
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.
Confused by your relationship? Constantly second-guessing yourself, walking on eggshells, or feeling emotionally drained? Whether you’re still in the chaos or finding your footing after leaving, this podcast is your lifeline.
Join mental health experts Dr. Kerry McAvoy and Lisa Sonni as they uncover the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships. From understanding destructive personalities and their manipulative tactics to exploring the stages of abuse and how to rebuild after the damage, you’ll gain the clarity and tools needed to break free and heal.
If you’re ready to reclaim your self-worth and discover the path to emotional freedom, hit play and start your recovery journey today.

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The Disturbing Reasons Why Men Justify Violence Against Women: Interview with Chuck Derry, Co-Founder of Gender Violence Institute
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
03/10/25 • 22 min
Why do men abuse? How does this behavior benefit them?
Today, Chuck Derry, the co-founder of the Gender Violence Institute, joins us to discuss the disturbing reasons for male violence and what community responses are needed to curb these toxic/dangerous behaviors.
To learn more about the results of Chuck Derry’s study, visit: https://voicemalemagazine.org/abusive-men-describe-the-benefits-of-violence/
Gender Violence Institute: https://www.genderviolenceinstitute.org
Looking for the Podcast Interview with Chuck Derry?
🔹Learn what steps Derry thinks we need to take to reduce violence against women and children when you subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter. Gain immediate access to a growing archive of expert insights designed to help you move forward.
👉 Get immediate access to Chuck Derry’s Podcast Extra interview here: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse
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Stay in Touch with Us!
Kerry McAvoy, PhD
Lisa Sonni
More About Us!
Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.
Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.
Lisa Sonni
Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.
With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence. She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

1 Listener

When the Narcissist Says They Love You: Are They Lying?
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
02/10/25 • 28 min
Narcissists often claim to love us. That they want the save the relationship; but do they?
In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Lisa Sonni discuss the confusing dynamic of narcissistic partners claiming to be changing and addressing the relationship issues, only aren’t. Learn how survivors can tell the difference between genuine effort from sophisticated manipulation.
Is it tricky to distinguish real from fake love? Be sure to check out this week’s podcast extra on how to spot someone lying about their intentions. Get immediate access to this exclusive content when you subscribe here: substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse
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Stay in Touch with Us!
Kerry McAvoy, PhD
Lisa Sonni
More About Us!
Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.
Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.
Lisa Sonni
Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.
With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence. She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.
Join Dr. Kerry’s Summer Relationship Reset—a 6-week small group coaching experience to help you get clear, set boundaries, and reclaim your peace.
Only 6 spots available. Grab yours here!

1 Listener

When It’s Necessary to Go No Contact With a Narcissistic Mother: A Conversation with Alex Anderson, FOG Movie
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
03/17/25 • 23 min
Going no contact with a parent, particularly when it’s your mother, is a gut-wrenching decision.
Alex Anderson, an independent film-maker and writer joins me to discuss his timely movie, FOG, which explores a toxic mother-daughter dynamics. He describes how Fog-Obligation-Guilt drives this challenging relationship.
Learn more about Alex and his work here: https://www.youtube.com/@alexanderson2467
To watch the FOG trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DacCvo7ngLA
See the full movie of FOG here: https://youtu.be/aAknjJiYZJA?si=blSq5URg7RGhC7Rg
Looking for the Podcast Interview with Alex Anderson?
🔹 Learn what are the biggest questions Alex gets about the FOG movie and about his future work when you subscribe to our Podcast Extra newsletter. Gain immediate access to a growing archive of expert insights and video interviews designed to help you move forward.
👉 Get immediate access to the Podcast Extra when you join here today: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse
****************************************
Stay in Touch with Us!
Kerry McAvoy, PhD
Lisa Sonni
More About Us!
Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D.
Dr. Kerry, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.
Lisa Sonni
Lisa Sonni is a certified Life & Relationship Coach, specializing in trauma bond recovery and abuse education, who helps clients from all walks of life overcome challenges stemming from traumatic partnerships. She has published an online self-guided course, The Trauma Bond Recovery Course, and several books, The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal, and Surviving to Thriving: A Six-Step Blueprint to Narcissistic Abuse Healing and Recovery.
With 7 professional certifications and her own personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, her expertise is geared towards getting clients to a good space in their lives and within themselves. Lisa has two children and enjoys cooking, reading, and walks. She is a popular content creator on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube under the name Stronger Than Before with over 1M followers, where she educates people on abuse tactics, narcissism and domestic violence. She has helped thousands of women exit and rebuild their lives.

1 Listener

Off-balanced by the ups and downs? How narcissists keep you confused.
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
01/29/24 • 27 min
Are you feeling off-balanced? Do you wonder how your narcissistic partner or loved one is keeping you confused?
In this podcast episode, Tara is joined by Lisa Sonni of Stronger Than Before, and they delve into how narcissists and toxic people employ intermittent reinforcement and other manipulative strategies to keep victims confused.
The self-help tip is the importance of analyzing one's investment in a relationship. Ask yourself, "Is the giving and support mutually reciprocal and equitable?"
Join Our Newsletter!
Now, you don’t need to wait a week to get your next podcast fix! Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get podcast extras. Join here!
Get in Touch:
- YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse
- Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse
- Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Newsletter: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/
- Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/
As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.
Join Dr. Kerry’s Summer Relationship Reset—a 6-week small group coaching experience to help you get clear, set boundaries, and reclaim your peace.
Only 6 spots available. Grab yours here!

I’m stressed and overwhelmed--is this cognitive dissonance?
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
05/13/22 • 58 min
What is cognitive dissonance? Victims of narcissistic abuse complain that they are in agonizing pain due to this psychological state. In this episode, we'll take a closer look at this psychological concept along with answering other TikTok audiences' questions.
Are you looking for community support after narcissistic abuse? Check out Dr. McAvoy's Toxic-Free Relationship Club!
Want to read a true story of narcissistic abuse?
LOVE YOU MORE: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross
Available here at the following online stores.
And be sure to sign up for Dr. McAvoy's 50 free Surviving Narcissism tips & exercises!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Dr. Kerry’s Summer Relationship Reset—a 6-week small group coaching experience to help you get clear, set boundaries, and reclaim your peace.
Only 6 spots available. Grab yours here!

Managing Healthy Boundaries: What are They?
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
04/15/22 • 55 min
In this episode, we discuss boundaries in narcissistic abuse.
Are you looking for community support after narcissistic abuse? Check out Dr. McAvoy's Toxic-Free Relationship Club!
Want to read a true story of narcissistic abuse?
LOVE YOU MORE: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross
Available here at the following online stores.
And be sure to sign up for Dr. McAvoy's 50 free Surviving Narcissism tips & exercises!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Dr. Kerry’s Summer Relationship Reset—a 6-week small group coaching experience to help you get clear, set boundaries, and reclaim your peace.
Only 6 spots available. Grab yours here!

What’s wrong with me that I can’t leave this toxic relationship?
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
05/27/22 • 27 min
Why is it so hard to leave a toxic relationship? What does a trauma bond have to do with it? Dr. McAvoy addresses this issue in this episode.
Are you looking for community support after narcissistic abuse? Check out Dr. McAvoy's Toxic-Free Relationship Club!
Want to read a true story of narcissistic abuse?
LOVE YOU MORE: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross
Available here at the following online stores.
And be sure to sign up for Dr. McAvoy's 50 free Surviving Narcissism tips & exercises
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Dr. Kerry’s Summer Relationship Reset—a 6-week small group coaching experience to help you get clear, set boundaries, and reclaim your peace.
Only 6 spots available. Grab yours here!

