Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.
  • 4.6 (287)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Confused by your relationship? Do you catch yourself second-guessing, walking on eggshells, or feeling emotionally drained? Whether you’re still in the chaos or trying to rebuild after leaving, this podcast is your lifeline. Join retired psychologist Dr. Kerry McAvoy as she exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships. You’ll learn how destructive personalities operate, the manipulative tactics they use, and the stages of abuse—plus the practical steps to heal and reclaim your life. If you’re ready to break free, rebuild your self-worth, and find lasting emotional freedom, hit play and start your recovery journey today.

  1. Frazzled & Facing Post-Separation Abuse? Introducing Your New Secret Weapon: AimeeSays

    1H AGO

    Frazzled & Facing Post-Separation Abuse? Introducing Your New Secret Weapon: AimeeSays

    Are you frazzled by post-separation abuse and drowning in documentation?  This week, Anne Wintemute introduces AimeeSays—an AI tool that helps abuse survivors make sense of chaos, document their experience, and present their story in a way family court will actually hear.  PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT  Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.  MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST EXTRA INTERVIEW  🔹 Anne reveals how to use AI to document abuse to overcome the victim-blaming that happens when overly emotional in court.  👉 Get immediate access to this extended interview THE TOOL  • AimeeSays (A-I-M-E-E Says) - Start free chat or subscribe  MORE ABOUT ANNE WINTEMUTE  Anne K Wintemute built AimeeSays after years of witnessing post-separation abuse survivors carry impossible burdens—forced to understand their trauma AND convince others of it. Her AI tool helps survivors document abuse, extract key events automatically, and transform emotional chaos into fact-based reports that courts can't dismiss. • Social: Find AimeeSays on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support Follow Dr. Kerry! Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases. This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

    35 min
  2. Feeling the Urge to Snoop on Your Partner? Here's What It's Really Telling You

    4D AGO

    Feeling the Urge to Snoop on Your Partner? Here's What It's Really Telling You

    "I found proof he was cheating—but was snooping really what I needed to finally leave?”  This week's Fan Mail comes from a listener in Dublin, CA, who, after reading Dr. Kerry's book "Love You More," recognized her own relationship mirrored Dr. Kerry's experience, including the urge to snoop.  In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why the urge to snoop is actually all the evidence you need that something's wrong and why finding "proof" never actually breaks the cognitive dissonance.  Follow on Apple Follow on Spotify Submit Your Question  If you'd like your question addressed on air, send it here:  👉 https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/fan-mail Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support Follow Dr. Kerry! Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases. This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

    7 min
  3. How Narcissists Trap You: A New Movie Shows Gaslighting & Coercive Control

    FEB 16

    How Narcissists Trap You: A New Movie Shows Gaslighting & Coercive Control

    Ever wonder why narcissists feel impossible to leave—even when you know something's wrong?  This week, filmmakers Ali & Stefanie Schmahl reveal how their docu-fiction hybrid "I Love You My Narcissist" portrays what no other film has: the internal experience of being slowly trapped by someone you love.  PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT  Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.  MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST EXTRA INTERVIEW  🔹 Ali and Stefanie take you behind the scenes—revealing what it takes to tell stories with your heart.  👉 Get immediate access to this extended interview THE FILM  • I Love You My Narcissist (ILYMN)  • Pre-register for watch party • Trailer MORE ABOUT ALI & STEFANIE SCHMAHL  Ali Schmahl (Director) and Stefanie Schmahl (Producer/Actress) are Berlin-based independent filmmakers who created "I Love You My Narcissist"—a groundbreaking docu-fiction hybrid featuring expert interviews with Dr. Kerry McAvoy, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Lisa Sonni, and others.  • Website: ilymn.film  • Social: @ilymn.film on TikTok and Instagram ———— Follow on AppleFollow on SpotifySubmit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support Follow Dr. Kerry! Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases. This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

    32 min
  4. When Your Abuser Won't Leave and Won't Change: Here's Your Options

    FEB 12

    When Your Abuser Won't Leave and Won't Change: Here's Your Options

    "My abusive partner refuses to leave or get help—and I'm trapped in a 'silent divorce.' What are my actual options?"  This week's Fan Mail question comes from a YouTube listener navigating an impossible situation: a long marriage, adult children, religious pressure against divorce, and an abusive partner who wants to maintain the status quo without doing any of the work to change.  In this episode, Dr. Kerry untangles the confusion between church annulment and legal separation, explains why staying together without changing is still a form of abuse.  --- Follow on AppleFollow on SpotifySubmit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support Follow Dr. Kerry! Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases. This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

    9 min
  5. Why You’re Struggling to Feel Empathy for Yourself — Tammy Triolo

    FEB 9

    Why You’re Struggling to Feel Empathy for Yourself — Tammy Triolo

    Lost empathy for yourself? You've already lost the fight.  This week, Tammy Triolo reveals the shocking connection between self-empathy loss and narcissistic abuse.  PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT  Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here.  MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST EXTRA INTERVIEW  🔹 Tammy walks you through recognizing when thoughts are just thoughts—not truth—and how to stop surrendering to negative beliefs.  👉 Get immediate access to this extended interview TAMMY'S BOOKS  • The Empathy Gap: It Is Black and White  • Workbook MORE ABOUT TAMMY TRIOLO  Tammy Triolo is a cultural strategist, author, and creator of the Empathy Scorecard. As founder of PCQ Consulting, she works with companies to improve culture and develop sustainable DEI initiatives.  • Website: tammytriolo.com  • Social: @tammytriolo on TikTok and Instagram  • Podcast: The Empathy Lab (Substack) Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support Follow Dr. Kerry! Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases. This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

    36 min
  6. Gaslit by Your Doctor? Why Healthcare Attracts Narcissists and How to Protect Yourself

    FEB 5

    Gaslit by Your Doctor? Why Healthcare Attracts Narcissists and How to Protect Yourself

    “My doctor keeps telling me it's all in my head—but I know something's wrong. Why won't they listen?"  This week's Fan Mail question comes from a podcast listener who writes: "Dear Kerry, could you do a podcast on the topic of narcissism, psychopathy and healthcare?…”  In this episode, Dr. Kerry breaks down why healthcare settings attract people who crave power and control, how the doctor-patient dynamic creates dangerous vulnerability, and why women are especially at risk of medical dismissal.  Submit your question to be answered on air here! Follow on AppleFollow on SpotifyDr Kerry’s Resources ReclaimYou: AI-powered coaching app built on Dr. Kerry’s experience.The Complete Recovery Collection: Educational resources for narcissistic abuse healingFirst Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital courseThe Toxic-Free Relationship Club: coaching & community supportFollow Dr. Kerry! YoutubeInstagramTikTokFacebookKerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Submit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support Follow Dr. Kerry! Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases. This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

    10 min
  7. You’ve Been Made to Think It’s Your Fault: The Truth About Predatory Behavior

    FEB 2

    You’ve Been Made to Think It’s Your Fault: The Truth About Predatory Behavior

    Ever wonder why you didn't see it coming?  This week, Don Hennessy joins Dr. Kerry to expose the hidden playbook male predators use to infiltrate your mind—without you knowing it happened. We unpack the shocking truth about what predators are actually really after.  PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT  Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here. MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST EXTRA INTERVIEW   🔹 Hennessy breaks down the grooming steps you never saw coming.  Don reveal why 75% of people think "it couldn't happen to me.” 👉 Get immediate access to this extended interview HENNESSY’S BOOKS  How He Gets Into Her HeadSteps to Freedom: Escaping Intimate ControlHow He Wins: Abusive Intimate Partners Going FreeMORE ABOUT DON HENNESSY  Don Hennessy is an Irish psychotherapist and author who spent decades working directly with abusive men and their partners. He’s at work writing his fourth book.  Follow on AppleFollow on SpotifySubmit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support Follow Dr. Kerry! Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases. This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

    34 min
  8. Does Narcissism Come and Go? Why Narcissists Seem Better & Then Suddenly Aren't

    JAN 29

    Does Narcissism Come and Go? Why Narcissists Seem Better & Then Suddenly Aren't

    Does Narcissism Come and Go? What "Good Periods" With a Narcissist Really Mean  This week's Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Dubai who writes: "Can narcissism in a person wax and wane? There's been years when my husband was acting like a narcissist, and then there's also been chunks of years where he's been incredibly supportive and uplifting. Can a narcissist change depending on their current situation?"  In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why narcissistic behavior can absolutely shift between good and bad periods and what those changes really means. Submit Your Question  If you'd like your question addressed on air, send it here:  👉 https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/fan-mail__ Follow on AppleFollow on SpotifySubmit your question to be answered on air here! Resources ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry's AI-powered coaching app The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support Follow Dr. Kerry! Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. As an Amazon affiliate, commission is earned from qualifying purchases. This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

    9 min
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4.6
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287 Ratings

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Confused by your relationship? Do you catch yourself second-guessing, walking on eggshells, or feeling emotionally drained? Whether you’re still in the chaos or trying to rebuild after leaving, this podcast is your lifeline. Join retired psychologist Dr. Kerry McAvoy as she exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships. You’ll learn how destructive personalities operate, the manipulative tactics they use, and the stages of abuse—plus the practical steps to heal and reclaim your life. If you’re ready to break free, rebuild your self-worth, and find lasting emotional freedom, hit play and start your recovery journey today.

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