115 episodes

Are you in a relationship that confuses you? One that leaves you feeling attacked or walking on eggshells? Maybe you've left but aren't sure what to do next; then you're in the right place.
Learn more about narcissistic abuse from Dr. Kerry McAvoy, a mental health clinician and author of Love You More, and Tara Blair Ball, Certified Relationship Coach and author of Reclaim and Recover: Heal from Toxic Relationships with a 7-Step Guided Journal, as they tackle toxic relationship dynamics.
Listen as they describe destructive personalities, typical partner profiles, progressive stages of abuse, and common manipulation tactics. Find out why these relationships are difficult to avoid, what makes them tough to leave, and how to recover and find self-love again.

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D. & Tara Blair Ball

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 7 Ratings

Are you in a relationship that confuses you? One that leaves you feeling attacked or walking on eggshells? Maybe you've left but aren't sure what to do next; then you're in the right place.
Learn more about narcissistic abuse from Dr. Kerry McAvoy, a mental health clinician and author of Love You More, and Tara Blair Ball, Certified Relationship Coach and author of Reclaim and Recover: Heal from Toxic Relationships with a 7-Step Guided Journal, as they tackle toxic relationship dynamics.
Listen as they describe destructive personalities, typical partner profiles, progressive stages of abuse, and common manipulation tactics. Find out why these relationships are difficult to avoid, what makes them tough to leave, and how to recover and find self-love again.

    How to make your holidays special despite the yearly toxic family drama!

    How to make your holidays special despite the yearly toxic family drama!

    Do you struggle each holiday with the toxic family drama? In this episode, Tara and I discuss the common traps that can keep us from having a meaningful celebration. 

    The self-help tip is how to re-adjust our mindset and expectations so that we accept imperfection as a part of every experience. 

    Join Our Newsletter!
    And receive weekly behind-the-scenes insights, backstories, and resources. When you sign up, receive our free video gift, "The Narcissists: Insights We Wish We Had Known Sooner." Join here! 
    Get in Touch:
    YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseInstagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseFacebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseE-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.comNewsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtara.substack.com/Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

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    • 23 min
    What red flags are you missing in that new relationship? An Interview with Dr. Heidi Brocke

    What red flags are you missing in that new relationship? An Interview with Dr. Heidi Brocke

    What red flags are you missing? Are you ignoring the early warning signs of a possible toxic relationship?

    In this podcast episode, Dr. Heidi Brocke from the It's Not Normal, It's Toxic podcast joins us to share the common reasons we fail to recognize the initial symptoms of a toxic relationship.

    To learn more about Dr. Heidi: https://coachingwithdrheidi.com
    It's Not Normal, It's Toxic podcast: https://coachingwithdrheidi.com/its-not-normal-its-toxic?sfw=pass1701135483

    Join Our Newsletter!
    And receive weekly behind-the-scenes insights, backstories, and resources. When you sign up, receive our free video gift, "The Narcissists: Insights We Wish We Had Known Sooner." Join here! 
    Get in Touch:
    YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseInstagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseFacebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseE-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.comNewsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtara.substack.com/Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

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    • 31 min
    Can't live without them? Watch out for this early sign of a trauma bond!

    Can't live without them? Watch out for this early sign of a trauma bond!

    Dependency can be an early red flag that you're trapped in a traumatic bond with a narcissist. When you feel like life without them is meaningless.

    In this week's episode, Dr. Kerry and Tara draw from personal experience the first signs that signaled their trauma bonds and what to do if this is happening to you.

    The self-help tip is on staying grounded in the present to sidestep the pitfalls of 'future faking.'

    For more insightful advice, practical strategies, and useful tips, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter. Connect with us here: https://substack.com/@breakingfreewithkerryandtara

    Stay in Touch:
    YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseInstagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseFacebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseE-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.comNewsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtara.substack.com/Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

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    Support the show

    • 26 min
    Are you arguing a lot? Here's why you should not try to win a fight with a narcissist

    Are you arguing a lot? Here's why you should not try to win a fight with a narcissist

    Are you fighting a lot? Maybe it's better to learn how not to win an argument with a narcissist.

    In this podcast, Dr. Kerry and Tara delve into the problem of arguing with a narcissist. Why these discussions often go sideways with the end result of hurt feelings and being defeated.

    And the self-help tip is practical things to remember the next time a narcissist tries to bait you into a heated discussion. How to stay cool and in control of yourself.

    Links:
    Nameless Narcissist Video: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenamelessnarcissist/video/7289156751230881066?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7296199669347976750


    Join Our Newsletter!
    And receive weekly behind-the-scenes insights, backstories, and resources. When you sign up, receive our free video gift, "The Narcissists: Insights We Wish We Had Known Sooner."  Join here! 
    Get in Touch:
    YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseInstagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseFacebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseE-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.comNewsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtara.substack.com/Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

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    Support the show

    • 25 min
    Does the narcissist always ruin your holidays? How to handle celebration nightmares!

    Does the narcissist always ruin your holidays? How to handle celebration nightmares!

    Have you wondered why narcissists ruin holidays? Why they can't let you enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, or your birthday?

    In this podcast episode, Dr. Kerry and Tara share their insights and tips, along with some personal stories about this common pattern among narcissists and other toxic people.

    And the self-help tip is the importance of having "self-care" boundaries to handle uncomfortable holiday situations.

    Join Our Newsletter!
    And receive weekly behind-the-scenes insights, backstories, and resources. When you sign up, receive our free video gift, "The Narcissists: Insights We Wish We Had Known Sooner." Join here! 
    Get in Touch:
    YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseInstagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseFacebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseE-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.comNewsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtara.substack.com/Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/Support the show

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

    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: https://amzn.to/40qKIIA

    Coparenting Apps: 
    OurFamilyWizard: www.ourfamilywizard.com
    2Houses: www.2houses.com
    TalkingParents: www.talkingparents.com

    Join Our Newsletter!
    And receive weekly behind-the-scenes insights, backstories, and resources. When you sign up, receive our free video gift, "The Narcissists: Insights We Wish We Had Known Sooner." Join here! 
    Get in Touch:
    YouTube: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseInstagram: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseFacebook: @breakingfreefromnarcabuseE-mail: hello@breakingfreewithkerrytara.comNewsletter: https://breakingfreewithkerryandtara.substack.com/Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

    As an Amazon affiliate, a commission is earned from qualifying purchases.
    Support the show

    • 26 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

BeCkA T ,

Grateful

Your podcast had helped me so much 🙏 it’s taking me awhile to actually trust myself and believe my truth, you’ve both been a constant reminder that I can’t do this anymore with a man you has no accountability for his actions. Thank you 🙏

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