Send us a text An all-too-common problem is narcissists and pets. Toxic people often pose a serious danger to our beloved animals. In this podcast, Lisa Sonni and Dr. Kerry discuss the relationship toxic people often have with their family pets. Narcissists will often shower animals with love and attention only to harm the pets in private. The self-help tip includes some important boundaries to consider when beginning a relationship with someone new. Now, you don't need to wait a week for your n...
Apr 08, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 59
Send us a text Have you been a victim of spiritual abuse? It's not just interpersonal relationships that can be toxic, but also group systems and leaders. Many are stepping forward to expose toxic church leadership and oppressive and abusive spiritual belief systems. This week, Natalie Hoffman, author of Is it Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage: A Christian Woman's Guide to Hidden Emotional and Spiritual Abuse and her latest book, All the Scary Little Gods: a Memoir, joins me to discuss...
Apr 01, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 58
Send us a text Have you ever wondered, "Am I the narcissist?" Have you been accused of being the problem? In this podcast episode, Rossana Faye joins me to discuss how to know who's creating the chaos. Narcissists are notorious for never seeing themselves as the root cause, but how do we know that the issue isn't us? And the self-help tip is how to use your history to identify dysfunctional relationship patterns. Please join me for the weekly Podcast Extra! For just $5 a month, get key takeaways...
Mar 25, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 57
Send us a text Is being overly controlling a form of abuse? In this podcast episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss the subtleties of coercive control. Learn how to recognize the common control tactic of this insidious form of abuse. And this week's self-help tip is to assess how your partner's feelings and demands affect you. Are you doing less and becoming increasingly isolated to please them? Would you like to learn more about this topic? Be sure to become a subscriber for the weekly Podcast ...
Mar 18, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 56
Send us a text Stonewalling or giving someone the silent treatment is one of the nastiest forms of unfair fighting. When we ignore or reject another person's bid for a connection more than thirty percent of the time, the likelihood the relationship won't make it dramatically increases. In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss why stonewalling is such a popular toxic behavior and what to do if it's happening to you. A big thank you to this podcast's sponsor, GettheTea.com. Check out their ...
Mar 11, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 55
Send us a text Have you wondered what's wrong with me? This could be a sign of gaslighting. Dr. Robin Stern, psychoanalyst, author, and expert on gaslighting, joins me to discuss the underlying dynamics of a toxic or narcissistic relationship. She delves into the hidden motivations of both the gaslighter as well as the gaslightee. •Learn more about Dr. Stern: https://robinstern.com •The Gaslight Effect Podcast: https://robinstern.com/podcast/about-the-gaslight-effect-podcast/ •My Interview with ...
Mar 04, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 54
Send us a text Leaving often brings along with it a fear of change. We might dread how change will affect our kids or our friendships. Maybe we're concerned about how leaving could disrupt life as we know it. In this podcast episode, Tara and Dr. Kerry discuss the fears of change they faced and how they overcame them to leave. Tara also is leaving the show and shares about her future plans. The self-help tip is the power of letter writing to find closure after leaving a toxic relationship. Join ...
Feb 26, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 53
Send us a text 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: The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk- https://amzn.to/3Sh06nc **********...
Feb 19, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 52
Send us a text 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 finding forgiveness for ourselves through acceptance and love. You don't need to wait a w...
Feb 12, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 51
Send us a text 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: Making the Ultimate Decision About Your Marriage: https://amzn.to/3HDbTHh Did you know you...
Feb 05, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 50
Send us a text 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 investment in a relationship. Ask yourself, "Is the giving and support mutually reciprocal a...
Jan 29, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 49
Send us a text 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 follow Brent : https://www.tiktok.com/@expatriarch Resource : Couple Skills: Making Y...
Jan 22, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 48
Send us a text 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 importance of prioritizing your own mental health if you're the one who's been betrayed. Need to ge...
Jan 15, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 47
Send us a text 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-help tip is the importance of finding the right help with facing this kind of a crisis. ...
Jan 08, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 46
Send us a text 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. Hey, we are now offering mid-week podcast audio extras, only found on Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Podcast Substack newsletter....
Dec 18, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Send us a text 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. Join Our Newsletter! And receive weekly behind-the-scenes insights, backstories, and resources. When you sign up, receive our free video gift, "The Narcissists: Insights We Wish We Had Known...
Dec 11, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Send us a text 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 : https://coachingwithdrheidi.com/its-not-normal-its-toxic?sfw=pass1701135483 Join Our N...
Dec 04, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Send us a text 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 'future faking.' For more insightful advice, practical strategies, and useful tips, sub...
Nov 27, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Send us a text 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 discussion. How to stay cool and in control of yourself. Links: Nameless Narcissist Video...
Nov 20, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Send us a text 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 holiday situations. Join Our Newsletter! And receive weekly behind-the-scenes insights, ba...
Nov 13, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Send us a text 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: BIFF by Bill Eddy: https://amzn.to/3FFqm4D Coparenting with a Toxic Ex by Amy J L B...
Nov 06, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Send us a text 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. Join Our Newsletter! And receive weekly behind-the-scenes insights, backstories, and resou...
Oct 30, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Send us a text 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. Join Our Newsletter! And receive weekly behind-the-scenes insights, backstories, and resources. When you sign up, recei...
Oct 23, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Send us a text 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 perspective. Link: Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay by Mira Kirshenbaum Join Our Ne...
Oct 16, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Send us a text 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 addiction recovery isn't real. Join Our Newsletter! And receive weekly behind-the-scenes...
Oct 09, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Send us a text 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 exercise on how to test a narcissistic partner's sincerity in making real change. Consid...
Oct 02, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Send us a text 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 Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnar...
Sep 25, 2023•22 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Send us a text 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 When You Talk to Your Self by Shad Helmstetter, PhD Support Us: Become a supporter of th...
Sep 18, 2023•19 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Send us a text 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. Support Us: Become a supporter of the show here. Get in Touch: YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarc...
Sep 11, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Send us a text 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 14: Am I more vulnerable to toxic relationships because I have ADHD or Autism? The answer might surprise you ...
Aug 28, 2023•20 min•Season 2Ep. 30
