DiscoverBreaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen You Feel Less & Less Safe: How Coercive Control Steals Your Freedom & Choice
When You Feel Less & Less Safe: How Coercive Control Steals Your Freedom & Choice

When You Feel Less & Less Safe: How Coercive Control Steals Your Freedom & Choice

Update: 2025-11-17
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Ever feel like you’re slowly running out of air in a “nice” relationship?

This week, Eleni Sagredos joins Dr. Kerry to unpack how coercive control hides behind charm and “preferences,” and why it’s so hard to spot until your autonomy has been chipped away. We trace the subtle dynamics that slowly worsen an abusive power imbalance. 

PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT

Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.

MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST EXTRA INTERVIEW 

🔹 From subtle control to danger: how escalation works—and why “just leave” can be a privilege, yet safety planning matters now.

Eleni and Dr. Kerry map the climb from small criticisms to coercion to high-risk moments, and where to get immediate support (DV hotlines, advocates, transitional housing). 

👉 Get immediate access to this extended interview: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

MORE ABOUT ELENI SAGREDOS

ELENI SAGREDOS is an abuse educator and a certified Domestic Violence Advocate with a passion for raising awareness about covert abuse and domestic violence. She is the author of the book But They're So Nice: Unmasking Covert Abuse & Narcissistic People, which sheds light on the insidious nature of emotional and psychological abuse often overlooked or minimized. Eleni is most active on TikTok, where she shares her insights, experiences, and resources to help others recognize the dynamics and tactics in abusive relationships.

Stay in Touch With Dr. Kerry!

More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. 

In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Submit your question to be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

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Disclaimer: This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.


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When You Feel Less & Less Safe: How Coercive Control Steals Your Freedom & Choice

When You Feel Less & Less Safe: How Coercive Control Steals Your Freedom & Choice

Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.