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 ..read more

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 Ex ..read more

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 ..read more

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 S ..read more

Send us a text There are powerful psychological reasons why love bombing works nearly every time. In this episode, Dr. Nadine Macaluso, the ex-wife of the Wolf of Wall Street shares what she’s uncovered about why we fall so easily spellbound for a toxic or narcissistic individual. What questions you have asked Dr. Nae about the movie, The Wolf of Wall Street? Find out ours when you subscribe to the Podcast Extra Substack newsletter. Unlock access here: http://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse To learn more about Dr. Nadine Macaluso (often known to as Dr. Nae), please visit: https://drnae ..read more

Send us a text Victims return to a narcissistically abusive relationship an average of seven times. In this episode, Lisa and I discuss why leaving a narcissist or toxic partner is so extremely difficult and share some thoughts on how to view leaving differently.  Are you struggling to stay out of a toxic relationship? Does your partner’s emotional pleas or guilting convince you to stay? Learn practical steps to leaving a toxic relationship for good in this week’s Podcast Extra. Get immediate access by subscribing to Substack here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse Did you know you d ..read more

Send us a text Trauma bonds are one of the most misunderstood yet powerful connections that narcissists and toxic individuals exploit to keep their partners trapped. These bonds create a confusing dynamic where the very person causing harm becomes the source of comfort—a cycle that is as addictive as it is painful. In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to break down the making and breaking of trauma bonds. Together, we uncover how these devastating ties form, why they’re so hard to escape, and what you can do to break free. If you’re battling a trauma bond—whether yo ..read more

Send us a text Today you are in for a treat with a longer interview, featuring three of my favorite experts on narcissism: Dr. Les Carter, Dr. Peter Salerno, and Bill Eddy. In this episode, each of these men will describe what is narcissism, how narcissists view relationships, and why they behave as bullies. Instead of a podcast extra interview, this week I’m offering a holiday survival guide to help you get ready to spent time the very people you’ve probably tried to avoid all week. Learn how to manage tricky conversations, avoid lose-lose situations, and self-soothe when they emotionally ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more