Send us a text

Have you been told that you should just leave?

In this episode, Lisa Sonni and I discuss why this advice severely misses the mark. Why exiting a narcissistically abusive relationship is difficult and even dangerous for most abuse survivors.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode
The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker
Character Disturbance by George Simon
Dangerous Personalities by Joe Navarro
The Passionate Marriage by Dr. David Schnarch

Are struggling to figure out what you should do in that toxic relationship? Maybe you don't know the next steps to take. Get practical help on this week's Podcast Extra Interview by becoming a Substack Subscriber here: http://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

A Quick Announcement
Lisa Sonni will officially join as a full-time co-host in 2025. Welcome, Lisa! We are so excited to have you aboard.

A Special Thank You!
I’ve deeply appreciated Lisa and Rossana Faye being regular special guests this past year. I’d also like to recognize the other behind-the-scenes people who helped make this show possible, especially Joe Duncan and Arianne Bansig. Each works tirelessly to make every episode extra special. You both are amazing!

Fan Mail
Thank you for the fan mail! For sharing your struggles and victories. We would also love to hear topic recommendations. Thank you so much for supporting us by being a regular listener. You are the reason for this show. We love and appreciate you so much! 

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: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook: @kerrymcavoyphd
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ 
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a mental health specialist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

Send us a text

Narcissistic abuse often leaves devastating consequences to the survivor’s confidence and self-esteem.

Today, Kristin Arden, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Mindbloom’s Clinical Director, and Shari Botwin, LCSW, trauma counselor, join me to discuss the use of ketamine therapy as a new alternate treatment option for trauma survivors.

If you would like to learn more about Mindbloom or ketamine therapy, please see https://mindbloom.com/kerrym100. To take advantage of the $100 off total of your first two treatments, use discount code “kerrym100.”

Did you know the brain is malleable and open to change? It’s called neuroplasticity. In this week’s exclusive Podcast Extra interview, Kristin and Shari discuss how to best capitalize on our brain’s openness to change. Get immediate access to this interview when you subscribe to the weekly newsletter.
Join here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook: @kerrymcavoyphd
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ 
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a mental health specialist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

Send us a text

Have you considered that a narcissistically abusive relationship is actually a cult of two?

Daniella Mestyanek-Young, author of Uncultured and expert in cult dynamics, joins us to discuss the similarities between cult leaders and narcissists.

Be sure to follow Daniella!
TikTok - @knittingcultlady
Website: Uncultureyourself.com
And get a copy of her book, Uncultured: https://amzn.to/3CDhFcY

Could you be in a coercively controlling relationship? In this week’s podcast extra, Daniella tackles how to wake up to toxic and covert manipulation and control strategies.

Get immediate access to this exclusive interview when you subscribe to this podcast’s weekly Substack newsletter. All Podcast Extra interviews are embedded inside each weekly publication.
Subscribe here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook: @kerrymcavoyphd
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ 
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/
  
  

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a mental health specialist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

Send us a text

As a nod to this week’s holidays, let’s revisit three of my favorite episodes that discuss how to handle being too big- or kind-hearted.

We at the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Are you interested in the Podcast Extra Interviews?

Get immediate access by subscribing to the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Substack newsletter. Every Podcast Extra interview can be found inside the weekly newsletter. You’ll also get helpful tips, explanations, and strategies for dealing with troubled or toxic people. Sign up here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

Links Mentioned: 

• Codependent No More by Melody Beattie: Melody Beattie
• Facing Codependency: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives by Miller, Miller, and McMillan
• Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, & Feeling Guilty by Aziz Gazipura, PsyD

To learn more about the Dark Triad Personality Type, check out, “Could you be at risk? Why you should be afraid of the Dark Triad Personality” -  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/12978484

To listen to the full episodes featured today:
—>S2 EP 10: Is Codependency a Bad Word?
Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/12428199
Video: https://youtu.be/aF9cW1b7Dtk

—>S2 EP 23 Does Everyone Deserve Our Kindness?
Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/13150918
Video: https://youtu.be/RMVMtCF3N4A

—>S2 EP 40: Does the Narcissist Always Ruin Your Holiday?
Audio:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/13922710
Video links: https://youtu.be/RzSxypGEtpI

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: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook: @kerrymcavoyphd
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ 
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a mental health specialist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

Send us a text

Narcissistic 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/3AtGt6z

Ready 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 to heal from a toxic relationship? Become a Substack newsletter subscriber and get immediate access to this week’s Podcast Extra interview. Get your access here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook: @kerrymcavoyphd
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ 
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a mental health specialist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

Send us a text

Have 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 immediate access this newsletter with the podcast extra here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook: @kerrymcavoyphd
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ 
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a mental health specialist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

Send us a text

There 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 podcast fix? For only $5/month, sign up for weekly podcast extras!  Join me on Substack! 

Follow Dr. McAvoy!

• YouTube: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook: @kerrymcavoyphd
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ 
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a mental health specialist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

Send us a text

Has 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/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook: @kerrymcavoyphd
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ 
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a mental health specialist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

Send us a text

Is it Just the Silent Treatment or Really Rejection? Why Stonewalling is Harmful

Silence 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 other exclusive interviews by subscribing today. substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

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: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook: @kerrymcavoyphd
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ 
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/
  
  

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a mental health specialist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Support the show

Send us a text

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: @drpetersalerno

Learn more about him: https://www.drpetersalerno.com
Check out his new book, The Nature and Nurture of Narcissism: https://www.drpetersalerno.com

Follow Dr. McAvoy!

• YouTube: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphd
• Facebook: @kerrymcavoyphd
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ 
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., a mental health specialist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding various other mental health-related issues. Her memoir, Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross, gives an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.

Support the show