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This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on something few of us talk about—the emotional toll of surviving narcissistic abuse after the relationship ends. Healing is hard. Helping others heal while still navigating your own recovery? Even harder. In this episode, I share why I’m taking a short summer hiatus—and how you can still stay connected and supported during this time. 

💌 For Paid Substack Subscribers: Here’s What’s Ahead This Summer 

-July 9th @ 5pm CT – Ask Me Anything: A Real Conversation with Dr. Kerry 

→ RSVP Here (https://form.jotform.com/Kerry_McAvoy/ask-me-anything) 

-August Gift Drop – A surprise bonus for active paid subscribers. You’ll love it. 

-Weekly Content Series – Light, reflective summer posts that explore themes of emotional freedom, healing fatigue, and rebuilding from the inside out. 

🆓 BONUS FOR ALL SUBSCRIBERS: You’ll also get early access to my brand new lead magnet: “Toxic or Troubled? Find Out How Well Your Relationship Rates” …plus a free customized gift based on your results. But here’s the catch—the only way to stay in the loop is to be on the newsletter list. 

👉 Not on the list yet? Join here (http://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse) to get weekly insights and free healing resources delivered straight to your inbox.

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, 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.

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This US holiday weekend, let’s revisit three of your favorite podcast episodes. Interestingly, they all have the same theme: why narcissistic abuse survivors initially think they’re the problem.

Clip 1 is from Season 3 Episode 64: "How mad can I make you?" The Toxic Games Covert Narcissists Play”

Video: https://youtu.be/pfU0y1ycgtg

Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/15052505

Clip 2 is from Seoson 3 Episode 57: “Am I The Narcissist? When Toxic People Accuse You of Being The Problem”

Video: https://youtu.be/wwKnai4Gu2M

Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/14715474

Clip 3 is from Season 2, Episode 38: “Here's Why You're Not Spotting a Covert Narcissist…”

Video: https://youtu.be/QaZovKhVoTc

Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/13845831

This week, there’s no podcast extra. 

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, 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.

Battling a Narcissist in Court: A Live Q&A with Judge Michele Locke

📅 June 10th at 6:30 p.m. CT | ⏰ 90 minutes | 💬 Survivor-Focused Guidance

Not a member yet? Upgrade now to get access to exclusive events like this!

👉 Learn more here: kerrymcavoyphd.com/club

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Why do we pick bad partners? Is purely because of deception or are we missing early warning signs of a toxicity?

This week, author and clinician, Mary Crocker Cook joins us to discuss the problems of early socialization and different expectation in the dysfunctional relationship.

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Mary Crocker Cook?

🔹 Are you wondering how to exit a toxic relationship safely? Mary shares some powerful no-nonsense advice on how to prepare to leave.  Subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter to hear the extended interview.

Get immediate access to the interview with Mary Crocker Cook along with expert tools and support to help you reclaim your peace.

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

To Learn More About Mary Crocker Cook: Website: https://www.marycrockercookbooks.com/bio

Book: Bad Taste. Self-Care and Financial planning when You Have Bad Taste In Men: https://amzn.to/3RYq9jl

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Stay in Touch Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, 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.

Battling a Narcissist in Court: A Live Q&A with Judge Michele Locke

📅 June 10th at 6:30 p.m. CT | ⏰ 90 minutes | 💬 Survivor-Focused Guidance

Not a member yet? Upgrade now to get access to exclusive events like this!

👉 Learn more here: kerrymcavoyphd.com/club

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Can someone be both narcissistic and neurodivergent?

This week, ADHD coach and neurodiversity educator Sheila Henson joins Dr. Kerry to explore the nuanced overlap between narcissistic traits and ADHD. Together, they unpack how these two very different dynamics can sometimes co-exist—and what that means for the health of your relationship.

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Sheila Henson?

🔹 Are you wondering if your narcissistic partner who’s struggling with ADHD can change? Sheila shares some powerful no-nonsense advice on how to assess the viability of your relationship.

Subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter to hear the extended interview.   Get immediate access to the interview with Sheila Henson along with expert tools and support to help you reclaim your peace.

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

To learn more about Sheila Henson:

Website: https://www.sheilahenson.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdcoachsheila

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdcoachsheila

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Stay in Touch Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, 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.

Battling a Narcissist in Court: A Live Q&A with Judge Michele Locke

📅 June 10th at 6:30 p.m. CT | ⏰ 90 minutes | 💬 Survivor-Focused Guidance

Not a member yet? Upgrade now to get access to exclusive events like this!

👉 Learn more here: kerrymcavoyphd.com/club

Support the show

Send us a text

Is your relationship displaying signs that it’s over? Maybe it’s on its last legs, and you wonder if it can be saved?

In this episode, Dr. Becky Whetstone delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the challenges faced during marriage crises. She shares her experiences and insights as a marriage therapist, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and recognizing the signs of an unhealthy relationship.

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Dr. Becky Whetstone? 

🔹 What do you know that your relationship is no longer salvageable? Dr. Whetstone shares practical indicators of a dying relationship. Subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter to hear the extended interview.   Get immediate access to the interview with Dr. Becky Whetstone, along with expert tools and support to help you reclaim your peace.

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

Learn more about Dr. Whetstone:

Website

Dr. Becky's Blog

Book: I (Think) I Want Out: What to Do When One of You Want to End Your Marriage

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Stay in Touch with Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, 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.

Battling a Narcissist in Court: A Live Q&A with Judge Michele Locke

📅 June 10th at 6:30 p.m. CT | ⏰ 90 minutes | 💬 Survivor-Focused Guidance

Not a member yet? Upgrade now to get access to exclusive events like this!

