Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/series/breaking-free-from-narcissistic-abuse/ Confused by your relationship? Do you catch yourself second-guessing, walking on eggshells, or feeling emotionally drained? Whether you’re still in the chaos or trying to rebuild after leaving, this podcast is your lifeline.Join retired psychologist Dr. Kerry McAvoy as she exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships. You’ll learn how destructive personalities operate, the manipulative tactics they use, and the stages of abuse—plus the practical steps to heal and reclaim your life.If you’re ready to break free, rebuild your self-worth, and find lasting emotional freedom, hit play and start your recovery journey today. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:50:33 +0000 en © 2025 Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse all about creating healthier relationships Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D. episodic Confused by your relationship? Do you catch yourself second-guessing, walking on eggshells, or feeling emotionally drained? Whether you’re still in the chaos or trying to rebuild after leaving, this podcast is your lifeline.Join retired psychologist Dr. Kerry McAvoy as she exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships. You’ll learn how destructive personalities operate, the manipulative tactics they use, and the stages of abuse—plus the practical steps to heal and reclaim your life.If you’re ready to break free, rebuild your self-worth, and find lasting emotional freedom, hit play and start your recovery journey today. Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D. hello@breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com false https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/igt4bmhu45618wxmbwax5ralrotn-1.jpg Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/series/breaking-free-from-narcissistic-abuse/ hello@breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com Confused by your relationship? Do you catch yourself second-guessing, walking on eggshells, or feeling emotionally drained? Whether you’re still in the chaos or trying to rebuild after leaving, this podcast is your lifeline.Join retired psychologist Dr. Kerry McAvoy as she exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships. You’ll learn how destructive personalities operate, the manipulative tactics they use, and the stages of abuse—plus the practical steps to heal and reclaim your life.If you’re ready to break free, rebuild your self-worth, and find lasting emotional freedom, hit play and start your recovery journey today. No 5cd80628-9064-584b-aef9-be48a76624eb https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 Dr. Les Carter: Stop Trying to Make a Narcissist Understand You — Do This Instead https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/dr-les-carter-stop-trying-to-make-a-narcissist-understand-you-do-this-instead/ Mon, 05 Oct 2026 11:00:00 +0000 18dd9423-590b-5bdd-b2e5-94a26e3f80ba Are You Feeling Stuck?Take my FREE “Toxic or Troubled?” survey to discover your relationship type and get instant access to a complete, private mini-course—educational overviews, reflective questions, grounding techniques, and new strategies tailored to your situation.▶ Start here: https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/toxic-troubled-survey —— What if every explanation you offer becomes ammunition? Have you noticed how a narcissist stays ... Read more

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]]> Are You Feeling Stuck?Take my FREE “Toxic or Troubled?” survey to discover your relationship type and get instant access to a complete, private mini-course—educational overviews, reflective questions, grounding techniques, and new strategies tailored to your situation.▶ Start here: https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/toxic-troubled-survey —— What if every explanation you offer becomes ammunition? Have you noticed how a narcissist stays ... Read more

The post Dr. Les Carter: Stop Trying to Make a Narcissist Understand You — Do This Instead appeared first on Kerry McAvoy, PhD.

]]> https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Podcast-Thumbnail-Template.png Dr. Les Carter: Stop Trying to Make a Narcissist Understand You — Do This Instead false no 00:32:27 No no They Didn’t Miss You, They Ran Out of Money: How Hoovering Actually Works https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/they-didnt-miss-you-they-ran-out-of-money-how-hoovering-actually-works/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/they-didnt-miss-you-they-ran-out-of-money-how-hoovering-actually-works/ Future faking hoovering isn't a change of heart. It's a second round of grooming, aimed at exactly what the first round wanted. In this highlight from Kerry's weekly live Q&A, she takes on what's actually happening when someone shows up with flowers, apologies and a raked pile of leaves after months of silence — and ... Read more

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]]> Future faking hoovering isn't a change of heart. It's a second round of grooming, aimed at exactly what the first round wanted. In this highlight from Kerry's weekly live Q&A, she takes on what's actually happening when someone shows up with flowers, apologies and a raked pile of leaves after months of silence — and ... Read more

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]]> https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Viewers-Stories-Square-Cover-Art.png They Didn’t Miss You, They Ran Out of Money: How Hoovering Actually Works false no 00:21:04 No no Narcissist, Psychopath, or Sadist? Does Naming Your Abuser’s Personality Type Actually Help? https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/i-asked-ai-to-diagnose-my-ex-like-a-psychiatrist-the-report-floored-me/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000 5ef05f85-8eb4-5b7d-929f-0d73aa12ef45 What if naming the disorder never actually got you out? And what if the thing you've been calling proof was really just a way to feel in control? In this episode, Kerry and co-host Lynn Strathdee take on the debate splitting the recovery world right now — one universal predator type, or many distinct subtypes. ... Read more

The post Narcissist, Psychopath, or Sadist? Does Naming Your Abuser’s Personality Type Actually Help? appeared first on Kerry McAvoy, PhD.

