Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Send us a textHave 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 EpisodeThe Gift of Fear by Gavin de BeckerCharacter Disturbance by George SimonDangerous Personalities by Joe NavarroThe Passionate Marriage by Dr. David SchnarchAre 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/@breakingfreenarcabuseA Quick AnnouncementLisa 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 MailThank 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: @kerrymcavoyphdInstagram: @kerrymcavoyphdFacebook: @kerrymcavoyphdE-mail: [email protected]: 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 textNarcissistic 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/@breakingfreenarcabuseDid 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: @kerrymcavoyphdInstagram: @kerrymcavoyphdFacebook: @kerrymcavoyphdE-mail: [email protected]: 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 textHave 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 - @knittingcultladyWebsite: Uncultureyourself.comAnd get a copy of her book, Uncultured: https://amzn.to/3CDhFcYCould 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/@breakingfreenarcabuseDid 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: @kerrymcavoyphdInstagram: @kerrymcavoyphdFacebook: @kerrymcavoyphdE-mail: [email protected]: 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 textAs 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/@breakingfreenarcabuseLinks 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, PsyDTo 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/12978484To listen to the full episodes featured today:—>S2 EP 10: Is Codependency a Bad Word?Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/12428199Video: https://youtu.be/aF9cW1b7Dtk—>S2 EP 23 Does Everyone Deserve Our Kindness?Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/13150918Video: https://youtu.be/RMVMtCF3N4A—>S2 EP 40: Does the Narcissist Always Ruin Your Holiday?Audio:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/13922710Video links: https://youtu.be/RzSxypGEtpIDid 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: @kerrymcavoyphdInstagram: @kerrymcavoyphdFacebook: @kerrymcavoyphdE-mail: [email protected]: 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