👉 Learn more here: kerrymcavoyphd.com/club

Support the show

Send us a text

Are you living with a narcissist or a stressfully demanding person? These types of relationships often require us to step up with extra emotional labor without us even realizing it. 

This week, psychotherapist and author Terri Cole joins us to explore the hidden costs of high-functioning codependency. Learn why over-helping is often a trauma response, not a personality trait—and what to do if you're living with a boundary bully.

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Terri Cole? 

🔹What should you do if you can’t leave a toxic relationship yet? Terri shares practical boundary strategies for surviving emotionally while you’re still in it. Subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter to hear the extended interview.  

Get immediate access to the interview with Terri Cole along with expert tools and support to help you reclaim your peace.

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

Learn more about Terri:

Website: https://www.terricole.com

Books:  Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency - https://amzn.to/4jeqIRH

Boundary Boss: The Essential Guide to Talk True, Be Seen, and (Finally) Live Free - https://amzn.to/4i2yvB6

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

Stay in Touch Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, 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.

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Are female friendships just as damaging as pathological love relationships?

This week, Sabrina Kirberg, author of We Used to be Best Friends, joins us to discuss the harmful consequences of toxic women friendships. Learn why we often miss spotting toxic female relationships and their common harmful dynamics.

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Sabrina Kirberg?

🔹Does your best friend fit one of the toxic female stereotypes? Learn the most common toxic women relationships when you subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter.  Gain immediate access to a growing archive of expert insights designed to help you move forward.

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

To Learn More About Sabrina:

Website: The3rdSide

TikTok

Instagram

Book: We Used to Be Best Friends: A Friendship Breakup Workbook

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Stay in Touch Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, 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.

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Living with a narcissistic or emotionally toxic person will wreak havoc on your personality or sense of self.  

This week, Lynn Strathdee, mental health therapist and expert, joins us today to discuss the effects of chronic exposure to narcissistic abuse. Learn how dysfunctional relationship shapes your personality, giving “echoistic” tendencies.  

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Lynn Strathdee?    

🔹Can the psychological damage done to our personality be repaired? Learn the practical steps Lynn recommends we take to heal from narcissistic abuse when you subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter.  

Gain immediate access to a growing archive of expert insights designed to help you move forward.     

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

More About Lynn: 

Website

Instagram

YouTube

🌿 Ready to Break Free from Toxic Relationships? 🌿

When you join Dr. Kerry's membership, you'll get the support, guidance, and community you need to heal and thrive!

💬 What’s Inside?
✅ Live Group Coaching – Five sessions per week for real-time support.
📚 Book Club Discussions – Dive deep into transformative reads.
🎥 Extensive Video Library – Access powerful recovery tools anytime.
💡 Direct Access to Dr. Kerry – Get expert insights & answers.

🔗 Start your healing journey today! 

Stay in Touch with Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, 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.

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Send us a text

Are you trying to heal from a betrayal? 

If you have survived a narcissistic relationship then you have experienced betrayal. Often repetitive, devastating breaches of trust.

This week, Dr. Debi Silber joins us to discuss how to rebuild renewed confidence after betrayal. She outlines the five stages of betrayal recovery as well the common pitfalls that keep survivors stalled from fully healing after abuse.   

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Dr. Silber?

🔹Is your healing at risk of being stalled after surviving betrayal? Learn which betrayal recovery stage is the most challenging and how to overcome it 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

To learn more about Dr. Silber:

Website - https://thepbtinstitute.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debisilber/?hl=en

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/debisilber

More About Dr. Silber

Dr. Debi Silber, Founder of the PBT (Post Betrayal Transformation) Institute and National Forgiveness Day (celebrated annually on September 1st), is an award-winning speaker, and a 2-time #1 International bestselling author. Her podcast: From Betrayal to Breakthrough is also globally ranked within the top 1.5% of podcasts. Her recent PhD study on how we experience betrayal made 3 groundbreaking discoveries that changed how long it takes to heal. In addition to being on FOX, CBS, The Dr. Oz Show, TEDx (twice), and more, she’s dedicated to helping people move past their betrayals as well as any other blocks preventing them from the health, work, relationships, confidence, and happiness they want most.

🌿 Ready to Break Free from Toxic Relationships? 🌿

When you join Dr. Kerry's membership, you'll get the support, guidance, and community you need to heal and thrive!

💬 What’s Inside?
✅ Live Group Coaching – Five sessions per week for real-time support.
📚 Book Club Discussions – Dive deep into transformative reads.
🎥 Extensive Video Library – Access powerful recovery tools anytime.
💡 Direct Access to Dr. Kerry – Get expert insights & answers.

🔗 Start your healing journey today! 

Stay in Touch with Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, 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.

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Toxic relationships tremendously impact our emotional selves, but what about our sexual selves? 

Dr. Lisha Antiqua, an expert in sexual intimacy and soul psychology, joins us to discuss how common toxic dynamics in narcissistic relationships, such as objectification and transactional relationships, diminish our intimate connection with one another. She also defines the importance of healthy interpersonal and sexual boundaries.  

Looking for the Podcast Interview with Dr. Lisha Antiqua?

🔹Is it ever abusive to say no to sex? Learn in this week's exclusive Podcast Extra interview when saying no to sex is abusive when you subscribe to the Breaking Free from Narc Abuse newsletter. Get access to over 45 video expert interviews designed to help you move forward.

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

To learn more about Dr. Lisha Antiqua 

Website

Instagram

TikTok

Dr. Antiqua's Book

My Amazing You Journal: 12 weeks to unstoppable confidence, clarity and personal empowerment

Stay in Touch with Dr. Kerry!

Kerry McAvoy, PhD

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, 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.

Support the show