Kerry McAvoy

S3 EP49: Off-balanced by the ups and downs? How narcissists keep you confused.

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. And the self-help…

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S3 EP48: Men can’t be victims, right? Common myths about men and narcissistic abuse: An Interview with Brent MacLerie

One of many harmful stereotypes men face is that they can't be victims of narcissistic abuse, yet the rates of narcissism are nearly equal between men and women. In this episode, Brent MacLerie, social media activist and advocate for gender issues, joins Tara and me to discuss his experience of narcissistic abuse along with the…

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S3 EP47: Deceived by your partner? The devastating effects of betrayal trauma

When there's been a massive breach of trust, victims experience what's called betrayal trauma.  Yet, there's often a rush to fix the duplicitous partner instead of the one betrayed, neglecting the victims' psychological devastation.      In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins Dr. Kerry as a regular special guest, and they discuss victims' common betrayal…

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S3 EP46: How narcissists can turn dream honeymoons into a waking nightmare!

Did you think you had met the most amazing person only to discover you had married a stranger? Narcissists and other toxic personalities often wait until their partners are trapped by commitment before beginning more serious abuse and betrayals. In this episode, Tara and Kerry share how narcissists often unmask their real selves after moving…

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S2 EP45: How to manage runaway triggers in new situations and at family celebrations

Are you managing trauma triggers in new situations or at family holiday celebrations? Are you struggling with sudden fears, rushes of emotions, or disturbing flashbacks? In this episode, Dr. Kerry and Tara discuss coping with trauma triggers after narcissistic abuse. Learn helpful strategies for managing these challenging and unexpected triggers. Hey, we are now offering…

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S2 EP44: 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…

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S EP43: 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…

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S2 EP42: 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…

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S2 EP41: 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…

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S2 EP40: 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…

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