Is it healthy to obsess over my past narcissistic partner and what happened to me?
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
12/01/22 • 29 min
It’s become popular to spend time thinking about psychopathic and narcissistic abuses—for us to obsess over what’s happened to us.
In this episode, we’ll explore whether this way of thinking is good for us and how to tell if we’re falling into unhealthiness as we try to make sense of the past.
Sandra L. Brown Webinar Video Replay. How Could I've Fallen for a Dangerous Man? Watch it here.
You don't have to stay locked in the emotional prison from narcissistic abuse. Join this series of Group Coaching sessions with me, Kerry McAvoy and Trey De La Torre starting January 7, 2023 called 6 Steps to Reclaiming Inner Peace and Confidence after Narcissistic Abuse. Register now for an early bird rate!
Follow me on Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook! @kerrymcavoyphd
Sign up for the online course! First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist.
Are you looking for community support after narcissistic abuse? Become a member of Dr. Kerry McAvoy's exclusive Facebook group, Toxic-Free Relationship Club!
Want to read a true story of narcissistic abuse?
LOVE YOU MORE: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross
Available here at the following online stores.
And be sure to sign up for Dr. McAvoy's 50 free Surviving Narcissism tips & exercises!
Consider donating the cost of a cup of coffee to support this podcast!
More at resources.kerrymcavoyphd.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Dr. Kerry’s Summer Relationship Reset—a 6-week small group coaching experience to help you get clear, set boundaries, and reclaim your peace.
Only 6 spots available. Grab yours here!

Help, I'm married to a narcissist and don't know how to get out
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
07/28/22 • 34 min
Most of us slowly realize something is wrong in a relationship. We often think the problems are a normal part of a new relationship—we don’t consider that maybe the problem isn’t us but our partner. What should we do when we realize we are in a relationship with a narcissist? How do we get out? In this replay of a TikTok live, we will explore what to do when we feel stuck in a destructive relationship, why we gaslight victims instead of hold predators responsible for their behaviors, dealing with a gaslighting co-parent and a vengeful partner, and finally some discussion on using the Gray Rock technique.
Are you feeling trapped in a toxic relationship?
Then this is the event for you! Come hear Dr. Milstead define cognitive dissonance and why it renders us helpless in this upcoming live event, "Why Can't I Just Leave?" August 18, 6:30 p.m. EST
Get your ticket to the Cognitive Dissonance Live Webinar with Dr. Kristen Milstead!
Are you looking for community support after narcissistic abuse? Check out Dr. McAvoy's Toxic-Free Relationship Club!
Want to read a true story of narcissistic abuse?
LOVE YOU MORE: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, Sex Addiction, & Double Cross
Available here at the following online stores.
And be sure to sign up for Dr. McAvoy's 50 free Surviving Narcissism tips & exercises!
Consider donating the cost of a cup of coffee to support this podcast!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Dr. Kerry’s Summer Relationship Reset—a 6-week small group coaching experience to help you get clear, set boundaries, and reclaim your peace.
Only 6 spots available. Grab yours here!

Could you be at risk? Why you should be afraid of the Dark Triad Personality
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
06/05/23 • 29 min
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 Grant
- Definition of the Light Triad Personality type
- Robert Hare, Ph.D. Expert on psychopathy
- Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Season 1 Episode 47: How does a narcissist or a psychopath differ? Aren't both abusive?
Support Us:
Get in Touch:
- YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse
- Instagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse
- Facebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuse
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Newsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtara.substack.com/
- Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/
As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases.
Join Dr. Kerry’s Summer Relationship Reset—a 6-week small group coaching experience to help you get clear, set boundaries, and reclaim your peace.
Only 6 spots available. Grab yours here!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse have?
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse currently has 186 episodes available.
What topics does Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Society & Culture, Self-Help, Mental Health, Podcasts, Relationships, Advice and Coaching.
What is the most popular episode on Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse?
The episode title 'When the Narcissist Says They Love You: Are They Lying?' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse?
The average episode length on Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse is 29 minutes.
How often are episodes of Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse released?
Episodes of Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse?
The first episode of Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse was released on Apr 14, 2022.
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