Finally understand why you can’t just leave, even when you know you should. This 7-module course reveals the psychological trap called “cognitive dissonance” and gives you the step-by-step roadmap to mental clarity and freedom.
“This course was an eye-opener! It has everything! Exercises, video examples, and resources to help you regain your footing and clear out some of the fog. Dr. Kerry McAvoy has really captured life with a narcissist.”
Most survivors don’t realize they’re trapped in a genuine psychological state called cognitive dissonance.
It’s not weakness. It’s not codependency.
It’s a real mental split that makes clarity nearly impossible—especially in narcissistic relationships.
This course gives you the language, tools, and insight to understand what’s happening in your own mind—and how to get free.
“The moment I understood cognitive dissonance was the moment I was set free.”
— Dr. Kerry McAvoy
Identify what keeps you stuck and learn the narcissistic drama triangle that drives endless fights.
Spot common abuse tactics like DARVO, gaslighting, and circular arguments—and understand the mask your partner wears.
Discover the breakthrough concept that explains your mental fog—and how to begin clearing it.
See through the Jekyll-and-Hyde presentation and explore the three stages of cognitive dissonance.
Face what’s real, process the guilt, and learn to break the psychological spell.
Prepare for the 7 most common outcomes in these relationships—and protect yourself from “hoovering” and false hope.
Begin rediscovering yourself and take the first steps toward freedom, peace, and self-trust.
I’m Dr. Kerry McAvoy—a retired psychologist with over 25 years of experience who survived narcissistic abuse myself. Despite all my training, I got trapped in the same psychological web that has you confused right now.
I created this course because I searched everywhere for help and couldn’t find anyone who understood the specific mental trap of cognitive dissonance in narcissistic relationships.
My Promise: You’ll finally understand why you’ve felt so confused and gain the mental clarity to make empowered decisions about your relationship.
“Taking Dr. McAvoy’s course, The First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, was incredibly helpful in disentangling the confusion that I was going through in my toxic marriage and helped me wake up to realize that I was experiencing narcissistic abuse. If you are feeling lost, isolated, and confused by the roller coaster ride of your relationship, this course will help you understand what’s happening to you, that you are not alone, that you have been under a spell, and that you CAN leave and heal.”
“After working through her cognitive dissonance course, I regained my sense of self and have found a new purpose. Her expertise & vulnerability has helped me turn my life around. I’m thankful for her bright light.” – Brittany M.
Toxic relationships don’t just erode your self-worth—they distort your perception of reality. You may find yourself endlessly second-guessing: Is it me? Am I overreacting? Why can’t I leave—even when I want to?
As both a mental health clinician and a survivor, I’ve lived that disorienting fog. Despite decades of psychological training, I was caught in a relationship that left me confused, ashamed, and emotionally paralyzed.
That’s why I created First Steps to Leaving. To help you make sense of the psychological mind trap you’re caught in. This course unpacks the hidden mechanisms of emotional manipulation, especially the powerful force of cognitive dissonance that keeps you stuck.
You’re not too sensitive. You’re not crazy. And you’re certainly not broken. You’ve been psychologically hijacked—and you can break free.
Stop wondering what’s wrong with you and start understanding what’s been done TO you.
Backed Up By A 100% Money-Back Guarantee:
Complete Satisfaction Or 100% Of Your Money Back!
with Dr. Kristen Milstead
with Sandra L. Brown
PLUS...Multiple check-in assessments throughout the course
✓ You’re currently in a confusing relationship dynamic
✓ You’re unsure whether to stay or leave
✓ You want practical tools, not deep trauma therapy
✓ You can commit to 6 weeks of growth work
✓ You’re ready to stop walking on eggshells
✓ You want clarity and emotional freedom
✗ People looking for couples counseling advice
✗ Those wanting to “fix” their narcissistic partner
✗ Anyone needing immediate crisis intervention
Here’s what previous students walking a similar path as you wanted to know…
YES! You’ll have clear answers and better direction. It’s never easy to take the next step, but you’ll have the insight and tools to decide what’s right for you.
YES! Our course is mobile-friendly; many have completed it without a computer.
YES, we’ve added videos too! The course features a mix of educational explanations, reflective questions, and video content to deepen your understanding and support your healing.
Many survivors ask this question. As you work through the exercises, you will become clearer about the cause of the relationship problems.
Once you’ve completed the checkout process, you’ll have immediate access to the course!
Stop wondering what’s wrong with you and start understanding what’s been done TO you.
Backed Up By A 100% Money-Back Guarantee:
Complete Satisfaction Or 100% Of Your Money Back!
This course gives you the missing piece—understanding cognitive dissonance—so you can finally think clearly and make decisions based on reality, not manipulation.
Start your journey to mental freedom today for less than the cost of one therapy session.
Questions? Email hello@kerrymcavoyphd.com