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 dynamics of toxic relationships. You’ll learn how destructive personalities operate, the manipulative tactics they use, and the stages of abuse—plus the practical steps to heal and reclaim your life. If you’re ready to break free, rebuild your self-worth, and find lasting emotional freedom, hit play and start your recovery journey today.
Episodes
Have you ever tried to walk away from a toxic person, only to find yourself right back in the middle of their reality?
This week, Dr. Robin Stern (author of The Gaslight Effect) joins Dr. Kerry for a conversation that will change how you view manipulation. Most people think gaslighting is just about lying—but the truth is much darker. It’s a "relational mess" that requires two people to function.
Previous Interviews with Dr...
Why does someone who divorces a narcissist keep going back to them?
A listener writes in, “My best friend divorced her narcissistic ex two months ago — but she keeps talking to him, then ignoring him, then reaching out again. She says she wants to move on, but she can't seem to break the cycle.”
In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why leaving a narcissist doesn't automatically break the trauma bond and why survivors stru...
Have you ever felt completely drained after spending time with certain people in your life?
This week, Coach Dan Ratner joins Dr. Kerry to explore the hidden world of emotional vampires: the 12 types of energy-draining people we all have in our lives and why narcissists are the most dangerous of them all. Dan shares his powerful KEEPER framework for identifying who truly deserves a place in your life.
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMEN...
Take the Toxic or Troubled? Quiz and get specialized help for your specific situation. https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/toxic-troubled-survey
My 62-year-old narcissistic brother moved in with my 86-year-old mother "temporarily" after his divorce six years ago. Now she's suffocating, the rest of the family stays away, and she won't let anyone intervene.
In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why some mothers choose...
Ever ignored a gut feeling on a date because you wanted to "give him a chance"?
This week, Dr. Jennie Young — PhD linguist and creator of the viral Burned Haystack Dating Method — reveals how the words men use in dating profiles and early messages expose exactly who they are before you've even met.
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT
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MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST E...
My husband forces sex on me, erupts in rage, and his wealthy family would never believe me — and I don't think I can leave.
In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why you can't make an unsafe person safe through effort alone — and why that means your only real lever is increasing your own protection. Learn a practical two-stage framework to manage this impossible situation.
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You've done the work. Read the books. Tried the strategies. So why aren't you healing?
This week, survivor and educator Ellen Tift reveals the hidden CPTSD symptoms quietly keeping you stuck—and why naming them might be the most powerful thing you can do.
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT
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🔹 Ellen dives deep into the little-...
Have you heard, ‘If you truly understood me, you'd give me what I want?”
This week's Fan Mail comes from a listener in Sweden who asks Dr. Kerry to explain how empathy gets weaponized.
In this episode, Dr. Kerry breaks down the 5 types of empathy (affective, cognitive, compassionate, somatic, and perspective-taking) and explains why having empathy doesn't make someone safe.
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Why do narcissists target good, empathetic people in relationships?
This week, forensic psychologist Dr. Peter Favaro reveals why being a good person might actually make you MORE vulnerable to narcissists—and how that one irrational belief creates the exact confusion toxic people exploit.
Wondering if you met a “bad person?” Find out with this free gift from Dr. Kerry!
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT
My narcissistic brother is relocating to town after I moved away to escape him—why is he doing this?
In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why narcissists will often close the gap when there’s physical distance. How do you gain psychological distance when you can't move away? She also offers helpful strategies for creating boundaries when distance fails.
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Are you struggling with post-separation abuse and drowning in documentation?
This week, Anne Wintemute introduces AimeeSays—an AI tool that helps abuse survivors make sense of chaos, document their experience, and present their story in a way family court will actually hear.
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT
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🔹 Anne reveals how to us...
"I found proof he was cheating—but was snooping really what I needed to finally leave?”
This week's Fan Mail comes from a listener in Dublin, CA, who, after reading Dr. Kerry's book "Love You More," recognized her own relationship mirrored Dr. Kerry's experience, including the urge to snoop.
In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why the urge to snoop is actually all the evidence you need that something&a...
Ever wonder why narcissists feel impossible to leave—even when you know something's wrong?
This week, filmmakers Ali & Stefanie Schmahl reveal how their docu-fiction hybrid "I Love You My Narcissist" portrays what no other film has: the internal experience of being slowly trapped by someone you love.
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT
Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.
MORE ABOUT THE PODCA...
"My abusive partner refuses to leave or get help—and I'm trapped in a 'silent divorce.' What are my actual options?"
This week's Fan Mail question comes from a YouTube listener navigating an impossible situation: a long marriage, adult children, religious pressure against divorce, and an abusive partner who wants to maintain the status quo without doing any of the work to change.
In this episode, Dr. K...
Lost empathy for yourself? You've already lost the fight.
This week, Tammy Triolo reveals the shocking connection between self-empathy loss and narcissistic abuse.
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT
Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.
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🔹 Tammy walks you through recognizing when thoughts are just thoughts—not truth—and how to stop surrendering to negative beliefs.
“My doctor keeps telling me it's all in my head—but I know something's wrong. Why won't they listen?"
This week's Fan Mail question comes from a podcast listener who writes: "Dear Kerry, could you do a podcast on the topic of narcissism, psychopathy and healthcare?…”
In this episode, Dr. Kerry breaks down why healthcare settings attract people who crave power and control, how the doctor-patient dynamic...
Ever wonder why you didn't see it coming?
This week, Don Hennessy joins Dr. Kerry to expose the hidden playbook male predators use to infiltrate your mind—without you knowing it happened. We unpack the shocking truth about what predators are actually really after.
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT
Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.
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🔹 Hennessy breaks down the groo...
Does Narcissism Come and Go? What "Good Periods" With a Narcissist Really Mean
This week's Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Dubai who writes: "Can narcissism in a person wax and wane? There's been years when my husband was acting like a narcissist, and then there's also been chunks of years where he's been incredibly supportive and uplifting. Can a narcissist change depending on their cu...
Slowly losing control in your relationship—but can't quite put your finger on what's happening?
This week, Dr. Christine Cocchiola breaks down coercive control as the invisible foundation beneath all abuse.
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT
Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.
MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST EXTRA INTERVIEW
🔹 Think you might be losing yourself, but not sure how to tell?
Dr. C provides the &qu...
"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 from a YouTube listener who writes: "Thank you for all your content! Very helpful. I am curious to know - what tends to happen when 'a narcissist meets a narcissist' - meaning they are introduced to each other, are coworkers or need to cooperate with each other ...
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