Submit your question be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

What’s the single biggest giveaway that someone lacks emotional maturity — especially when the pressure’s on?

In this episode, Dr. Les Carter, psychologist, best-selling author, and expert on narcissism and emotional health, reveals the #1 sign of low emotional maturity during conflict. We dive into how this pattern plays out in everyday disagreements, why it derails problem-solving, and what you can do to protect your own emotional space when dealing with it.

You’ll learn:

• The clearest sign of emotional immaturity — and why it instantly escalates tension

• How emotionally immature people use defensiveness and blame-shifting to avoid responsibility

• Why maturity is measured less by age or intelligence and more by emotional steadiness

• Practical strategies to keep your composure and avoid getting pulled into reactive cycles

Whether you’re navigating conflict with a partner, family member, or coworker, this conversation will help you spot the signs early and respond in a way that keeps you grounded and in control.

Podcast Extra Exclusive Interview
Find it here: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse for the exclusive interview and weekly newsletter.

More About the Podcast Extra Interview
🔹 Ever wish you could walk away from a heated argument without feeling guilty—or second-guessing yourself? In this exclusive bonus conversation, Dr. Les Carter shares his best strategies for stepping out of circular or controlling exchanges before they drain you.

You’ll learn how to recognize the exact moment a discussion turns unproductive, spot the subtle tactics that keep you stuck, and drop the urge to “win” in favor of preserving your peace. Most importantly, you’ll discover why your relationship with yourself is your greatest anchor when dealing with emotionally immature or narcissistic people.

Get immediate access to this extended interview—and start building the clarity, confidence, and self-trust you need to protect your emotional wellbeing.

👉 Join today: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

Have a Fan Mail Question?

Submit it here! https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/fan-mail

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Support the show

Submit your question be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on something few of us talk about—the emotional toll of surviving narcissistic abuse after the relationship ends. Healing is hard. Helping others heal while still navigating your own recovery? Even harder. In this episode, I share why I’m taking a short summer hiatus—and how you can still stay connected and supported during this time.

💌 For Paid Substack Subscribers: Here’s What’s Ahead This Summer

-July 9th @ 5pm CT – Ask Me Anything: A Real Conversation with Dr. Kerry

→ RSVP Here (https://form.jotform.com/Kerry_McAvoy/ask-me-anything)

-August Gift Drop – A surprise bonus for active paid subscribers. You’ll love it.

-Weekly Content Series – Light, reflective summer posts that explore themes of emotional freedom, healing fatigue, and rebuilding from the inside out.

🆓 BONUS FOR ALL SUBSCRIBERS: You’ll also get early access to my brand new lead magnet: “Toxic or Troubled? Find Out How Well Your Relationship Rates” …plus a free customized gift based on your results. But here’s the catch—the only way to stay in the loop is to be on the newsletter list.

👉 Not on the list yet? Join here (http://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse) to get weekly insights and free healing resources delivered straight to your inbox.

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Stay in Touch Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Support the show

Submit your question be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

This US holiday weekend, let’s revisit three of your favorite podcast episodes. Interestingly, they all have the same theme: why narcissistic abuse survivors initially think they’re the problem.

Clip 1 is from Season 3 Episode 64: "How mad can I make you?" The Toxic Games Covert Narcissists Play”

Video: https://youtu.be/pfU0y1ycgtg

Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/15052505

Clip 2 is from Seoson 3 Episode 57: “Am I The Narcissist? When Toxic People Accuse You of Being The Problem”

Video: https://youtu.be/wwKnai4Gu2M

Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/14715474

Clip 3 is from Season 2, Episode 38: “Here's Why You're Not Spotting a Covert Narcissist…”

Video: https://youtu.be/QaZovKhVoTc

Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150391/episodes/13845831

This week, there’s no podcast extra.

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Stay in Touch Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Support the show

Submit your question be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

Why do we pick bad partners? Is purely because of deception or are we missing early warning signs of a toxicity?

This week, author and clinician, Mary Crocker Cook joins us to discuss the problems of early socialization and different expectation in the dysfunctional relationship.

