Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
Detalls del Canal
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
Confused by your relationship? Do you catch yourself second-guessing, walking on eggshells, or feeling emotionally drained? Whether you’re still in the chaos or trying to rebuild after leaving, this podcast is your lifeline.Join retired psychologist Dr. Kerry McAvoy as she exposes the hidden dynamic...
Episodis Recents
234 episodis
Narcissist vs. Narcissist: What Happens When These Two Toxic Personalities Match-Up
"My coworker is a narcissist—and so is our boss. What happens when two narcissists have to work together?"
This week's Fan Mail question comes...
Lost Contact? Why Some Parents Have to Push Away Their Kids
Why do loving parents sometimes push away the very children they'd do anything for?
This week, Catherine Hickem joins Dr. Kerry to unpack one o...
Is It Really Estrangement… Or Is Your Toxic Ex Playing Parental Alienation Games?
A listener pushes back and asks, "How do we know the parent claiming alienation isn't actually the abuser manipulating the narrative?"
Wh...
Devastated After Betrayal? Here's Why: The Hidden Abuse That No One Talks About
Ever wonder why betrayal feels so devastating—like more than just cheating?
This week, Hope Ray joins Dr. Kerry to introduce the concept of b...
Can Someone Be Both Covert AND Overt? Understanding Narcissistic Types & What Actually Matters
"My partner has traits of both covert and overt narcissism—is that possible?" This week's Fan Mail question comes from a podcast listener who writes: ...
You Can Love Them and Still Be Exploited: Sexual Coercion with Cult Expert Pamela Takefman
Ever wondered how someone can exploit you sexually while you still love them?
This week, Pamela Takefman joins Dr. Kerry to explain how sexual c...
Why Do In-Laws Ignore the Truth? Understanding Toxic Family Dynamics
If you’re dealing with narcissistic in-laws, you already know how surreal it feels: they watch abuse happen—and then insist it didn’t.
In...
When Dangerous People Don't Look Scary: How to Spot the Dark Triad Personality Type
Can a psychopath be a good person? And how do we spot dangerous people when they seem so charming?
This holiday special brings you an in-depth...
How Do I Know If I'm in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship? Watch for These Signs
"How do I know if I'm in an emotionally abusive relationship?" asks a YouTube listener.
In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why even asking thi...
When Your Family Chooses the Narcissist Over You: What Survivors Must Know
Ever felt like you're the problem in your family—even when you're the one being hurt?
This week, Ágatha Peters joins Dr. Kerry to explore how cu...
Why Does Surviving Narcissistic Abuse Turn You into Someone You Don't Recognize?
You dodged a bullet!" No—the bullet hit me. I just survived.
This week's Fan Mail question comes from a YouTube listener who writes:
"Peo...
How are Narcissists Made: Is it Trauma or Genetic? Here's What Dr. Salerno Thinks
Is narcissism caused by genetics or trauma? Ever heard “narcissists act that way because of bad parenting" or “because they’ve experienced trauma?”
Why Some Families Scapegoat Their Child And What to Do If It Happens to You
This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a Spotify listener:
“Can you please do an episode on scapegoat children?”
Why do some people get...
You’re Being Groomed (Without You Even Knowing it!)
Ever wonder why you didn't see the danger coming?
This week, Dr. Leslie Dobson joins Dr. Kerry to unpack the psychological mechanisms that drive...
Why Don't Narcissists Feel Regret? And 4 Other Questions You Need Answered, Featuring Dr. Les Carter
Dr. Les Carter has spent decades studying narcissists, and in this retrospective, he reveals what most people miss until it's too late.
Narcissi...
Does the Dark Triad Personality Type Really Exist & Is This Person Dangerous?
“Is the Dark Triad a real disorder—or just a dangerous type?”
This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Germany who writes after a...
Why It’s Hard to Breathe Around Some People: How Niceness Can Hide Control Dynamics
Ever feel like you’re slowly running out of air in a “nice” relationship?
This week, Eleni Sagredos joins Dr. Kerry to unpack how coercive contr...
How Do I Help My Adult Son Who's in an Abusive Marriage?
“My son’s in a toxic marriage—how do we help without making it worse?”
This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Raleigh, North Car...
How Abusive Relationships Shatter Your Identity & Cost You Your Voice
Ever feel like you can’t find “you” anymore? That you’re second-guessing everything, going numb, or swallowing your words just to keep the peace?
