Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Could living with a narcissist be making you sick? Are you struggling with more illnesses? Maybe you even have an autoimmune disease. In this podcast episode, Tara Blair Ball and Lisa Sonni discuss the invisible impact of living with a narcissist on our health. Learn how narcissists and other toxic people not only sabotage our self-care but also impact our physical and mental health. Resources: Th...

Are you stuck in a bad relationship? Are you wondering if you have good enough reasons enough to leave? In this podcast episode, Rossana Faye, Rollercoaster of Love, joins to me to discuss how self-doubt can trap us in a bad relationship. How we can get stuck in our own heads, which only adds to the confusion we already feel in narcissistic relationships. And the self-help tip is the power of find...

Are you considering divorcing a narcissist? Wondering how to do it safely? In today's podcast, Kate Anthony, a High-Conflict Divorce Coach and author of The D Word, joins me to discuss how to become our own best advocate when leaving a narcissist. She covers the top dos and don'ts to exiting these challenging and even dangerous relationships.  Kate Anthony: https://kateanthony.com The D Word: Maki...

Are you feeling off-balanced? Do you wonder how your narcissistic partner or loved one is keeping you confused? In this podcast episode, Tara is joined by Lisa Sonni of Stronger Than Before, and they delve into how narcissists and toxic people employ intermittent reinforcement and other manipulative strategies to keep victims confused. The self-help tip is the importance of analyzing one's investm...

One of many harmful stereotypes men face is that they can't be victims of narcissistic abuse, yet the rates of narcissism are nearly equal between men and women. In this episode, Brent MacLerie, social media activist and advocate for gender issues, joins Tara and me to discuss his experience of narcissistic abuse along with the common challenges many male victims face in abusive relationships. To...

When there's been a massive breach of trust, victims experience what's called betrayal trauma.  Yet, there's often a rush to fix the duplicitous partner instead of the one betrayed, neglecting the victims' psychological devastation.      In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins Dr. Kerry as a regular special guest, and they discuss victims' common betrayal reactions. And the self-help tip is the importan...

Did you think you had met the most amazing person only to discover you had married a stranger?  Narcissists and other toxic personalities often wait until their partners are trapped by commitment before beginning more serious abuse and betrayals. In this episode, Tara and Kerry share how narcissists often unmask their real selves after moving in together or while on the honeymoon.   And, the self-...

Are you managing trauma triggers in new situations or at family holiday celebrations? Are you struggling with sudden fears, rushes of emotions, or disturbing flashbacks? In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Tara discuss coping with trauma triggers after narcissistic abuse. Learn helpful strategies for managing these challenging and unexpected triggers. Links: FX's The Bear Submit your question to be ans...

Do you struggle each holiday with the toxic family drama? In this episode, Tara and I discuss the common traps that can keep us from having a meaningful celebration. The self-help tip is how to re-adjust our mindset and expectations so that we accept imperfection as a part of every experience. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou : Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching a...

What red flags are you missing? Are you ignoring the early warning signs of a possible toxic relationship? In this podcast episode, Dr. Heidi Brocke from the It's Not Normal, It's Toxic podcast joins us to share the common reasons we fail to recognize the initial symptoms of a toxic relationship. To learn more about Dr. Heidi: https://coachingwithdrheidi.com It's Not Normal, It's Toxic podcast : h...

Dependency can be an early red flag that you're trapped in a traumatic bond with a narcissist. When you feel like life without them is meaningless. In this week's episode, Dr. Kerry and Tara draw from personal experience the first signs that signaled their trauma bonds and what to do if this is happening to you. The self-help tip is on staying grounded in the present to sidestep the pitfalls of 'f...

Are you fighting a lot? Maybe it's better to learn how not to win an argument with a narcissist. In this podcast, Dr. Kerry and Tara delve into the problem of arguing with a narcissist. Why these discussions often go sideways with the end result of hurt feelings and being defeated. And the self-help tip is practical things to remember the next time a narcissist tries to bait you into a heated disc...

Have you wondered why narcissists ruin holidays? Why they can't let you enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, or your birthday? In this podcast episode, Dr. Kerry and Tara share their insights and tips , along with some personal stories about this common pattern among narcissists and other toxic people. And the self-help tip is the importance of having "self-care" boundaries to handle uncomfortable holid...

Are you suddenly alone? Learn how a narcissist isolates you as a way to gain control over you. How they cut you off from your closest friends and family, making you more vulnerable to abuse. Are you looking for an understanding community? Join Dr. Kerry's Toxic-Free Relationship Club with weekly live group video office hours. https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/toxic-free-relationship-club/ Books mentioned...

Do you want to know why you're not spotting a covert narcissist? Learn what is a covert narcissist and the early signs you've met someone toxic. In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Tara take a deep dive into the top reasons why so many of us struggle to spot a this particularly toxic group of narcissists. And in the self-help tip, learn what to do if someone you know threatens to harm themselves. Submi...

Are all narcissists abusive? Aren't we unfairly classifying a group of wounded people as toxic or dangerous? Tara and I address this common accusation about narcissists and other toxic people in this podcast episode. The self-help tip is how to use a detailed history of our personal background to determine if we might be the one causing the relationship problems. Submit your question to be answere...

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...