Relationship Power Dynamics

Suddenly on your own? How narcissists use isolation to cut you off from others

Are you suddenly alone? Learn how a narcissist isolates you as a way to gain control over you. How they cut you off from your closest friends and family, making you more vulnerable to abuse. Are you looking for an understanding community? Join Dr. Kerry’s Toxic-Free Relationship Club with weekly live group video office hours. https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/toxic-free-relationship-club/ Books mentioned: BIFF by Bill Eddy: https://amzn.to/3FFqm4D Coparenting with a Toxic Ex by Amy J L Baker: h…

Why am I so confused? The Making & Breaking of a Trauma Bond with Lisa Sonni

Send us a text In this episode, Tara and Kerry interview Lisa Sonni, author and trauma bond expert, on the development of powerful psychological attachments. Lisa shares how to recognize if we’re  trauma bonded and how to know if we are breaking this toxic interpersonal connection. This episode demystifies the intense attachment so many of … Read more

How to find joy and renewed power after surviving abuse: An interview with Tara

In this episode, we get a behind-the-scenes look into our co-host, Tara’s life. She shares how she has learned to find joy and where her real source of power is after surviving abuse. Links: Tara’s WebsiteGrit: The Power of Passion and PerseveranceSubmit 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 suppo…

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…

Waking up to a Stranger: What Happens Once Love Bombing is Over

Have you noticed how narcissists and toxic people morph into someone new once love-bombing is over? In this episode, Kerry and Tara examine the chameleon-like nature of personality disorders and how this creates confusion and self-doubt for victims. And the self-help tip is a helpful exercise to expose if this dynamic is happening in your current relationship. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resourcesFirst S…

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…

Why do I love my abuser? The power of a trauma bond explained

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara give an intimate look at the emotional power of a trauma bond. How trauma bonds create mental confusion and a psychological dependence on the abuser. And, the self-help tip is on the importance of identifying and protecting non-negotiable boundaries. Links: Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1 episode 58: Listen here.Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resourcesFi…

Why does every issue turn into an argument? My partner says I’m the problem

Have you noticed how narcissists can take a seemingly straightforward decision and turn it into an exhausting, nonsensical circular argument? The constant conflict can mess with us and make us think we’re the problem. In this episode, we will explore this common dynamic, including how to determine who’s creating the problems. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resourcesFirst Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digita…

How do I combat my partner turning every issue into a “me” problem?

Have you heard of the acronym DARVO? It’s a nasty type of gaslighting that flips the script and attacks us when we bring up an issue. In this episode, we will address the underlying dynamic of this abusive practice along with the three steps to combatting it effectively. 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 &amp…

What quality did I miss when I got into a relationship with a toxic person?

Every victim wants to know how they got into a toxic or dangerous relationship. Was there an early sign of danger that they missed? Were they too trusting, gullible, or naive? Most victims have been accused of being codependent. What does research have to say? In this episode, we will dig deeper into this topic, particularly Sandra L. Brown’s groundbreaking research into the dynamics of pathological love relationships. What personality qualities made us predator’s target, and how can we prote…