08/27/2025
At first, it feels like love—the butterflies, the inside jokes, the sense that you’ve finally found your soulmate.
But then… the comments sting, your choices shrink, and before you realize it, the door has quietly closed behind you.
Why do so many of us miss the red flags until it’s too late?
In this live conversation, we’ll explore:
1. Why love bombing feels like safety—and how our nervous system confuses intensity with intimacy
2. The hidden reasons red flags often look like green lights in the beginning
3. The “public praise, private cuts” pattern and why it’s so destabilizing
4. How abusers tighten the trap slowly, without a clear “first incident”
5. The subtle ways survivors are minimized—and how the movie I Love You, My Narcissist mirrors these real-life dynamics
Early warning signs you might be in a trap: shrinking confidence, constant justifications, or walking away from things you once loved
We’ll be joined by Ali Schmahl (Director) and Stefanie Schmahl (Producer & Actress) of I Love You, My Narcissist, who bring powerful storytelling to this topic. Together, we’ll connect the dots between lived experience, expert insight, and how the film captures the subtle traps of emotional abuse.
🎥 Don’t miss the Watch Party!
Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ilymn-film/watchparty
If you’ve ever wondered how you “missed the signs,” you’re not alone. The truth is, the red flags are often hidden in plain sight.
Let’s talk about how to recognize them early, name what’s happening, and begin reclaiming your power before the trap snaps shut.
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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/
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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.
