Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

In this episode, Tara and Kerry interview Lisa Sonni, author and trauma bond expert, on the development of powerful psychological attachments. Lisa shares how to recognize if we’re  trauma bonded and how to know if we are breaking this toxic interpersonal connection. This episode demystifies the intense attachment so many of us have with toxic people with helpful, yet hard-hurting truths.  Links: ...

In this episode, we get a behind-the-scenes look into our co-host, Tara's life. She shares how she has learned to find joy and where her real source of power is after surviving abuse. Links:  Tara's Website Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection : Narcis...

In this episode, Tara and Kerry interview Dr. Les Carter, a psychologist with wildly popular YouTube channel and podcast, Surviving Narcissism about the narcissistic mindset. Dr. Carter demystifies why these individuals are so good at turning the tables on us, making us feel like the crazy ones. Links:  Dr. Carter's YouTube Channel Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources Reclaim...

In this episode, Kerry and Tara respond to a listener's letter about the struggle of recovering from even just a situationship with a narcissist. Relationships with narcissists can impact us negatively even when they aren't long-term ones! And today's self-help tip is about learning to replace previous/negative habits and behaviors with positives ones.  Submit your question to be answered on air h...

In this episode, Kerry and Tara share some of their struggles with figuring out the difference between being selfish and having self-respect. Many of us see boundaries or self-care as inherently "selfish." And today's self-help tip is assessing the motive of your or others' actions. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Comp...

In this episode, Kerry and Tara share the initial signs they had broken the trauma bond with their exes. Intense connections get formed with toxic partners and family members that can be very controlling. Breaking them is an essential part of healing. And today's self-help tip is using your observational power to recall possible consequences of any potential action as a personal boundary. Links: ...

In this episode, Kerry and Tara address a common fallacy that all relationships are a lot of hard work. We will explore why many of us struggle to recognize signs of a toxic partnership. And the self-help tip is using our bodily sensations to identify safe connections and situations. Links:  Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson Recovery from Emotionally Immature Parents...

In this episode, Kerry and Tara tackle one of the most asked questions of abuse survivors: how do I know if I should leave? We'll discuss the common hindrances to making this decision and how to support a loved one who's trapped in this kind of indecisiveness. Today's self-help tip is to make a realistic budget for expenses if you should decide to leave. Links:  Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay...

In this episode, Kerry and Tara discuss a particularly dangerous group of people, the Dark Triad Personality Disorders. And today's self-help tip is how to  assess if someone you know is a one. Links:  Is My Partner Toxic or Dangerous?  Find out with this short survey   If you’re wanting to exit a toxic relationship safety,  here are some things to consider.  Adam Grant Definition of the Light Tri...

In this episode, Kerry and Tara tackle how complicated it can be when the narcissists in your life can also be friends or family members. And the self-help tip is a visualization strategy for your boundaries. Links:  Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Season 1 Episode 69: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/12420137-ready-for-the-holidays-my-three-top-tips-for-dealing-with-difficult-relatives-an...

Victims of narcissistic abuse often complain about seeing happy photos of their exes on social media. In this episode, Kerry and Tara will discuss why some people move on so quickly and easily after leaving a relationship. And the Self-Help Tip will be how to use "containment" for intense emotions like grief. Links:  "Understanding the Way Men Grieve"   Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Paren...

Have you noticed how narcissists and toxic people morph into someone new once love-bombing is over? In this episode, Kerry and Tara examine the chameleon-like nature of personality disorders and how this creates confusion and self-doubt for victims. And the self-help tip is a helpful exercise to expose if this dynamic is happening in your current relationship.  Submit your question to be answered...

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse will be dropping a new episode on May 8, 2023. In the meantime feel to listen to previous episodes here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391   Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection : Narcissistic abuse resources First Steps to Leaving : Online self-paced digit...

In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara tackle the power of reactive abuse to make some narcissistic abuse victims feel crazy. And the self-help tip is how to increase the effectiveness of an affirmation by pairing it with a positive behavior.  Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection : Narcissistic...

In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the vulnerabilities those of us with ADHD or Autism might have in regards to toxic relationships. And, the self-help tip is on how to practice boundaried sharing with the social skyscraper. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection : Narcissistic abuse r...

In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the myth of sex in the narcissistic relationship, and how it might be bad, weaponized, or even assaultive. And, the self-help tip is on how to practice red light/green light in assessing if and what you should do in regards to physical intimacy in a current or new relationship. Links:  Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1, episode 44:  Liste...

In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the signs of cognitive dissonance and the impact it can have on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. And, the self-help tip is on how to practice H.A.L.T in order to get back to practicing the basics. Links:  Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1, episode 24: If it’s that bad, why don’t narcissistic abuse victims just leave? Listen here....

In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss how we might actually gaslight in healthy relationships and how to avoid doing this in the future. And, the self-help tip is on letting others "earn" our trust before blindly giving it to them. Links:  Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1, episode 30:  Listen here. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. K...

In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss codependency vs. Super Traits, what's the difference, and why we differ in how we feel about each of the terms. And, the self-help tip is on how to create a list of top lines for yourself. Links:  Repeat After Me by Claudia Black Codependent No More by Melody Beattie: Melody Beattie Facing Codependency: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotage...

In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara give an intimate look at the emotional power of a trauma bond. How trauma bonds create mental confusion and a psychological dependence on the abuser. And, the self-help tip is on the importance of identifying and protecting non-negotiable boundaries. Links:  Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1 episode 58: Listen here. Submit your question to be ans...

In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss co-parenting challenges when you have a toxic ex. How do you stay regulated when kids are involved, and what do you do when the kids are being used as pawns? Today's self-help tip is learning to talk to yourself as if you were a friend. Links:  Onward OurFamilyWizard WeParent CustodyConnection Parentship 2Houses Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse s...

In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss why your toxic ex might come back and try to lovebomb you after the break-up through, what may seem like, innocent requests of friendship. We agree that while their offer may seem tantalizing, DON'T do it! Today's self-help tip is a different way to approach communicating with toxic people. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources Re...

In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss following through with limited contact or no contact after a break-up. What is limited vs. no contact? How long should you do it for? And WHY should you do it? Today's self-help tip is one way to self-soothe during reactive abuse. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete R...

Research has found that over 99% of victims in abusive relationships were also being financially abused. Could you be experiencing financial abuse? In this episode, Kerry and Tara will identify the common indicators of this abuse type along with some suggestions on how to overcome it. And today's self-help tip discusses the importance of leading with your head and not your heart when making big re...

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the common problem of exes trying to return after a breakup. Tara also shares why it's necessary to be careful with following self-help advice in this week's self-help tip.  Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection : Narcissistic abuse resources First S...