Kerry McAvoy, PhD

Kerry McAvoy, PhD Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Advocate

->Join me LIVE Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM CT

This content is for educational purposes only and is not therapy or medical advice

The topic of men as abuse victims isn’t talked about much. It’s assumed when there’s domestic violence, the male partner...
02/01/2026

The topic of men as abuse victims isn’t talked about much. It’s assumed when there’s domestic violence, the male partner probably instigated it. He certainly can’t be affected by it because men aren’t allowed to be weak.

01/30/2026

Has a narcissist REALLY changed… or are they just behaving until you relax?

The only reliable test: accountability over time.

Green flags: respect, curiosity after discomfort, real repair, and consistent follow-through.

Red flags: DARVO, rage/withdrawal punishment, tone-policing, “you’re too sensitive,” and short-lived “change” that disappears in 1–2 weeks.

If you want the full breakdown, check out this week’s Fan Mail Edition of Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse.

What victims misunderstand and get wrong about dangerous partners. Those with the potential for violence don’t appear li...
01/30/2026

What victims misunderstand and get wrong about dangerous partners. Those with the potential for violence don’t appear like a villian. They often act like the sweetest person in the world until they turn deadly.

01/29/2026

If you keep feeling smaller in the relationship, it may not be “communication issues” — it may be coercive control.

In this video: the 4 most consistent signs:
1. Isolation
2. Monitoring/surveillance
3. Deprivation + regulation
4. Intimidation + threats

Save this as a checklist, and send it to someone who needs language for what’s happening.

Join me live every Tuesday at 4 pm CT for more on these topic

01/27/2026

Narcissists rarely think they’re the problem—because in their mind, they’re the most competent one in the room. If you keep feeling blamed, doubted, or talked down to, this might explain a lot.

01/27/2026

What if coercive control doesn’t come from a romantic partner at all—but from someone the world tells you to trust?

What if the person tightening the leash is your boss, your pastor, your therapist… and leaving doesn’t just mean heartbreak—it means losing your income, your community, your credibility, or your “support system”?

Coercive control is a slow, strategic theft of freedom. It often shows up as “guidance,” “accountability,” “care,” or “for your own good.” But over time, it narrows your choices and makes your life revolve around keeping that person happy.

In this live stream, learn how abuse can hide inside any authority type.

IN THIS LIVE STREAM:
Learn:
1. How coercive control looks in authority dynamics (boss/pastor/therapist) — not just with partners
2. How reputation, credentials, and community pressure keep you compliant
3. The subtle tactics that rob you of freedom'
4. Why leaving feels impossible when the stakes are high

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IF YOU ARE A RISK of immediate danger or abuse, please get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

DISCLAIMER: All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute mental health advice. Although I strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs and circumstances before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.
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Feeling stuck in a toxic or troubled relationship?

Take my FREE “Toxic or Troubled?” survey to discover your relationship type and get instant access to a complete, private mini-course—educational overviews, reflective questions, grounding techniques, and new strategies tailored to your situation.

▶ Start here: https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/toxic-or-troubled-survey/

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
• First Steps to Leaving online course – A step-by-step plan to safely and confidently leave a toxic partner: https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/course
• Toxic-Free Relationship Club – Weekly group coaching, monthly book reads, access to past webinars, and Dr. McAvoy’s full online course: https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/club/
• Group Programs– Healing Strong, Relationship Reset, and more: https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/

STAY CONNECTED & SUPPORTED
• Weekly “Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse” Substack newsletter – Insights, stories, and tools for your healing journey: https://breakingfreenarcabuse.substack.com/

FOLLOW DR. KERRY
- YouTube:
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• Email: hello@kerrymcavoyphd.com
• Website: https://www.breakingfreenarcissisticabuse.com/

READ MY STORY
“LOVE YOU MORE: The Harrowing Tale of Lies, S*x Addiction, & Double Cross”
Available now: https://amzn.to/3NVMBXO

ABOUT DR. KERRY McAVOY
Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D., is a psychologist, author, and expert on cultivating healthy relationships, deconstructing narcissism, and understanding complex trauma. A survivor herself, her memoir “Love You More” offers an uncensored glimpse into the dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

01/26/2026

Narcissists and emotionally immature people claim they can’t help themselves. They’ll say you made them do it. That they lost their cool because of you or because their hungry, tired, or stressed.

On today’s Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast, Dr. Christine Cocchiola explains abusive behavior is regulated. It’s intentional and controlled. Blaming it on life or you Is a convenient way to avoid responsibility. You didn’t make them do it. Being stressed or tired didn’t cause them to do it. They decided to hurt you.

For more honest discussion on this along with a detailed description of coercive control, check out this week’s interview with Dr. C.

You deserved better 💛Your feelings were valid, always. Don't let someone else's inability to care make you question your...
01/25/2026

You deserved better 💛

Your feelings were valid, always. Don't let someone else's inability to care make you question your worth. Healing begins when you realize that being sensitive is a strength, not a flaw. 🌟

Choose relationships that nurture your soul and celebrate your emotions—because you deserve love that feels like home.

When we emphasize the victim’s responsibility and role in their abuse, we take a reactive vs a proactive stance. And we ...
01/22/2026

When we emphasize the victim’s responsibility and role in their abuse, we take a reactive vs a proactive stance. And we wonder why this effort isn’t working. Why the rates of abuse remain high. Let’s shift the focus.

Dam video - https://youtu.be/lYbFLBqJXVc?si=E5uEymzaoyZ4fVxW

Thanks to Underworld5s

01/21/2026

New research reveals the 5 profiles of adult children parents cut off—and the reasons might challenge everything you thought you knew about family estrangement.

From boundary setters to truth tellers, these patterns expose what really drives parental rejection.

Which profile resonates most with your story?

01/20/2026

We tend to blame parents for abusive adult children. When do we hold adult children accountable for their choices and actions? We often blame nurture over nature for our children’s behaviors when the research doesn’t support these findings. Let’s talk about it. Join me for January 20th Live.

Narcissistic abuse often leaves its victims in a devastated position. Its easy to think that your worsened position is t...
01/20/2026

Narcissistic abuse often leaves its victims in a devastated position. Its easy to think that your worsened position is the best its ever going to get. Remember life is constantly changing, and will continue to have surprising gifts for you. Hold on to hope. ❤️

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