Send us a text 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. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse ...
Aug 21, 2023•13 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Send us a text 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 Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse E-mail: hello@breakingfreewit...
Aug 14, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Send us a text 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: Lisa's Website Trauma Bond Recovery Journal Rebuilding After a Trauma Bond Surviving to...
Aug 07, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Send us a text 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 Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse E-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.com Newsletter: https...
Jul 31, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Send us a text 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 Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @brea...
Jul 24, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Send us a text 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. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnar...
Jul 17, 2023•20 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Send us a text 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. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse E-mail: hello@breakingfreew...
Jul 10, 2023•22 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Send us a text 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: Betrayal Bonds: Breaking Free of Exploitative Relationships by Patrick Carnes Breaking...
Jun 26, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Send us a text 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 by Lindsay Gibson Toxic People by Lillian Glasse Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abus...
Jun 19, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Send us a text 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 by Mira Kirshenbaum Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Season 1 Episode 52: I just ...
Jun 12, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Send us a text 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 Triad Personality type Robert Hare, Ph.D. Expert on psychopathy Breaking Free from Narcissistic...
Jun 05, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Send us a text 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-and-in-laws Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @bre...
May 22, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Send us a text 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 Parents by Lindsay Gibson, Ph.D. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touc...
May 15, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Send us a text 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. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfre...
May 08, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Send us a text 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 Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse E-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.com Newsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtara.substack.com/ Website: https://www.break...
Apr 24, 2023•24 sec
Send us a text 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. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse E-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.com Newsletter: https://brea...
Apr 17, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Send us a text 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. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse E-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.com Newsletter: https://breakingfr...
Apr 10, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Send us a text 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: Listen here. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breaki...
Apr 03, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Send us a text In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the signs of cognitive dissonance and the impact it can have on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. And, the self-help tip is on how to practice H.A.L.T in order to get back to practicing the basics. Links: Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1, episode 24: If it’s that bad, why don’t narcissistic abuse victims just leave? Listen here. Anonymity by Susan Bergman Why Can't I Just Leave? by Dr. Kristen Milstead Support Us...
Mar 27, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Send us a text In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss how we might actually gaslight in healthy relationships and how to avoid doing this in the future. And, the self-help tip is on letting others "earn" our trust before blindly giving it to them. Links: Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1, episode 30: Listen here. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefrom...
Mar 20, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Send us a text In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss codependency vs. Super Traits, what's the difference, and why we differ in how we feel about each of the terms. And, the self-help tip is on how to create a list of top lines for yourself. Links: Repeat After Me by Claudia Black Codependent No More by Melody Beattie: Melody Beattie Facing Codependency: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives by Miller, Miller, and McMillan Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Si...
Mar 13, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Send us a text In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara give an intimate look at the emotional power of a trauma bond. How trauma bonds create mental confusion and a psychological dependence on the abuser. And, the self-help tip is on the importance of identifying and protecting non-negotiable boundaries. Links: Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1 episode 58: Listen here. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @break...
Mar 06, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Send us a text In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss co-parenting challenges when you have a toxic ex. How do you stay regulated when kids are involved, and what do you do when the kids are being used as pawns? Today's self-help tip is learning to talk to yourself as if you were a friend. Links: Onward OurFamilyWizard WeParent CustodyConnection Parentship 2Houses Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1 episode 66: Listen here. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get ...
Feb 27, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Send us a text In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss why your toxic ex might come back and try to lovebomb you after the break-up through, what may seem like, innocent requests of friendship. We agree that while their offer may seem tantalizing, DON'T do it! Today's self-help tip is a different way to approach communicating with toxic people. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook:...
Feb 20, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Send us a text In this week's episode, Kerry and Tara discuss following through with limited contact or no contact after a break-up. What is limited vs. no contact? How long should you do it for? And WHY should you do it? Today's self-help tip is one way to self-soothe during reactive abuse. Links: "How to Go No Contact With Your Ex," (Use the code "PODCAST" to receive 35% off!) Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakin...
Feb 13, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Send us a text Research has found that over 99% of victims in abusive relationships were also being financially abused. Could you be experiencing financial abuse? In this episode, Kerry and Tara will identify the common indicators of this abuse type along with some suggestions on how to overcome it. And today's self-help tip discusses the importance of leading with your head and not your heart when making big relationship decisions. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: ...
Feb 06, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Send us a text In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the common problem of exes trying to return after a breakup. Tara also shares why it's necessary to be careful with following self-help advice in this week's self-help tip. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse E-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.com Newsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtar...
Jan 30, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Send us a text In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the use of narcissistic abuse. It's become a very popular topic on social media. Is it being overused? Then in the Self-Help Tip for today, we'll share how to handle a common argument tactic like DARVO. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse E-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.com Newsletter: https...
Jan 23, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Send us a text In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss setting realistic goals in 2023 and the Self-Help Tip is a simple strategy on how to hold better boundaries. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse E-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.com Newsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtara.substack.com/ Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabu...
Jan 16, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Send us a text Welcome back to a new season! I’m being joined with a co-host, Tara Blair Ball, author & relationship coach and kicking off a new self-help tip segment. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse E-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.com Newsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtara.substack.com/ Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticab...
Jan 09, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 1