My Abusive Husband Claims He’s Trauma-Bonded to Me!
“My abuser claims he’s ‘trauma bonded’ to me…Can that be true?
This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener on YouTube who wants to know...
Has Your Adult Child Gone No Contact? Here's How to Rebuild That Damaged Relationship
Has your adult child gone no contact? Cut off all communication with you? Are you struggling to figure out how to repair things with them?
There...
Can a Psychopath ‘Choose’ to Be a Good Person?
“Can narcissists or psychopaths ever live moral lives?”
This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener who asks: “Do you think there are so...
Why You Keep Picking Narcissists and What to Do About It, Featuring Jessica Baum
Ever wonder why you keep attracting the same kind of person—the ones who feel magnetic at first but end up draining you emotionally?
This week,...
Why I Stopped Being the Perfect Wife and Daughter-in-Law
“How can someone seem loving for years—then suddenly turn cruel?”
This week’s Fan Mail revisits a letter that struck a nerve with listeners. A w...
Can You Spot the 5 Types of People Who Could Ruin Your Life? Here's Bill Eddy's List
Ever feel blindsided by someone who seemed charming, helpful, or even caring—only to realize later they were quietly dismantling your peace?
Thi...
Why does my ex always blame me when the kids want nothing to do with him?
“Why does my ex always blame me when the kids want nothing to do with him?”
This week’s Fan Mail comes from a listener in Rochester, New York, w...
Why Narcissists Use Secrets to Avoid Intimacy
Ever feel like your relationship was the most intoxicating connection of your life—only to discover shocking lies and betrayal later?
This week,...
My Husband Claims His Facebook Account Has Been Hacked!…
What do you do when the evidence points to betrayal, but your partner insists you’re crazy?
This week’s Fan Mail comes from a listener in Atlant...
Why It’s So Hard to See Predators Coming: The Story Behind Netflix's Bad Vegan
Predators are often hiding in plain sight—and even the smartest, most capable people can miss the red flags. In this episode, Dr. Kerry McAvoy talks w...
What to Do When You Lose Custody in Court: Answering Your Fan Mail
This week’s Fan Mail brings us two powerful questions:
• From Syracuse, New York: “The family referee took my custody and handed it over to the...
Podcast Trailer: Welcome to Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
Join Dr. Kerry McAvoy on Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse for real talk about toxic relationships and recovery. Mondays feature expert interviews...
When Men Say They’ve Been Abused: A Conversation with Josh from The Derelict Podcast
Disclaimer: This interview features perspectives from a male divorce coach navigating toxic dynamics. While some views expressed differ from those of...
When Your Therapist is the Narcissist! + Answering Your Fan Mail
What happens when a narcissistic therapist uses their professional training against you?
This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener in...
How the Victim’s Personality & Attachment Styles Shape Healing and Recovery - Featuring Chelli Pumphrey
Do you know what one of the most dangerous traps you can fall for? Believing that you can “fix” a narcissist’s early attachment wounds.
In this...
Can You Really Heal a Trauma Bond? + Why Do Narcissists Cheat? Answering Your Fan Mail
Can you really heal a trauma bond—or is the damage permanent?
This week’s Fan Mail features two powerful questions. The first comes from a YouT...
When Your Mother Hurts Instead of Loves You: Understanding The Controlling Mom
Can you ever be “good enough” for a difficult mother?
In this episode, psychotherapist Katherine Fabrizio, author of The Good Daughter Syndrome...
Why Do We REALLY Stay? Answering Your Fan Mail
This week’s fan mail dives into two powerful questions about surviving emotional abuse.
First, Dr. Kerry explores what it means when you stop cr...
How to Outsmart a Narcissist in Court: Family Law Secrets from Michele Locke
Going through a custody battle or divorce with a narcissist? The you know the legal system can feel stacked against you.
This week, former famil...
Practical Steps to Stopping the Crazy Confusion: Answering Your Fan Mail
What do you do when you can’t just cut off a toxic person?
This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a YouTube listener who asks: “How do I stop...
Why We Miss the Abuse — And How to Break Free from the Confusion
Why do so many survivors miss they’re being abuse?
In this Labor Day Special, I’m revisiting three powerful interviews that follow the journey f...