Best Kerry McAvoy Podcasts (2024)

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Borderline Personality Disorder 41:56

21h ago41:56

41:56

Send us a Text Message. You aren't sure if they are a Narcissist or not? Are they too emotional to be a Narcissist? Are you actually not sure what or who they are? If you are asking yourself these questions, this is the podcast for you. On this episode, we dive into a topic that is often scrutinized: BPD. Recognizing these stages allows one to unde…

1
Aren't all relationships tough? Why We Struggle to Spot Narcissistic Abuse 26:46

3d ago26:46

26:46

Send us a Text Message. In celebration of the upcoming holiday, this episode features three of our listeners’ favorites. Listen in as Tara Blair Ball and I discuss: 1. How narcissistic abuse is different from emotional abuse 2. Why covert narcissists are difficult to spot 3. If it's true that narcissists make good lovers Listen to the full episodes…

1
Recognizing and Resisting Manipulation 18:06

8d ago18:06

18:06

Send us a Text Message. Emotional manipulation often wears a disguise; it's subtle, insidious, and frequently masquerades as care or concern. In this episode, I discuss how manipulators tend to play down their actions by focusing on intentions rather than consequences. But here's the TL:DR: impact trumps intent every time. If someone continually hu…

1
Only Me & Never You: Inside the Bizarre Mind of a Narcissist - Interview with Dr. Les Carter 22:12

10d ago22:12

22:12

Send us a Text Message. The mind of a narcissist is wildly self-absorbed and oblivious to those around them. They are excessively focused on me, me, me. Dr. Les Carter joins me to discuss what victims get wrong about the mind of a narcissist. He shares how our assumptions and misunderstandings create false hope, causing us to stay too long and to g…

1
Co-Parenting with Grace: Navigating Difficult Waters with Kind Mama Coaching 1:04:56

15d ago1:04:56

1:04:56

Send us a Text Message. Co-parenting with a high-conflict ex can be one of the most challenging tasks a parent may face. It requires patience, communication, and above all else, an unwavering focus on the well-being of your child. Tessa from Kind Mama Coaching joins us to discuss her new childrens book, Stella's Two Homes, and strategies for co-par…

1
I desperately love and fear them: The Terrifying Power of a Trauma Bond 31:21

19d ago31:21

31:21

Send us a Text Message. Could you be trauma-bonded to a narcissist? Are you battling a strange mix of love and fear? Lisa Sonni joins me this week to discuss trauma bonds--an intense connection to another person that is very difficult to break. We think we feel love when it's based on fear. Learn more about how to recognize if you're trauma-bonded …

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Q&A Episode with Jessica Knight 22:48

22d ago22:48

22:48

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I answer pressing questions related to overcoming trauma bonds, whether abusive relationships can be salvaged post-trauma bond, recognizing final straws in leaving toxic relationships, coping with cognitive dissonance, returning items post-breakup while maintaining no contact, handling lack of accountability…

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Why Can't I Leave? The Crazy Confusion from Late-Stage Cognitive Dissonance 27:36

26d ago27:36

27:36

Send us a Text Message. Have you asked yourself, "Why can't I leave?" You know you should. You've even started hiding the ugly truth of what's really going on behind closed doors. In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss late-stage cognitive dissonance. Learn the underlying cause of the agonizing confusion that paralyzes the victim from acti…

1
Cognitive Dissonance with Kerry McAvoy 39:46

29d ago39:46

39:46

Send us a Text Message. Kerry McAvoy joins us to discuss cognitive dissonance—a complex yet crucial concept that can profoundly affect one's clarity during and after an abusive relationship. Through her personal experiences and professional expertise as a retired psychologist who has authored books on the subject, Kerry delves into what cognitive d…

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Feeling duped and conned? Why We Miss the Signs of a Covert Narcissist: An Interview with Eleni Sagredos 25:12

1M ago25:12

25:12

Send us a Text Message. Have you left a relationship feeling duped? Not just betrayed, but conned? You’ve likely met a covert narcissist. In this episode, Elena Sagredos, author of But They’re So Nice, joins me to talk about the deceptiveness of covert abuse. We often miss the signs we’ve met a covert narcissism behind their guise of niceness, only…

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Navigating the Financial Storm of Divorce with Victoria Kirilloff 45:09

1M ago45:09

45:09

Send us a Text Message. Going through a divorce can be one of life's most challenging experiences, especially when it involves financial manipulation, abuse and high-conflict dynamics. Victoria, an expert in managing the financial aspects during these trying times, joins us to discuss practical tools and mindset shifts to emerge financially secure …

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Is my partner a narcissist? Highlights from Dr. Kerry's 3 Favorite Interviews 25:57

1M ago25:57

25:57

Send us a Text Message. Relationships with narcissists can be confounding, confusing, and incredibly frustrating. Join Dr. Kerry for this holiday episode when she revisits the highlights of her three favorite interviews. Hear Dr. Les Carter’s explanation of why narcissists are so tricky, Lisa Sonni’s three steps to breaking a trauma bond, and Dr. R…

1
Narcissists rewrite history to escape accountability 29:19

1M ago29:19

29:19

Send us a Text Message. Narcissists rewrite history to avoid accountability. You are not crazy. This quote resonates because abusive individuals manipulate reality to maintain control and make us doubt ourselves. Remember that abusers target strong people who empathize deeply—this is part of their control strategy. They twist narratives to escape r…

1
"We're just trying to help!" How to Manage Toxic In-Law Drama 29:15

2M ago29:15

29:15

Send us a Text Message. Are you battling toxic in-law drama? Is your mother-in-law or father-in-law intruding into your relationship or family? This week, Rossana Faye joins us to discuss common toxic in-law drama, particularly when it involves a narcissistic mother- or father-in-law. This week's self-help tip is the importance of strengthening you…

1
An Update on Christina Pierce 22:57

2M ago22:57

22:57

Send us a Text Message. An update on the case of Christina Pierce. This episode was created based off pulling together a variety of public information. If you are listening to this podcast and have $1 to donate, please donate to Christina's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-christinas-children-home You can follow Christina here: https…

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"How mad can I make you?" The Toxic Games Covert Narcissists Play 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

Send us a Text Message. Do you find yourself exasperated or angry at your partner, but you aren’t sure why? Do they put you into no-win binds? Covert narcissists love to play subtle, often hidden mind games. They are masterful at twisting the truth, hiding exploitative agendas, and playing the victim, enraging their partners and families while keep…

1
Understanding the Nuance of the Cycle of Abuse 20:49

2M ago20:49

20:49

Send us a Text Message. This episode explores the nuance of the the cycle of abuse. Abuse is not always as clear-cut as physical violence; it often wears the mask of manipulation, control, and psychological harm. It's important to understand that abuse comes in many forms – belittling comments, gaslighting (making you doubt your reality), isolation…

1
"You're trying to control me!" Why Managing Boundaries with Narcissists Fails 28:55

2M ago28:55

28:55

Send us a Text Message. Have you noticed managing boundaries with narcissists always fails? That they find some tricky way to evade limit setting? Suddenly, you’re being accused of being too controlling or sensitive, or they can’t understand what you're asking. In this podcast, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss the problems of managing boundaries with…

1
The Danger of Oversimplified Advice 6:42

2M ago6:42

6:42

Send us a Text Message. Social media platforms are notorious for their bite-sized content designed to grab attention quickly. However, this format often lacks nuance and depth. In the context of relationship advice like Todd's post, there’s no room to address individual circumstances or acknowledge that what works for one couple may be detrimental …

1
"You’re not taking my babies from me!" How Jessica Kent Escaped Abuse 29:15

2M ago29:15

29:15

Send us a Text Message. (Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of abuse.) This week, Jessica Kent, a wildly popular social media figure, joins me to share her story of escaping abuse. Jessica reveals how covert narcissistic abuse can go from subtle to violent, especially when victims leave the relationship. Jessica Kent is bes…

1
Recognizing the Red Flags of Abuse 25:13

2M ago25:13

25:13

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I speak openly about the red flags of abusive relationships. For anyone feeling entrapped or seeking support in such situations, remember there are resources available to help navigate these turbulent waters—reach out if needed because sometimes validation can be the first step towards unburdening oneself co…

1
How Could I Have Not Known? How Devastating Betrayals Blind Us 27:33

3M ago27:33

27:33

Send us a Text Message. Sometimes, the truth can be right in front of you, but you still can't see it. Rossana Faye joins me this week to discuss a concept Dr. Jennifer Freyd, in her book Blind to Betrayal, calls “betrayal blindness.” Some truths can be so devastating that they are difficult to face. And, the self-help tip is the importance of list…

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A Guide for Protective Moms with Courtney Gilmartin 46:45

3M ago46:45

46:45

Send us a Text Message. Courtney Gilmartin is at the forefront of advocating change within family courts through her organization New Jersey Protective Moms. On this episode, Courtney brings invaluable insights in navigating the Family Court System that resonate not just in New Jersey but across all states. The term "protective mom" might be unfami…

1
Why I'd Snoop Again: How this Toxic Behavior Sometimes Provides Closure and Safety 29:41

3M ago29:41

29:41

Send us a Text Message. Is it ever okay to go through your partner's phone? I've been guilty of snooping and might consider doing it again. Narcissists and toxic personalities are masters at creating ambiguity. My ex used to readily offer me his credit card after we first started dating. He'd send photos of broken machinery and take me on company r…

1
Further Unpacking Gaslighting 6:20

3M ago6:20

6:20

Send us a Text Message. Gaslighting is an insidious form of mental manipulation where one person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in another individual’s mind. The goal? To make them question their own judgment, memories, and even sanity—essentially discrediting their sense of reality. This nefarious technique can be subtle or overt but always aims to d…

1
I Think My Pet is Being Hurt! The Danger Narcissists Pose to Our Animals 26:42

3M ago26:42

26:42

Send us a Text Message. An all-too-common problem is narcissists and pets. Toxic people often pose a serious danger to our beloved animals. In this podcast, Lisa Sonni and Dr. Kerry discuss the relationship toxic people often have with their family pets. Narcissists will often shower animals with love and attention only to harm the pets in private.…

1
Breaking the Cycle of Narcissistic Abuse: Understanding the Discard with Ben Taylor 51:59

3M ago51:59

51:59

Send us a Text Message. Ben Taylor joins us again for an in-depth discussion on one of the most bewildering and painful aspects of narcissistic relationships: The Discard. In this episode, we define the Discard, discuss the various forms it can take, and try to understand the "why" behind it. Ben, a self aware Narcissist, helps us understand the co…

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Did the Church Groom Me for Abuse? When Spiritual Leadership Becomes Toxic 30:34

3M ago30:34

30:34

Send us a Text Message. Have you been a victim of spiritual abuse? It's not just interpersonal relationships that can be toxic, but also group systems and leaders. Many are stepping forward to expose toxic church leadership and oppressive and abusive spiritual belief systems. This week, Natalie Hoffman, author of Is it Me? Making Sense of Your Conf…

1
The 5 Love Languages Do Not Work With Abuse 15:23

3M ago15:23

15:23

Send us a Text Message. When Dr. Gary Chapman introduced the concept of the Five Love Languages, many embraced it as a revolutionary way to enhance communication and intimacy within relationships. These languages – words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch – have helped countless couples express their …

1
Am I The Narcissist? When Toxic People Accuse You of Being The Problem 31:37

3M ago31:37

31:37

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered, "Am I the narcissist?" Have you been accused of being the problem? In this podcast episode, Rossana Faye joins me to discuss how to know who's creating the chaos. Narcissists are notorious for never seeing themselves as the root cause, but how do we know that the issue isn't us? And the self-help tip …

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Does the abuser see you as a person? 16:57

4M ago16:57

16:57

Send us a Text Message. In today's episode, we delve into a profound concept known as "the Teddy Bear Effect," which provides insight into manipulative expectations within abusive relationships. The "Teddy Bear Effect" stems from Patricia Evans' analogy in her book Controlling People. It's about how abusers create an unrealistic version of their pa…

1
Is It Really Abuse If I Can't Do What I Want? What is Coercive Control? 29:12

4M ago29:12

29:12

Send us a Text Message. Is being overly controlling a form of abuse? In this podcast episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss the subtleties of coercive control. Learn how to recognize the common control tactic of this insidious form of abuse. And this week's self-help tip is to assess how your partner's feelings and demands affect you. Are you doin…

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When Stonewalling Is Used Against You: How to Disarm Toxic Interactions 28:54

4M ago28:54

28:54

Send us a Text Message. Stonewalling or giving someone the silent treatment is one of the nastiest forms of unfair fighting. When we ignore or reject another person's bid for a connection more than thirty percent of the time, the likelihood the relationship won't make it dramatically increases. In this episode, Lisa Sonni joins me to discuss why st…

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Kerry McAvoy Podcasts

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