Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Have you wondered what's real? Maybe you've noticed how narcissist keeps you in the dark--that they say one thing while doing something else. In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Tara delve into this all-too-common victim's experience of intense confusion that accompanies most narcissistic relationships. And the self-help tip is the importance of having a nonjudgemental, supportive friend for a helpful...

Have you wondered why narcissists hate limit setting? Why are your boundaries treated as though optional, yet they treat theirs like ultimatums? In this podcast episode, Dr. Kerry and Tara explore the common difficulties we experience limit setting with narcissists. Instead of a self-help tip, we've answered a listener's question that was emailed to us. She asked how do you know when someone's add...

Have you ever asked yourself, Why isn't my narcissistic partner changing despite going to therapy? Many narcissists claim they've never worked harder yet their abusive behavior continues. In this podcast episode, Kerry and Tara share from their personal experiences how to know when a narcissistic partner is truly doing the work to save a troubled relationship. And the self-help tip is a simple exe...

Why distinguish narcissistic abuse from emotional abuse? Aren’t both referring to the same thing? In this episode, Kerry and Tara take a closer look at how narcissistic abuse uses deception to confuse and dupe victims. And the self-help tip is on how to use expressive writing for healing from abuse. LINK: Defining Narcissistic Abuse: The Case for Deception as Abuse by Kristen Milstead, PhD Submit...

What should you do if you get trapped in a bad relationship? Narcissistic abuse victims often have limited financial means and little social support. In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Tara answer a listener's letter of someone who finds themselves exactly in this position. The self-help tip is about the importance of giving yourself permission to prioritize your own needs first. Link: What to Say Whe...

How do you know if it's love bombing vs. real love? What signs should we be watching out for when meeting someone new? Does the problem of love bombing only apply to narcissists, or do other people do it too?  In this podcast episode, Kerry and Tara share from their personal experience the common mistakes we make separating love bombing from real love.  Submit your question to be answered on air h...

Can narcissism be linked with sex addiction, and what exactly is sex addiction? In this episode, Kerry and Tara delve into the intimacy challenges that some individuals with narcissistic tendencies face. Instead of providing this week's self-help tip, they address a listener's question: "Can a narcissist change?" Link:  Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Season 2 Episode 83: Am I more vulnerabl...

Is empathy a good indicator you've met a healthy person? Narcissists are often thought of as emotionally cold and insensitive, yet this stereotype couldn't be further from the truth. In this episode, Kerry describes why we often initially miss the signs we've met someone toxic. Learn the difference between instrumental and compassionate empathy. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Res...

In this episode, Tara flips the script and interviews Kerry. Dive in as Kerry reveals a hidden gem that's been her shield against tough times. Tune in to discover how you too can stand tall against the shadows of narcissistic harm. Links:  How He Gets Into Her Head by Don Hennessey Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Compl...

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...