Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

If you're experiencing betrayal trauma after discovering your spouse's secret life, how do you finally leave a long-term narcissistic partner without triggering their rage? 
A listener from the US writes in, "We've been in and out of therapy for 7 years trying to save our marriage. Two months ago I found out he wasn't sober again. I left and I'm now living with my mother. How do I get out without him turning into a monster? I need strength. I need to be done." 
In this episode, Kerry McAvoy, PhD explains why leaving a long-term narcissistic relationship feels nearly impossible. Learn the practical steps to protect yourself legally, financially, and emotionally as you finally walk away for good.
Submit Your Question 
If you'd like Dr. Kerry to answer your question on air, email it to [email protected] or use this link.
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.

Have you ever looked back at your relationships and realized they all feel disturbingly familiar?  
That's not a coincidence — it's your relationship blueprint at work. 
This week, therapist, bestselling author of Why Do I Keep Doing This?, and mental health YouTuber Kati Morton joins Dr. Kerry to break down why so many of us keep repeating toxic relationship patterns — and what it actually takes to rewrite them. Together, they unpack the attachment theory, childhood blueprints, people-pleasing dynamics, and trauma bonding that keep you stuck in cycles you can't explain.
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT  
Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse 
🔹 Why do certain people expect you to manage their emotions for them — and never learn to do it themselves? In this members-only bonus, Kati and Dr. Kerry flip the dynamic and explore the other side of the pattern. 
KATI MORTON is a licensed marriage and family therapist, bestselling author, and one of YouTube's most trusted voices in mental health. Her newest book, Why Do I Keep Doing This, is her most personal yet — a candid look at her own healing journey and the relational patterns she's had to confront in her own life. She also hosts the weekly podcast Ask Kati Anything. 
FOLLOW KATI MORTON  
Website
YouTube
Instagram
TikTok 
Podcast: Ask Kati Anything  
Book: Why Do I Keep Doing This? Unlearn the Habits Keeping You Stuck and Unhappy
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.

Why does a partner hide money, and is it always a sign of financial abuse? 
A viewer from the US writes in, "He is very good at hiding money using apps and credit cards. How do I find out what he's hiding?" 
In this episode, Dr. Kerry breaks down the difference between financial secrecy and financial abuse and how to reclaim your power in an unsafe relationship.
Submit Your Question 
If you'd like Dr. Kerry to answer your question on air, email it to [email protected] or use this link.
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.

Covert narcissism (NPD) is the hardest form of narcissistic abuse to identify — and the most damaging.  
Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling like you did something wrong — even though you can't quite explain what? 
In this episode, Dr. Kerry McAvoy sits down with Dr. Anthony Mazzella (The Narcissism Decoder) to break down exactly how covert narcissists use guilt and victimhood to keep you trapped. 
PODCAST EXTRA EXCLUSIVE SEGMENT 
Find the exclusive second segment and weekly newsletter here: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse 
🔹 Think you might already be in one of these relationships? Dr. Mazzella and Dr. Kerry walk you through the internal warning signs — including the FOG of Fear, Obligation, and Guilt. 
DR. ANTHONY MAZZELLA is a psychotherapist & psychoanalyst, educator, and podcaster who conducts research and lectures across the country. While his focus with his patients is psychodynamic in nature, his main goals are to build a trusting relationship and help each patient reduce the frequency and intensity of their emotional painful thoughts and suffering. He helps his patients overcome both acute and long-standing problems that may be more imbedded in their personality. 
FOLLOW DR. MAZZELLA  
Website
YouTube
The Narcissism Decoder Podcast
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.

Why does the person who calls out a narcissist end up looking like the unhinged one? 
A Facebook follower writes in, "Why does the person recognizing and confronting the narcissistic behavior often appear unhinged to everyone else?" In this episode, Dr. Kerry explains why narcissists always appear calm and credible while their victims come across as unstable. 
Submit Your Question 
If you'd like Dr. Kerry to answer your question on air, email it to [email protected] or use this link.
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.