Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

What is the difference between a narcissist and a psychopath? Do those characteristics matter if both groups are abusive? In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at the core motivations and relationship styles of both groups as well as get into why a trauma bond is so challenging to break. What is narcissistic abuse? Dr. Milstead’s proposed definition in PsychCentral Submit your question to be a...

It’s not uncommon for narcissists to struggle with addictions, but it isn’t unusual for addicts to behave narcissistically. Does that mean those with addictions also have a personality disorder? In this episode, we explore the effects of addiction on personality, the roots of narcissism, and if we should hold out hope for our narcissistic partner to make changes. Submit your question to be answere...

After an abusive relationship is over, most victims want to know how they couldn’t have fallen for the narcissist’s love-bombing. They often are blamed for missing the red flags, as if they were naive or, worse yet, stupid. In this episode, we’ll analyze the five elements of love-bombing and what makes each of these strategies so effective   Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resourc...

Sexual intimacy is a common problem in narcissistically abusive relationships. It's often a sign that the narcissist is becoming disillusioned. In this episode, we address why some couples experience a loss of sexual interest in the bedroom. We'll also explore the defense mechanisms narcissists prefer to use, why hoovering is so prevalent, and what causes so many victims to fear romantic relations...

During the last months of narcissistic abuse, I knew I was in trouble, yet I couldn’t leave. The paralysis was palpable. A physical pain. In this episode, we’ll explore the psychological reinforcement style used and why this is so paralyzing. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection : Narcissistic a...

Research confirms that narcissism is primarily a biosocial problem, meaning narcissists are born with personality deficits. Is it fair to hold them accountable for the damage they cause? We’ll explore this topic in depth in this podcast episode. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection : Narcissisti...

Narcissistic exes often return, claiming they’ve changed. They ask to be in a relationship or to rejoin the family. In narcissistic abuse circles, this is called “hoovering.” In this podcast episode, we’ll explore if agreeing to this request is wise, define “breadcrumbing,” and take a closer look at the connection between gaslighting and cognitive dissonance. Submit your question to be answered on...

The bad boy stereotype is well-known and, unfortunately, too often true. So why do some of us repeatedly get into a relationship with someone dangerous? In this podcast, we’ll take a closer look at how we confuse intensity for attraction, the ten different personality disorders, and the common problem of the non-apology apology. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou...

A trauma bond is a fear-based connection between abusers and victims. Combine that with the mental confusion of cognitive dissonance, and the victim is stuck. In this podcast episode, we’ll examine why this powerful dynamic makes it so difficult to leave. We’ll also cover the five types of narcissists and the difference between overt and covert narcissism. Submit your question to be answered on ai...

Gaslighting has become a pretty popular term. Sometimes it’s used properly, but not always. Gaslighting, however, is a common experience of narcissistic abuse victims. In this episode, we’ll discuss the history of gaslighting as well as how it shows up in toxic relationships. We’ll also touch on when does the first symptoms of narcissism make its appearance and how to address our children’s confus...

With the popularity of social media's focus on narcissism, are we overusing the term? Isn’t everyone a little bit narcissistic? In this episode, we will explore what defines pathological narcissism as well as how to deal with narcissistic loved ones and family members. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery...

There’s nothing worse than knowing you’re in a bad relationship but can’t leave. What is a trauma bond, and why does it make acting on our behalf so difficult? In this podcast episode, we’ll explore the role mental confusion and fear play in creating an intense bond with the one harming us. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app...

Most of the time, our everyday problem-solving skills work, but not for those stranded in toxic relationships. In this podcast episode, we will delve into why our love or spiritual intervention often doesn’t help. 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...

I drove to my therapy appointment four years ago, praying and pleading for answers. Something was terribly wrong in my marriage. Should I stay? Or was I being naive for believing our relationship could be fixed? In this podcast episode, I share more of my story and what I know now and wish I’d known then. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powere...

What makes it so difficult to leave a toxic relationship? This question is the one I most frequently get asked. So why don’t those trapped in a narcissistically abusive relationship walk out? In this episode, we will discuss the underlying dynamics that make it challenging to end a toxic relationship. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered co...

Is all of this focus on narcissism and narcissists productive? Isn’t it attacking a broken group of people? Could we be demonizing them? In this episode, I tackle this tough topic, the difference between a mental condition and a personality disorder, how to recognize a toxic person on the first meeting, and what to do about a smear campaign. Women Who Love Psychopaths by Sandra L. Brown Submit you...

Surviving narcissistic abuse is tough enough. How do we know when we are ready to start date again? What are the red flags we should watch out for so we don’t end up in another toxic relationship? In this episode, we will tackle this topic as well as the importance of learning to listen to your gut and why narcissists give such mixed signals. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resour...

When relationships start to go wrong, it’s common for us to wonder if we’re the problem. Especially if there’s been a string of failed relationships. In this replay of a TikTok live, we will take a closer look at this issue as well as discuss how to resolve a trauma bond and start our healing after narcissistic abuse. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerr...

Most of us slowly realize something is wrong in a relationship. We often think the problems are a normal part of a new relationship—we don’t consider that maybe the problem isn’t us but our partner. What should we do when we realize we are in a relationship with a narcissist? How do we get out? In this replay of a TikTok live, we will explore what to do when we feel stuck in a destructive relation...

Nearly every abuse survivor wants to know why they got into a relationship with a narcissist. Are we co-dependent, people-pleasers or could there be another dynamic in play? In this episode we’ll talk about the latest research into this area as well as discuss the definition of marital coercion and how to grow empathy in our children. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources Recl...

If narcissists are such awful people, why have so many fallen in love with one? It’s because of the mask. They create an illusion that you’ve met someone just like you. In this episode, we will explore how this happens along with other common narcissistic tactics in this replay of a TikTok live. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching...

We often know something is terribly wrong with our relationship. Yet, many abuse survivors struggle to set boundaries. In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at why it’s challenging to do so for victims along with other topics, including how to help a friend who’s being abused and my post-trial thoughts on Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources R...

Narcissistic abuse victims’ biggest complaint is the confusion. They can’t tell if they have partnered with someone who’s good or bad. In this episode, we’re going to explore what creates the narcissist’s dual sense of self. Passionate Marriage: Keeping Love and Intimacy Alive in Committed Relationships by Dr. David Schnarch NarcAvengers' Durham Meet-Up Are you feeling trapped in a toxic relations...

It takes the average narcissistic victim an average of seven tries before they are able to leave. I contemplated abandoning the relationship for a long time before I finally was able to. Why are these toxic relationships so difficult to end? As mention in this episode, here are the channels of Sam Vaknin and Dr. Ramani . Here are the books referred to: Something’s Not Right by Wade Mullen and Sand...

Have you noticed how difficult it is to manage relationships with a narcissist? Why do things seem to go wrong? Could we be the problem hoping that they would change? What is the cognitive dissonance, the Marsha Mitchell effect, the mask of sanity? We will tackle this issue in a replay of a TikTok live. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered...