Healing Tools & Recovery Skills

Aren’t narcissists fantastic lovers? Tackling the myth of great sex in abusive relationships

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the myth of sex in the narcissistic relationship, and how it might be bad, weaponized, or even assaultive. And, the self-help tip is on how to practice red light/green light in assessing if and what you should do in regards to physical intimacy in a current or new relationship. Links: Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1, episode 44: Listen here.As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases. Submit …

Why do I feel so confused and awful? Are these signs of cognitive dissonance?

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the signs of cognitive dissonance and the impact it can have on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. And, the self-help tip is on how to practice H.A.L.T in order to get back to practicing the basics. Links: Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1, episode 24: If it’s that bad, why don’t narcissistic abuse victims just leave? Listen here.Anonymity by Susan Bergman Why Can’t I Just Leave? by Dr. Kristen Milstead Submit…

Are you a gaslighter? How we might unintentionally gaslight in even healthy relationships

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss how we might actually gaslight in healthy relationships and how to avoid doing this in the future. And, the self-help tip is on letting others “earn” our trust before blindly giving it to them. Links: Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1, episode 30: Listen here.Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resourcesFirst Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced d…

Is Codependency a Bad Word? Should it be Used to Describe Narcissistic Abuse Victims?

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss codependency vs. Super Traits, what’s the difference, and why we differ in how we feel about each of the terms. And, the self-help tip is on how to create a list of top lines for yourself. Links: Repeat After Me by Claudia BlackCodependent No More by Melody Beattie: Melody BeattieFacing Codependency: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives by Miller, Miller, and McMillanNot Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, &a…

Can we still be friends? How to handle the toxic post-split lovebomb request

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss why your toxic ex might come back and try to lovebomb you after the break-up through, what may seem like, innocent requests of friendship. We agree that while their offer may seem tantalizing, DON’T do it! Today’s self-help tip is a different way to approach communicating with toxic people. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resourcesFirst Steps to Leaving: Online self-p…

Do I really need to go no contact with my narcissistic ex?

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss following through with limited contact or no contact after a break-up. What is limited vs. no contact? How long should you do it for? And WHY should you do it? Today’s self-help tip is one way to self-soothe during reactive abuse. 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 coachin…

Help, I think I’m being financially abused! What can I do about it?

Research has found that over 99% of victims in abusive relationships were also being financially abused. Could you be experiencing financial abuse? In this episode, Kerry and Tara will identify the common indicators of this abuse type along with some suggestions on how to overcome it. And today’s self-help tip discusses the importance of leading with your head and not your heart when making big relationship decisions. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Rec…

What Is “Narcissistic Abuse?” How Is It Different from Abuse? Is It Being Overused?

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the use of narcissistic abuse. It’s become a very popular topic on social media. Is it being overused? Then in the Self-Help Tip for today, we’ll share how to handle a common argument tactic like DARVO. 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 supportFol…

As a survivor of abuse, are you setting realistic goals for yourself in 2023?

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss setting realistic goals in 2023 and the Self-Help Tip is a simple strategy on how to hold better boundaries. 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! YoutubeInstagramTikTokFacebookKerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., an author and educator, hel…

Ready for the holidays? My three top tips for dealing with difficult relatives and in-laws

Narcissist and other difficult people love to ruin the holidays. They will find some way to make it harder on you. In this episode I’m going to offer three of my favorite tips on how to manage this year’s holiday season so that it’s more manageable and meaningful. 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 & commu…