]]> What if naming the disorder never actually got you out? And what if the thing you've been calling proof was really just a way to feel in control? In this episode, Kerry and co-host Lynn Strathdee take on the debate splitting the recovery world right now — one universal predator type, or many distinct subtypes. ... Read more

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]]> https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Podcast-Thumbnail-Template-3.png Narcissist, Psychopath, or Sadist? Does Naming Your Abuser’s Personality Type Actually Help? false no 00:29:30 No no Gray Divorce and the 30-Year Con: Why Covert Narcissists Never Wanted You to Leave https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/gray-divorce-and-the-30-year-con-why-covert-narcissists-never-wanted-you-to-leave/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/gray-divorce-and-the-30-year-con-why-covert-narcissists-never-wanted-you-to-leave/ Gray divorce isn't a midlife crisis. For a lot of people, it's the end of a con that ran for decades. When researchers ask why people divorce after 50, the top answer from women isn't money or infidelity — it was abuse. In this highlight from Kerry's weekly live Q&A, she takes on why so ... Read more

The post Gray Divorce and the 30-Year Con: Why Covert Narcissists Never Wanted You to Leave appeared first on Kerry McAvoy, PhD.

]]> Gray divorce isn't a midlife crisis. For a lot of people, it's the end of a con that ran for decades. When researchers ask why people divorce after 50, the top answer from women isn't money or infidelity — it was abuse. In this highlight from Kerry's weekly live Q&A, she takes on why so ... Read more

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]]> https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Viewers-Stories-Square-Cover-Art-2.png Gray Divorce and the 30-Year Con: Why Covert Narcissists Never Wanted You to Leave false no 00:19:18 No no Narcissistic Love Withdrawal: Why You Chase Their Affection and Lose Yourself https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/how-human-predators-brainwash-you-the-tactics-science-missed-dr-karen-mitchell/ Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/how-human-predators-brainwash-you-the-tactics-science-missed-dr-karen-mitchell/ Why did you do things you swore you'd never do, just to get their love back? In this episode, Kerry and researcher Dr. Karen Mitchell unpack why affection from a narcissistic or predatory partner can feel like a drug. It's intense and strategic, and then it's suddenly withdrawn. They also explore who predatory people target:  ... Read more

The post Narcissistic Love Withdrawal: Why You Chase Their Affection and Lose Yourself appeared first on Kerry McAvoy, PhD.

]]> Why did you do things you swore you'd never do, just to get their love back? In this episode, Kerry and researcher Dr. Karen Mitchell unpack why affection from a narcissistic or predatory partner can feel like a drug. It's intense and strategic, and then it's suddenly withdrawn. They also explore who predatory people target:  ... Read more

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]]> https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Podcast-Thumbnail-Template-2.png Narcissistic Love Withdrawal: Why You Chase Their Affection and Lose Yourself false no 00:43:16 No no DARVO Exposed: How Manipulators Make YOU the Abuser When You Confront Them https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/darvo-exposed-how-manipulators-make-you-the-abuser-when-you-confront-them/ Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/darvo-exposed-how-manipulators-make-you-the-abuser-when-you-confront-them/ Why did the narcissist’s collapse look so real — curled on the floor, shaking, sweating, begging you not to leave — yet nothing changed after? What looks like a breakdown is often a temporary loss of status, not a loss of identity — the defensive structure drops for 30 seconds, then rapidly reconsolidates and the ... Read more

The post DARVO Exposed: How Manipulators Make YOU the Abuser When You Confront Them appeared first on Kerry McAvoy, PhD.

]]> Why did the narcissist’s collapse look so real — curled on the floor, shaking, sweating, begging you not to leave — yet nothing changed after? What looks like a breakdown is often a temporary loss of status, not a loss of identity — the defensive structure drops for 30 seconds, then rapidly reconsolidates and the ... Read more

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]]> https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Viewers-Stories-Square-Cover-Art.png DARVO Exposed: How Manipulators Make YOU the Abuser When You Confront Them false no 00:17:30 No no Why Narcissists Ruin Your Sleep: Don’t Miss This Nasty Bedtime Control Tactic https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/why-narcissists-ruin-your-sleep-dont-miss-this-nasty-bedtime-control-tactic/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/why-narcissists-ruin-your-sleep-dont-miss-this-nasty-bedtime-control-tactic/ What if the reason you feel like you're always “nagging” has nothing to do with you being difficult — and everything to do with deliberate provocation? In this episode, Dr. Kerry McAvoy and Lynn Strathdee break down the hidden mechanics behind pathological provocation — why abusers poke, prod, and sabotage your boundaries at bedtime and ... Read more

The post Why Narcissists Ruin Your Sleep: Don’t Miss This Nasty Bedtime Control Tactic appeared first on Kerry McAvoy, PhD.