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Mary Crocker Cook?

🔹 Are you wondering how to exit a toxic relationship safely? Mary shares some powerful no-nonsense advice on how to prepare to leave. Subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter to hear the extended interview.

Get immediate access to the interview with Mary Crocker Cook along with expert tools and support to help you reclaim your peace.

👉 Join today: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

To Learn More About Mary Crocker Cook: Website: https://www.marycrockercookbooks.com/bio

Book: Bad Taste. Self-Care and Financial planning when You Have Bad Taste In Men: https://amzn.to/3RYq9jl

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Stay in Touch Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Support the show

Submit your question be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

Can someone be both narcissistic and neurodivergent?

This week, ADHD coach and neurodiversity educator Sheila Henson joins Dr. Kerry to explore the nuanced overlap between narcissistic traits and ADHD. Together, they unpack how these two very different dynamics can sometimes co-exist—and what that means for the health of your relationship.

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Sheila Henson?

🔹 Are you wondering if your narcissistic partner who’s struggling with ADHD can change? Sheila shares some powerful no-nonsense advice on how to assess the viability of your relationship.

Subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter to hear the extended interview. Get immediate access to the interview with Sheila Henson along with expert tools and support to help you reclaim your peace.

👉 Join today: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

To learn more about Sheila Henson:

Website: https://www.sheilahenson.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdcoachsheila

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdcoachsheila

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Stay in Touch Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Support the show

Submit your question be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

Is your relationship displaying signs that it’s over? Maybe it’s on its last legs, and you wonder if it can be saved?

In this episode, Dr. Becky Whetstone delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the challenges faced during marriage crises. She shares her experiences and insights as a marriage therapist, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and recognizing the signs of an unhealthy relationship.

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Dr. Becky Whetstone?

🔹 What do you know that your relationship is no longer salvageable? Dr. Whetstone shares practical indicators of a dying relationship. Subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter to hear the extended interview. Get immediate access to the interview with Dr. Becky Whetstone, along with expert tools and support to help you reclaim your peace.

👉 Join today: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

Learn more about Dr. Whetstone:

Website

Dr. Becky's Blog

Book: I (Think) I Want Out: What to Do When One of You Want to End Your Marriage

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Stay in Touch with Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Support the show

Submit your question be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

Are you living with a narcissist or a stressfully demanding person? These types of relationships often require us to step up with extra emotional labor without us even realizing it.

This week, psychotherapist and author Terri Cole joins us to explore the hidden costs of high-functioning codependency. Learn why over-helping is often a trauma response, not a personality trait—and what to do if you're living with a boundary bully.

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Terri Cole?

🔹What should you do if you can’t leave a toxic relationship yet? Terri shares practical boundary strategies for surviving emotionally while you’re still in it. Subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter to hear the extended interview.

Get immediate access to the interview with Terri Cole along with expert tools and support to help you reclaim your peace.

👉 Join today: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

Learn more about Terri:

Website: https://www.terricole.com

Books: Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency - https://amzn.to/4jeqIRH

Boundary Boss: The Essential Guide to Talk True, Be Seen, and (Finally) Live Free - https://amzn.to/4i2yvB6

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Stay in Touch Dr. Kerry!

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More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Support the show

Submit your question be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

Are female friendships just as damaging as pathological love relationships?

This week, Sabrina Kirberg, author of We Used to be Best Friends, joins us to discuss the harmful consequences of toxic women friendships. Learn why we often miss spotting toxic female relationships and their common harmful dynamics.

Looking for the Podcast Extra Interview with Sabrina Kirberg?

🔹Does your best friend fit one of the toxic female stereotypes? Learn the most common toxic women relationships when you subscribe to our Podcast Exclusive newsletter. Gain immediate access to a growing archive of expert insights designed to help you move forward.

👉 Join today: https://substack.com/@breakingfreenarcabuse

To Learn More About Sabrina:

Website: The3rdSide

TikTok

Instagram

Book: We Used to Be Best Friends: A Friendship Breakup Workbook

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Stay in Touch Dr. Kerry!

• Youtube
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Support the show