Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Are you trying to heal from a betrayal?  If you have survived a narcissistic relationship then you have experienced betrayal. Often repetitive, devastating breaches of trust. This week, Dr. Debi Silber joins us to discuss how to rebuild renewed confidence after betrayal. She outlines the five stages of betrayal recovery as well the common pitfalls that keep survivors stalled from fully healing aft...

Toxic relationships tremendously impact our emotional selves, but what about our sexual selves?  Dr. Lisha Antiqua, an expert in sexual intimacy and soul psychology, joins us to discuss how common toxic dynamics in narcissistic relationships, such as objectification and transactional relationships, diminish our intimate connection with one another. She also defines the importance of healthy interp...

Is it autism or narcissism? It’s become trendy lately to excuse toxic/abusive behavior as neurodivergence. Today, Erica Little-Herron, an expert/advocate on autism, joins us to discuss the key differences between narcissism and autism. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection : Narcissistic abuse re...

Going no contact with a parent, particularly when it’s your mother, is a gut-wrenching decision. Alex Anderson, an independent film-maker and writer joins me to discuss his timely movie, FOG, which explores a toxic mother-daughter dynamics. He describes how Fog-Obligation-Guilt drives this challenging relationship. Learn more about Alex and his work here: https://www.youtube.com/@alexanderson2467...

Why do men abuse? How does this behavior benefit them? Today, Chuck Derry, the co-founder of the Gender Violence Institute, joins us to discuss the disturbing reasons for male violence and what community responses are needed to curb these toxic/dangerous behaviors. To learn more about the results of Chuck Derry’s study, visit: https://voicemalemagazine.org/abusive-men-describe-the-benefits-of-viol...

You’re barely picking up the pieces, and your ex has already moved on—posting picture-perfect snapshots of their new, fabulous life. Meanwhile, you're left wondering: Were they always this happy, or is this just for show?   In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni dive into why narcissists and toxic personalities seem to seamlessly transition into a "perfect" new relationship. Is it real, or is i...

Ever wondered if your partner’s cruelty is intentional? Do they know they’re being hurtful, or is it just thoughtlessness? This week, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni expose a chilling but often-overlooked dynamic in toxic relationships: sadism. Learn what sadism really is, how it shows up in narcissistic partnerships, and why some toxic individuals seem to take pleasure in your pain.  Submit your questio...

What signs warn that we’ve met not just a toxic person, but someone dangerous? This week Joe Navarro, author and former FBI special agent joins us to discuss the four most dangerous personalities. Navarro is most well-known for his work as a body language expert. He’s authored several books, including What Every Body is Saying, Dangerous Personalities, Louder Than Words, and The Dictionary of Body...

Narcissists often claim to love us. That they want the save the relationship; but do they? In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni discuss the confusing dynamic of narcissistic partners claiming to be changing and addressing the relationship issues, only aren’t. Learn how survivors can tell the difference between genuine effort from sophisticated manipulation. Submit your question to be answered...

Narcissists know they are being abusive--that they're being manipulative and exploitative.  This week, Dr. Peter Salerno is back to discuss his latest book, Traumatic Cognitive Dissonance. He discusses with Lisa Sonni why abusive relationships with narcissists leave survivors feeling psychologically battered and confused.  To Learn More About Dr. Peter Salerno: Website  For a Copy of Dr. Salerno’s...

Narcissists will use any means to control you, especially guilt. In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa discuss the common reasons guilt is such a powerful weapon in the hands of a narcissist or toxic personality. 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 Le...

Have you noticed how upset narcissists get? How they can't regulate themselves? Anna Runkle of the wildly popular Crappy Childhood Fairy YouTube channel joins me today to talk about the importance of learning how to regulate yourself, especially after living with a narcissist. Learn more about the role of psychological regulation plays in setting us free from the lingering effects of trauma and ab...

There are powerful psychological reasons why love bombing works nearly every time. In this episode, Dr. Nadine Macaluso, the ex-wife of the Wolf of Wall Street shares what she’s uncovered about why we fall so easily spellbound for a toxic or narcissistic individual. To learn more about Dr. Nadine Macaluso (often known to as Dr. Nae), please visit: https://drnae.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook....

Victims return to a narcissistically abusive relationship an average of seven times. In this episode, Lisa and I discuss why leaving a narcissist or toxic partner is so extremely difficult and share some thoughts on how to view leaving differently. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection : Narcissi...

Trauma bonds are one of the most misunderstood yet powerful connections that narcissists and toxic individuals exploit to keep their partners trapped. These bonds create a confusing dynamic where the very person causing harm becomes the source of comfort—a cycle that is as addictive as it is painful. In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to break down the making and breakin...

Today you are in for a treat with a longer interview, featuring three of my favorite experts on narcissism: Dr. Les Carter, Dr. Peter Salerno, and Bill Eddy. In this episode, each of these men will describe what is narcissism, how narcissists view relationships, and why they behave as bullies. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching a...

Have 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 Episode The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker Character Disturbance by George Simon Dangerous Personalities by Joe Navarro The Passion...

Narcissistic 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...

Have 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 - @knittingcultlady Website: Uncultureyourself.com And get a copy of her book, Uncultured: https://amzn.to/3CDhFcY Submit...

As 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! Links Mentioned: • Codependent No More by Melody Beattie: Melody Beattie • Facing Codependency: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives by...

Narcissistic relationships are parasitic in nature. Toxic personalities often drain others of their time, money, attention, and resources. In this podcast, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss the high and sometimes hidden cost of narcissistic relationships. Reference: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van de Kolk: https://amzn.to/3AtGt6z Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources Recla...

Have you noticed that when you’re finally ready to leave, your toxic or narcissistic partner suddenly does something amazing? Do they keep you off balance and confused about the state of the relationship? In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss how narcissists and other toxic people use emotional manipulation to keep their partners and loved ones psychologically stuck in a bad relationship...

There comes a point when you know you need to leave, but you can’t. The connection with your loved one is too powerful. In this episode, Rossana Faye joins me to discuss the signs and symptoms of a late-stage trauma bond. 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...

Has someone driven you to the breaking point? When you just lose it and snap? This week, Rossana Faye joins me to discuss the destructive power of reactive abuse. Victims often feel terribly guilty afterward, yet they’ve been deliberately provoked into reacting. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collect...

Is it Just the Silent Treatment or Really Rejection? Why Stonewalling is Harmful Silence occurs for many reasons, but sometimes it’s intentionally used as punishment. Rossana Faye joins me in this podcast episode to discuss why stonewalling is so painful. Silence can be weaponized to send powerful messages of rage and rejection. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou...