Kerry McAvoy

S2 EP21: My relationship is toxic? I thought all relationships require a lot of work

In this episode, Kerry and Tara address a common fallacy that all relationships are a lot of hard work. We will explore why many of us struggle to recognize signs of a toxic partnership. And the self-help tip is using our bodily sensations to identify safe connections and situations. References: Lindsay Gibson’s books: Adult Children…

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S2 EP 20: How will I know when I’m supposed to leave? What if I make the wrong decision?

In this episode, Kerry and Tara tackle one of the most asked questions of abuse survivors: how do I know if I should leave? We’ll discuss the common hindrances to making this decision and how to support a loved one who’s trapped in this kind of indecisiveness. Today’s self-help tip is to make a realistic…

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S2 EP19: Could you be at risk? Why you should be afraid of the Dark Triad Personality

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. Is My Partner Toxic or Dangerous? Find out with this short survey If you’re wanting to exit a toxic relationship safety,  here…

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S 2 EP18: Friends as Enemies: What to do when those you love are narcissistic

In this episode, Kerry and Tara tackle how complicated it can be when the narcissists in your life can also be friends or family members. And the self-help tip is a visualization strategy for your boundaries. Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse Season 1 Episode 69: Ready for the holidays? My three top tips for dealing…

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S 2 EP17: How can my narcissistic ex move on so easily? The Problem of Grief

Victims of narcissistic abuse often complain about seeing happy photos of their exes on social media. In this episode, Kerry and Tara will discuss why some people move on so quickly and easily after leaving a relationship. And the Self-Help Tip will be how to use “containment” for intense emotions like grief. References: “Understanding the…

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S2 EP 16: 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…

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S2 EP15: 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. Follow Kerry and Tara on Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook: Kerry’s accounts & Tara’s…

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S2 EP14: Am I more vulnerable to toxic relationships because I have ADHD or Autism? The answer might surprise you.

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the vulnerabilities those of us with ADHD or Autism might have in regards to toxic relationships. And, the self-help tip is on how to practice boundaried sharing with the social skyscraper. Follow Kerry and Tara on Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook: Kerry’s accounts & Tara’s accounts. Are…

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S2 EP13: Aren’t narcissists fantastic lovers? Tackling the myth of great sex in abusive relationships

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the myth of sex in the narcissistic relationship, and how it might be bad, weaponized, or even assaultive. And, the self-help tip is on how to practice red light/green light in assessing if and what you should do in regards to physical intimacy in a current or…

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S2 E12: Why do I feel so confused and feeling awful? Are these signs of cognitive dissonance?

In this week’s episode, Kerry and Tara discuss the signs of cognitive dissonance and the impact it can have on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. And the self-help tip is on how to practice H.A.L.T in order to get back to practicing the basics. Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse season 1, episode 24: If it’s…

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