If you’re dealing with narcissistic in-laws, you already know how surreal it feels: they watch abuse happen—and then insist it didn’t.
In this episode, we break down why narcissistic in-laws deny the truth, protect the abuser, and turn the target into “the problem.” You’ll learn the family-system roles that keep this going (enablers, flying monkeys, scapegoat dynamics) and what actually helps you stay grounded.
We revisit my interview with Rossana, who shares firsthand what it’s like when your partner’s family rallies against you. Plus, a listener story that mirrors this exact pattern—and what she did next.
Chapters
0:00 Toxic In-Law Drama During Holidays
4:13 Parenting Advice Wars: Water Battle
10:20 Six Reasons You Became the Problem
13:29 Your Growth Looks Like Defiance
16:30 Projecting Toxicity Onto Victim
21:41 Creating Couple Boundaries
PODCAST EXTRA
Next week, the Podcast Extra exclusive interviews will return.
All Substack paid subscribers now receive immediate access to the Toxic-Free Relationship Club, which includes:
- Invitation to the monthly Q&A with Dr. Kerry
- Quarterly club-wide events featuring narcissistic abuse experts
- Weekly newsletter with exclusive insights
👉 Join a supportive community dedicated to healing and recovery:
MORE ABOUT ROSSANA FAYE
Website: https://rollercoasteroflove.ca
Instagram & TikTok: @_rollercoasteroflove
Books: Rollercoaster of Love: Healing Journal - https://amzn.to/3MyRl8B
Narc Free Journal: A Step by Step Guide to Your Freedom - https://amzn.to/44eAFcH
ROSSANA FAYE knows what it's like to be trapped on an emotional rollercoaster. After surviving 14 years in an abusive relationship, she transformed her pain into purpose—becoming a Certified Life and Relationship Coach dedicated to helping others break free from narcissistic abuse.
As the founder of Rollercoaster of Love Inc. and host of Real Talk with Ro, Rossana creates content that's both relatable and deeply validating. She's the author of Rollercoaster of Love: Healing Journal and Narc Free Journal: A Step by Step Guide to Your Freedom—tools that guide survivors from trauma bonds to true freedom.
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 pod
Submit your question to be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!
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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