Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

This week’s fan mail dives into two powerful questions about surviving emotional abuse. First, Dr. Kerry explores what it means when you stop crying—and why emotional shutdown can be a survival mechanism in toxic relationships. Then she tackles whether the sunk cost fallacy is really what keeps us stuck with a narcissist, or if something deeper is at play. Submit Your Question! If you would like y...

Going through a custody battle or divorce with a narcissist? The you know the legal system can feel stacked against you. This week, former family law judge and attorney Michele Locke reveals exactly how narcissists twist the truth, exploit legal loopholes, and weaponize the court process — and what you can do to outsmart them. Podcast Extra Exclusive Interview Find it here the exclusive interview...

What do you do when you can’t just cut off a toxic person? This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a YouTube listener who asks: “How do I stop the cognitive dissonance and self-doubt when I can’t go no-contact with a toxic person?” In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why cognitive dissonance is such a powerful trap in emotionally abusive relationships—especially when you’re forced to maintain con...

Why do so many survivors miss they’re being abuse? In this Labor Day Special, I’m revisiting three powerful interviews that follow the journey from denial to freedom. Whether you’re still in or out of a toxic relationship, learning to recognize the psychological patterns can help you plan your next step toward freedom. Have a Fan Mail Question?  Submit it here! Submit your question to be answered...

Is my daughter-in-law a malignant narcissist? How did she hide her worst qualities for so long? Today, Dr. Kerry answers 2 listeners’ questions. The first is from New York, New York about narcissists’ public and private personas. Many narcissistic individuals create a false mask to hide their worst qualities. The second comes from Southern Pines, North Carolina, who wants to know more about love-b...

What if the person you fell in love with never really existed? In this episode, Dr. Nae — psychologist, author of Run Like Hell , and former wife of the real “Wolf of Wall Street” — exposes how master manipulators use love-bombing , mirroring , and coercive control to create a false sense of intimacy. Podcast Extra Exclusive Interview Find it here the exclusive interview and weekly newsletter. Mor...

Welcome to our new podcast segment called Fan Mail! This is where Dr. Kerry answers your questions. To kick off our weekly bonus episode, Dr. Kerry is responding to a listener who writes, “He has destroyed me and my world after 16 years of marriage.” -- from Westminster California More About the Episode Today Dr. Kerry answers two fan mail requests: "Please address abuse from a man's perspect...

What’s the single biggest giveaway that someone lacks emotional maturity — especially when the pressure’s on? In this episode, Dr. Les Carter, psychologist, best-selling author, and expert on narcissism and emotional health, reveals the #1 sign of low emotional maturity during conflict. We dive into how this pattern plays out in everyday disagreements, and what you can do to protect your own emoti...

This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on something few of us talk about—the emotional toll of surviving narcissistic abuse after the relationship ends. Healing is hard. Helping others heal while still navigating your own recovery? Even harder. In this episode, I share why I’m taking a short summer hiatus—and how you can still stay connected and supported during this time. Submit your question to...

This US holiday weekend, let’s revisit three of your favorite podcast episodes. Interestingly, they all have the same theme: why narcissistic abuse survivors initially think they’re the problem. Clip 1 is from Season 3 Episode 133: "How mad can I make you?" The Toxic Games Covert Narcissists Play” Video: https://youtu.be/pfU0y1ycgtg Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/1505...

Why do we pick bad partners? Is purely because of deception or are we missing early warning signs of a toxicity? This week, author and clinician, Mary Crocker Cook joins us to discuss the problems of early socialization and different expectation in the dysfunctional relationship. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complet...

Can someone be both narcissistic and neurodivergent? This week, ADHD coach and neurodiversity educator Sheila Henson joins Dr. Kerry to explore the nuanced overlap between narcissistic traits and ADHD. Together, they unpack how these two very different dynamics can sometimes co-exist—and what that means for the health of your relationship. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources...

Is your relationship displaying signs that it’s over? Maybe it’s on its last legs, and you wonder if it can be saved? In this episode, Dr. Becky Whetstone delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the challenges faced during marriage crises. She shares her experiences and insights as a marriage therapist, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and recognizing th...

Are you living with a narcissist or a stressfully demanding person? These types of relationships often require us to step up with extra emotional labor without us even realizing it.  This week, psychotherapist and author Terri Cole joins us to explore the hidden costs of high-functioning codependency. Learn why over-helping is often a trauma response, not a personality trait—and what to do if you'...

Are female friendships just as damaging as pathological love relationships? This week, Sabrina Kirberg, author of We Used to be Best Friends , joins us to discuss the harmful consequences of toxic women friendships. Learn why we often miss spotting toxic female relationships and their common harmful dynamics. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-po...

Living with a narcissistic or emotionally toxic person will wreak havoc on your personality or sense of self.   This week, Lynn Strathdee, mental health therapist and expert, joins us today to discuss the effects of chronic exposure to narcissistic abuse. Learn how dysfunctional relationship shapes your personality, giving “echoistic” tendencies.   Submit your question to be answered on air here!...

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...