On this episode of Uncoupled and Unfiltered, I sit down with Dr. Kerry McAvoy, a retired clinical psychologist, author, leading expert on narcissistic abuse and toxic relationships, and a survivor of narcissistic abuse herself.We explore what narcissism truly is, why this form of abuse is uniquely destabilizing, how to recognize the signs, what to watch for, and how to protect yourself — including how to reclaim and rebuild your life after the relationship ends.This is NOT a breakup story. It’s a survival conversation.Key Topics Covered:A clinical definition of narcissism, and how it differs from ordinary selfishness — including distinctions between narcissism, psychopathy, and sociopathyHow victims are selected, and why survivors are often among the strongest, most capable individuals — contrary to common misconceptionsWhat a relationship with someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) looks and feels like from the insideWhat makes narcissistic abuse uniquely harrowing, and how it can permanently rewire victims’ brain functioning long after the relationship endsWhy survivors often stay longer than outsiders expect — and why “just leaving” is rarely simpleHow abuse frequently escalates after the relationship ends, and the forms it takes Why being targeted does not end with separation — even when the abuser remarries or appears to move onPractical strategies to reclaim your life rather than living in fear of the next reaction or moveDating after narcissistic abuse, including warning signs to recognize early and when to walk away“If you feel like everything is risky, like you're walking on water and you're trying to manage another person's emotional response, I think that's a sign that something's wrong.” - Dr. Kerry McAvoyAbout Our Guest: Dr. Kerry McAvoyDr. Kerry McAvoy is a retired clinical psychologist, author, and leading expert on narcissistic abuse and toxic relationships with over 25 years of clinical experience. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast, where she combines research-backed insight with personal experience to help survivors understand abusive dynamics and reclaim their lives. Her memoir Love You More offers a candid look at her own journey through narcissistic abuse, and her work — including books and courses — provides practical guidance for those healing from trauma and confusion caused by manipulative partners.Who This Episode Is For:Survivors of narcissistic abuse seeking clarity, validation, and language for their experienceAnyone navigating separation, divorce, or post-separation conflict with a high-conflict or narcissistic partnerThose questioning whether what they experienced was “really abuse.”Professionals, friends, or family members wanting a deeper understanding of narcissistic dynamicsSurvivors preparing to date again and hoping to recognize red flags earlyAnyone rebuilding their sense of self after a relationship that distorted realityBig Five Personality Test - to assess your personality style. Narcissistic abuse survivors tend to score high on agreeableness and conscientiousness.“Is It Toxic or Troubled” survey with a free online self-paced course to help those with a troubling relationship, be it a romantic partner, a friend, a co-worker, or a family member. Connect with Dr. Kerry McAvoy:Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Tiktok Book: Love You More: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double CrossConnect with Ksenia Muench:WebsiteInstagram LinkedIn Substack Email 🎧 Listen, Subscribe & ShareFollow Uncoupled and Unfiltered on Spotify, Prime, and Apple Podcasts for weekly conversations about divorce, relationships, dating, and self-discovery. If this episode resonated, please rate, review, and share to help others find the show.