Claim OwnershipBreaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
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Confused by your relationship? Constantly second-guessing yourself, walking on eggshells, or feeling emotionally drained? Whether you’re still in the chaos or finding your footing after leaving, this podcast is your lifeline.
Join mental health expert Dr. Kerry McAvoy and Life & Relationship Coach Lisa Sonni as they uncover the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships. From understanding destructive personalities and their manipulative tactics to exploring the stages of abuse and how to rebuild after the damage, you’ll gain the clarity and tools needed to break free and heal.
If you’re ready to reclaim your self-worth and discover the path to emotional freedom, hit play and start your recovery journey today.
171 Episodes
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Send us a textHave 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 abuse.Want to know the first steps to gaining peace and control after an upsetting even...
Send us a textThere 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. What questions you have asked Dr. Nae about the movie, The Wolf of Wall Street? Find out ours when you subscribe to the Podcast Extra Substack newsletter. Unlock access here: http://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabus...
Send us a textVictims 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. Are you struggling to stay out of a toxic relationship? Does your partner’s emotional pleas or guilting convince you to stay? Learn practical steps to leaving a toxic relationship for good in this week’s Podcast Extra. Get immedi...
Send us a textTrauma 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 breaking of trauma bonds. Together, we uncover how these devastating ties form, why they’re ...
Send us a textToday 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.Instead of a podcast extra interview, this week I’m offering a holiday survival guide to help you get ready to spent time the very people you’ve probably tried to avoid all week.Learn how to...
Send us a textHave 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 EpisodeThe Gift of Fear by Gavin de BeckerCharacter Disturbance by George SimonDangerous Personalities by Joe NavarroThe Passionate Marriage by Dr. David SchnarchAre struggling to figure out what you should do in th...
Send us a textNarcissistic 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 see https://mindbloom.com/kerrym100. To take advantage of the $100 off total of your ...
Send us a textHave 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 - @knittingcultladyWebsite: Uncultureyourself.comAnd get a copy of her book, Uncultured: https://amzn.to/3CDhFcYCould you be in a coercively controlling relationship? In this week’s podcast extra, Daniella ta...
Send us a textAs 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!Are you interested in the Podcast Extra Interviews?Get immediate access by subscribing to the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Substack newsletter. Every Podcast Extra interview can be found inside the weekly newsletter. You’ll also get he...
Send us a textNarcissistic 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/3AtGt6zReady to heal from narcissistic abuse? Join Lisa and my upcoming Healing Strong live group coaching. Groups limits to 8 and the next group begins Jan ...
Send us a textHave 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.And, in this week’s Podcast Extra, Lisa and I discuss one listener’s struggles to l...
1Send us a textThere 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. If you think you’ve been trauma bonded, become a subscriber today and get immediate access to the exclusive podcast extra interview on the first steps to finding enough strength to save yourself. Subscribe here: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/ ...
Send us a textHas 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.To learn how to stop reactive abuse, subscribe for immediate access to the practical steps on this week’s Podcast Extra. Join here: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuseDid you know you don't need to wait a week for...
Send us a textIs it Just the Silent Treatment or Really Rejection? Why Stonewalling is HarmfulSilence 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.Are you struggling to recognize stonewalling? Maybe your partner is just emotionally overwhelmed. In this week’s Podcast Extra, Ro and I discuss the differ...
Send us a textAre narcissists born or made? And why does this question matter, considering the terrible toll of narcissistic abuse?This week, psychotherapist Dr. Peter Salerno joins me to discuss the root causes of narcissism along with the common misunderstandings about Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Learn the importance of understanding the underpinning of this character makeup when it comes to healing and recovery.Follow Dr. Peter Salerno on social media: @drpetersalernoLearn mor...
Send us a textWhat is the impact of childhood abuse on adult relationships? Can children overcome early trauma?Nia Renee joins me this week to discuss the lasting legacy of abuse. She describes the impact of chronic gaslighting and neglect on her later relationships. Learn what role resiliency and determination played in helping break the abuse cycle.Could your child be showing signs of trauma? Learn how to spot early signs of distress in this week’s Podcast Extra. Become a paid subscriber an...
Send us a textAre you speaking up less? Fawning more? There’s a high cost to living with a narcissist, and it could be your identity.This week, Lynn Strathdee, psychodynamic therapist, joins me to discuss echoism, the true opposite personality style to narcissism. She shares how fawning could result in a loss of our very self.To learn more about Lynn’s work:Website: https://www.echoismrecovery.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theechochamber?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLynn St...
Send us a textDangerous relationships rarely begin physically abusive. Initially, you think you’ve met a fantastic partner, but slowly, the toxicity turns into something more insidious and lethal.Trigger warning: this week, Lisa Sonni and I share vulnerable details of how we missed the early signs of danger in our narcissistic relationships.IF YOU ARE A RISK of immediate danger or abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.References: Why Does He Do...
Send us a textWhen there’s trouble in a relationship, most couples are urged to seek couples counseling.In today’s episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to talk about why this suggestion is a terrible idea if your partner is a narcissist. Too many couples therapists lack the education to identify narcissistic abuse, and narcissistic and toxic partners are highly sophisticated at manipulating the therapeutic process.For help breaking a trauma bond, see Lisa’s resources: https://strongerthanbefore.caIn ...
Send us a textWhat’s the connection between attachment styles and narcissism? This week, Dr. Erin Leonard, a practicing psychotherapist, joins me to discuss the common problems narcissists have with emotional intelligence and creating secure connections with others. She’s recently authored How to Outsmart a Narcissist, where she describes the best ways to protect ourselves from narcissists’ efforts to manipulate and exploit. More about Dr. Leonard: BOOK- How to Outsmart a Narcissist: Use Emot...
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