]]> What if the reason you feel like you're always “nagging” has nothing to do with you being difficult — and everything to do with deliberate provocation? In this episode, Dr. Kerry McAvoy and Lynn Strathdee break down the hidden mechanics behind pathological provocation — why abusers poke, prod, and sabotage your boundaries at bedtime and ... Read more

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]]> https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Podcast-Thumbnail-Template-1.png Why Narcissists Ruin Your Sleep: Don’t Miss This Nasty Bedtime Control Tactic false no 00:27:21 No no I Treated Narcissists for Years and Never Saw a Collapse — Here’s What Really Happens https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/i-treated-narcissists-for-years-and-never-saw-a-collapse-heres-what-really-happens/ Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000 a122105b-4a36-5bba-b7a1-34556971f96c Why did the narcissist’s collapse look so real — curled on the floor, shaking, sweating, begging you not to leave — yet nothing changed after? What looks like a breakdown is often a temporary loss of status, not a loss of identity — the defensive structure drops for 30 seconds, then rapidly reconsolidates and the ... Read more

The post I Treated Narcissists for Years and Never Saw a Collapse — Here’s What Really Happens appeared first on Kerry McAvoy, PhD.

]]> Why did the narcissist’s collapse look so real — curled on the floor, shaking, sweating, begging you not to leave — yet nothing changed after? What looks like a breakdown is often a temporary loss of status, not a loss of identity — the defensive structure drops for 30 seconds, then rapidly reconsolidates and the ... Read more

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]]> https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Viewers-Stories-Square-Cover-Art-10.40.25-PM.png I Treated Narcissists for Years and Never Saw a Collapse — Here’s What Really Happens false no 00:27:01 No no He Fooled Every Therapist in the Room — What No One Warns You (feat. Chelsey Brooke Cole) https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/therapist-chelsey-brooke-cole-he-fooled-every-therapist-in-the-room-what-no-one-warns-you/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 06:11:04 +0000 5f3c072c-3798-5b57-833e-b91d4e67004e What if the trait everyone praises you for is the exact one the narcissist is scanning for? That isn’t naivety. That isn’t missing the red flags. Agreeableness — assuming people are honest, wanting harmony, believing no one would be cruel on purpose — is a readable personality profile, and predators read it faster than you ... Read more

The post He Fooled Every Therapist in the Room — What No One Warns You (feat. Chelsey Brooke Cole) appeared first on Kerry McAvoy, PhD.

]]> What if the trait everyone praises you for is the exact one the narcissist is scanning for? That isn’t naivety. That isn’t missing the red flags. Agreeableness — assuming people are honest, wanting harmony, believing no one would be cruel on purpose — is a readable personality profile, and predators read it faster than you ... Read more

The post He Fooled Every Therapist in the Room — What No One Warns You (feat. Chelsey Brooke Cole) appeared first on Kerry McAvoy, PhD.

]]> https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Podcast-Thumbnail-Template.png He Fooled Every Therapist in the Room — What No One Warns You (feat. Chelsey Brooke Cole) false no 00:32:58 No no The Family Scapegoat: Why You Were Chosen, and Why It Was Never About You https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/podcast/the-family-scapegoat-why-you-were-chosen-and-why-it-was-never-about-you/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 06:32:04 +0000 cdc909e7-2efc-51ac-af3e-fca9382ecac2 Why does one person in the family end up carrying everything — the blame, the mood, the thing nobody will say out loud? That wasn't a flaw in you. That was a role, and someone cast you in it.  Scapegoating is bullying that a family agrees not to stop, and it works because it holds ... Read more

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]]> Why does one person in the family end up carrying everything — the blame, the mood, the thing nobody will say out loud? That wasn't a flaw in you. That was a role, and someone cast you in it.  Scapegoating is bullying that a family agrees not to stop, and it works because it holds ... Read more

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]]> https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Viewers-Stories-Square-Cover-Art-1.png The Family Scapegoat: Why You Were Chosen, and Why It Was Never About You false no 00:17:46 No no