Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
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 experts Dr. Kerry McAvoy and 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.
Episodes
This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on something few of us talk about—the emotional toll of surviving narcissistic abuse after the relationship ends. Healing is hard. Helping others heal while still navigating your own recovery? Even harder. In this episode, I share why I’m taking a short summer hiatus—and how you can still stay connected and supported during this time.
💌 For Paid Substack Subscribers: Here’s Wha...
This US holiday weekend, let’s revisit three of your favorite podcast episodes. Interestingly, they all have the same theme: why narcissistic abuse survivors initially think they’re the problem.
Clip 1 is from Season 3 Episode 64: "How mad can I make you?" The Toxic Games Covert Narcissists Play”
Video: https://youtu.be/pfU0y1ycgtg
Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/15052505
Clip 2 is from Seoson...
Why do we pick bad partners? Is purely because of deception or are we missing early warning signs of a toxicity?
This week, author and clinician, Mary Crocker Cook joins us to discuss the problems of early socialization and different expectation in the dysfunctional relationship.
Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Mary Crocker Cook?
🔹 Are you wondering how to exit a toxic relationship safely? Mary shares some ...
Can someone be both narcissistic and neurodivergent?
This week, ADHD coach and neurodiversity educator Sheila Henson joins Dr. Kerry to explore the nuanced overlap between narcissistic traits and ADHD. Together, they unpack how these two very different dynamics can sometimes co-exist—and what that means for the health of your relationship.
Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Sheila Henson?
🔹 Are you wondering i...
Is your relationship displaying signs that it’s over? Maybe it’s on its last legs, and you wonder if it can be saved?
In this episode, Dr. Becky Whetstone delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the challenges faced during marriage crises. She shares her experiences and insights as a marriage therapist, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and recognizing the signs of an unhealth...
Are you living with a narcissist or a stressfully demanding person? These types of relationships often require us to step up with extra emotional labor without us even realizing it.
This week, psychotherapist and author Terri Cole joins us to explore the hidden costs of high-functioning codependency. Learn why over-helping is often a trauma response, not a personality trait—and what to do if you're living with a ...
Are female friendships just as damaging as pathological love relationships?
This week, Sabrina Kirberg, author of We Used to be Best Friends, joins us to discuss the harmful consequences of toxic women friendships. Learn why we often miss spotting toxic female relationships and their common harmful dynamics.
Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Sabrina Kirberg?
🔹Does your best friend fit one of the toxic female ...
Living with a narcissistic or emotionally toxic person will wreak havoc on your personality or sense of self.
This week, Lynn Strathdee, mental health therapist and expert, joins us today to discuss the effects of chronic exposure to narcissistic abuse. Learn how dysfunctional relationship shapes your personality, giving “echoistic” tendencies.
Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Lynn Strathdee?
🔹Can th...
Are you trying to heal from a betrayal?
If you have survived a narcissistic relationship then you have experienced betrayal. Often repetitive, devastating breaches of trust.
This week, Dr. Debi Silber joins us to discuss how to rebuild renewed confidence after betrayal. She outlines the five stages of betrayal recovery as well the common pitfalls that keep survivors stalled from fully healing after abuse.
Looking for...
Toxic relationships tremendously impact our emotional selves, but what about our sexual selves?
Dr. Lisha Antiqua, an expert in sexual intimacy and soul psychology, joins us to discuss how common toxic dynamics in narcissistic relationships, such as objectification and transactional relationships, diminish our intimate connection with one another. She also defines the importance of healthy interpersonal and sexual bou...
Is it autism or narcissism? It’s become trendy lately to excuse toxic/abusive behavior as neurodivergence.
Today, Erica Little-Herron, an expert/advocate on autism, joins us to discuss the key differences between narcissism and autism.
Looking for the Podcast Interview with Erica Little-Herron?
🔹Learn in this week's exclusive Podcast Extra interview why Erica Little-Herron thinks the autistic community is frequentl...
Going no contact with a parent, particularly when it’s your mother, is a gut-wrenching decision.
Alex Anderson, an independent film-maker and writer joins me to discuss his timely movie, FOG, which explores a toxic mother-daughter dynamics. He describes how Fog-Obligation-Guilt drives this challenging relationship.
Learn more about Alex and his work here: https://www.youtube.com/@alexanderson2467
Why do men abuse? How does this behavior benefit them?
Today, Chuck Derry, the co-founder of the Gender Violence Institute, joins us to discuss the disturbing reasons for male violence and what community responses are needed to curb these toxic/dangerous behaviors.
To learn more about the results of Chuck Derry’s study, visit: https://voicemalemagazine.org/abusive-men-describe-the-benefits-of-violence/
You’re barely picking up the pieces, and your ex has already moved on—posting picture-perfect snapshots of their new, fabulous life. Meanwhile, you're left wondering: Were they always this happy, or is this just for show?
In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni dive into why narcissists and toxic personalities seem to seamlessly transition into a "perfect" new relationship. Is it real, or is it just a...
Ever wondered if your partner’s cruelty is intentional? Do they know they’re being hurtful, or is it just thoughtlessness?
This week, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni expose a chilling but often-overlooked dynamic in toxic relationships: sadism.
Learn what sadism really is, how it shows up in narcissistic partnerships, and why some toxic individuals seem to take pleasure in your pain.
➡️ Want to watch the Podcast Extra Intervie...
What signs warn that we’ve met not just a toxic person, but someone dangerous?
This week Joe Navarro, author and former FBI special agent joins us to discuss the four most dangerous personalities. Navarro is most well-known for his work as a body language expert. He’s authored several books, including What Every Body is Saying, Dangerous Personalities, Louder Than Words, and The Dictionary of Body Language.
To Watch the...
Narcissists often claim to love us. That they want the save the relationship; but do they?
In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni discuss the confusing dynamic of narcissistic partners claiming to be changing and addressing the relationship issues, only aren’t. Learn how survivors can tell the difference between genuine effort from sophisticated manipulation.
Is it tricky to distinguish real from fake love? Be sure ...
Narcissists know they are being abusive--that they're being manipulative and exploitative.
This week, Dr. Peter Salerno is back to discuss his latest book, Traumatizing Cognitive Dissonance. He discusses with Lisa Sonni why abusive relationships with narcissists leave survivors feeling psychologically battered and confused.
Are you looking for help battling the mental confusion caused by a nar...
Narcissists will use any means to control you, especially guilt.
In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa discuss the common reasons guilt is such a powerful weapon in the hands of a narcissist or toxic personality.
For practical examples of common guilt phrases and how to break free from this toxic dynamic, join the Podcast Extra’s newsletter on SubStack for immediate access to this week’s exclusive vide...
Have 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 ...
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