Derry’s Podcast Extra interview here: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

 ****************************************

Stay in Touch with Us!

Kerry McAvoy, PhD

• Youtube
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube
• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Facebook

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, 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, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence.  She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

Support the show

Send us a text

You’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 trap and reclaim your healing.

➡️ Want to watch the Podcast Extra Interview? https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

🔹Want more? Get exclusive expert interviews and deep-dive discussions with top professionals like Dr. Les Carter, Dr. Peter Salerno, Bill Eddy, and Dr. Nadine Macaluso when you subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter. Gain immediate access to a growing archive of expert insights designed to help you move forward.

👉 Join today: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

  ****************************************

Stay in Touch with Us!

Kerry McAvoy, PhD

• Youtube
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube
• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Facebook

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, 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, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence.  She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

Support the show

Send us a text

Ever 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 relationships in this week’s Podcast Extra Interview—an exclusive deep-dive video interview available only to subscribers.

👉 Join today for immediate access: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

****************************************

Stay in Touch with Us!

Kerry McAvoy, PhD

• Youtube
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube
• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Facebook

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, 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, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence.  She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

Support the show

Send us a text

What 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 exclusive Interview with Joe Navarro. Get immediate access to the newsletter and video interview when you join today: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

More About Joe Navarro 

Website

TED Talk

YouTube

Joe Navarro’s Books

Dangerous Personalities

What Every Body is Saying

The Dictionary of Body Language

  ****************************************

Stay in Touch with Us!

Kerry McAvoy, PhD

• Youtube
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube
• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Facebook

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, 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, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walking. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism, and domestic violence.  She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

Support the show

Send us a text

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: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

 ****************************************

Stay in Touch with Us!

Kerry McAvoy, PhD

• Youtube
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube
• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Facebook

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, 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, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence.  She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

Support the show

Send us a text

Narcissists 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 here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

To Learn More About Dr. Peter Salerno: Website 

For a Copy of Dr. Salerno’s Books: Traumatic Cognitive Dissonance: Healing From An Abusive Relationship With A Disordered Personality

The Nature and Nurture of Narcissism: Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder from the Perspective of Gene - Environment Interaction

          ****************************************

Stay in Touch with Us!

Kerry McAvoy, PhD

• Youtube
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube
• Instagram
• Tiktok
• Facebook

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, 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, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life and Relationship Coach who specializes in trauma bond recovery and abuse education. She helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal and Surviving to Thriving.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, Lisa has become a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism, and domestic violence.

Support the show

Send us a text

Narcissists 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, PhD

• Youtube - https://youtube.com/kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kerrymcavoyphd
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kerrymcavoyphd

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube -  https://youtube.com/@strongerthanbefore
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_stronger_than_before_coach
• Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@_stronger_than_before
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StrongerThanBeforeCoaching

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, 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, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence.  She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

Support the show

Send us a text

Have 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 Substack newsletter. Get exclusive access to this extra interview along with takeaways and practical how-tos. Get immediate access here:

To learn more about Anna:
Website: https:crappyChildhoodFairy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crappychildhoodfairy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrappyChildhoodFairy/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crappychildhoodfairy
Get her latest book, Re-Regulated: Set Your Life Free from Childhood PTSD and Change the Trauma-Driven Behaviors That Keep You Stuck Here: https://amzn.to/3PpG8Fx

    ****************************************

Stay in Touch with Us!

Kerry McAvoy, PhD

• Youtube - https://youtube.com/kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kerrymcavoyphd
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kerrymcavoyphd

Lisa Sonni

• Youtube -  https://youtube.com/@strongerthanbefore
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_stronger_than_before_coach
• Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@_stronger_than_before
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StrongerThanBeforeCoaching

More About Us!

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kerry, 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, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Lisa Sonni

Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.

With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, Lisa has  became a popular content creator on Tik

Support the show