Healing Tools & Recovery Skills

If it was just a “situationship”, why do I feel so miserable?

In this episode, Kerry and Tara respond to a listener’s letter about the struggle of recovering from even just a situationship with a narcissist. Relationships with narcissists can impact us negatively even when they aren’t long-term ones! And today’s self-help tip is about learning to replace previous/negative habits and behaviors with positives ones. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resourcesFirst Steps to …

Does everyone deserve our kindness? How to reduce the risk of being exploited

In this episode, Kerry and Tara share some of their struggles with figuring out the difference between being selfish and having self-respect. Many of us see boundaries or self-care as inherently “selfish.” And today’s self-help tip is assessing the motive of your or others’ actions. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resourcesFirst Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital courseToxic-Free Relationship Club: Live c…

Am I still trauma bonded? Top Signs That You’ve Broken That Toxic Connection

In this episode, Kerry and Tara share the initial signs they had broken the trauma bond with their exes. Intense connections get formed with toxic partners and family members that can be very controlling. Breaking them is an essential part of healing. And today’s self-help tip is using your observational power to recall possible consequences of any potential action as a personal boundary. Links: Betrayal Bonds: Breaking Free of Exploitative Relationships by Patrick CarnesBreaking Free…

My relationship is toxic? I thought all relationships required a lot of work

In this episode, Kerry and Tara address a common fallacy that all relationships are a lot of hard work. We will explore why many of us struggle to recognize signs of a toxic partnership. And the self-help tip is using our bodily sensations to identify safe connections and situations. Links: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay GibsonRecovery from Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay GibsonToxic People by Lillian GlasseBreaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Seaso…

How will I know when I’m supposed to leave? What if I make the wrong decision?

In this episode, Kerry and Tara tackle one of the most asked questions of abuse survivors: how do I know if I should leave? We’ll discuss the common hindrances to making this decision and how to support a loved one who’s trapped in this kind of indecisiveness. Today’s self-help tip is to make a realistic budget for expenses if you should decide to leave. Links: Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay by Mira KirshenbaumBreaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Season 1 Episode 52: I just…

Could you be at risk? Why you should be afraid of the Dark Triad Personality

In this episode, Kerry and Tara discuss a particularly dangerous group of people, the Dark Triad Personality Disorders. And today’s self-help tip is how to assess if someone you know is a one. Links: Is My Partner Toxic or Dangerous? Find out with this short survey If you’re wanting to exit a toxic relationship safety, here are some things to consider. Adam GrantDefinition of the Light Triad Personality type Robert Hare, Ph.D. Expert on psychopathyBrea…

Friends as Enemies: What to do when those you love are narcissistic

In this episode, Kerry and Tara tackle how complicated it can be when the narcissists in your life can also be friends or family members. And the self-help tip is a visualization strategy for your boundaries. Links: Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Season 1 Episode 69: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/12420137-ready-for-the-holidays-my-three-top-tips-for-dealing-with-difficult-relatives-and-in-lawsSubmit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Recovery …

How can my narcissistic ex move on so easily? The Problem of Grief

Victims of narcissistic abuse often complain about seeing happy photos of their exes on social media. In this episode, Kerry and Tara will discuss why some people move on so quickly and easily after leaving a relationship. And the Self-Help Tip will be how to use “containment” for intense emotions like grief. Links: “Understanding the Way Men Grieve” Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson, Ph.D. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Reso…

Could I be the narcissist? The power of reactive abuse to make victims feel crazy.

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara tackle the power of reactive abuse to make some narcissistic abuse victims feel crazy. And the self-help tip is how to increase the effectiveness of an affirmation by pairing it with a positive behavior. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resourcesFirst Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital courseToxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community supportFo…

Am I more vulnerable to toxic relationships because I have ADHD or Autism? The answer might surprise you.

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the vulnerabilities those of us with ADHD or Autism might have in regards to toxic relationships. And, the self-help tip is on how to practice boundaried sharing with the social skyscraper. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resourcesFirst Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital courseToxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community supportFollow Kerry! Yo…