Kerry McAvoy joins us to discuss cognitive dissonance—a complex yet crucial concept that can profoundly affect one's clarity during and after an abusive relationship. Through her personal experiences and professional expertise as a retired psychologist who has authored books on the subject, Kerry delves into what cognitive dissonance feels like, how it manifests in relationships with manipulative individuals, and strategies for overcoming its paralyzing effects. 

We discuss:

• The dual realities created by abusers through love bombing.
• The three stages of cognitive dissonance victims often experience.
• How confusion leads to deteriorating mental function under stress.
• Why decisions become incredibly challenging when faced with conflicting versions of reality.
• Strategies for identifying truth amidst manipulation.

You can learn more about Kerry and her groups here: https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/

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