How to Spot a Narcissist

Season 2 Episode 6 : How to Spot a NarcissistWhat if the problem wasn’t that you were too sensitive……but that you were being taught to doubt your own reality?In this episode of Not Saving It For Later, Hannah sits down with retired clinical psychologist Dr. Kerry McAvoy to unpack one of the most misunderstood and overused words in modern relationships: narcissist.Because not every difficult partner is a narcissist.And not every narcissist looks the way you think.This conversation moves beyond social media buzzwords and into the real psychology behind narcissistic behavior, manipulation, power, and emotional control.Dr. Kerry brings both clinical expertise and personal experience to this conversation, helping listeners understand not only what narcissism is — but why smart, capable, loving women so often find themselves trapped inside these relationships.If you have ever felt confused… blamed… emotionally exhausted… or like you were slowly disappearing inside your relationship… this conversation may help you make sense of what you’ve been living.This Conversation Covers:• What narcissism actually means according to the DSM• Why narcissism is often confused with selfishness or being a jerk• The core traits narcissists share• Manipulation, entitlement, and lack of empathy• Why narcissists often see relationships as competition and control• How love bombing and “compliance testing” work• Why smart women still fall into these dynamics• The role of self-betrayal and emotional conditioning• Why narcissists struggle to change• What emotional detachment can look like inside marriage• How manipulation escalates when you begin pulling your power back• Why staying “for the kids” may not protect them the way you hope• Practical ways to begin recognizing patterns and protecting yourselfOne truth from this episode that hit hard:"The people who benefited from you giving away your power will freak out when you call it back."If this conversation feels painfully familiar, please hear this:You are not crazy.You are not weak.And you are not doomed to stay stuck in dynamics that require you to abandon yourself to survive.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Introduction + Meet Dr. Kerry McAvoy02:15 – What Narcissism Actually Means06:30 – Narcissist vs. “Just an Asshole”11:40 – DSM Criteria + Core Traits Explained18:15 – Jealousy, Entitlement & Lack of Empathy24:20 – Are Narcissists Born or Made?31:10 – Family Patterns + Genetic Components38:00 – Why Narcissists Feel Superior Yet Empty45:15 – Power, Control & Competition in Relationships52:30 – Why Women End Up With Narcissists58:10 – Love Bombing + The Mask They Wear1:04:20 – How Compliance Testing Works1:12:00 – Self-Betrayal, Attachment & People Pleasing1:19:45 – Pulling Your Power Back1:27:30 – Why Leaving Is So Hard1:35:10 – Staying for the Kids + The Cost of Survival Mode1:43:40 – Emotional Healing + Building Back Better1:51:15 – Divorce, Labels & Why Caution Matters1:59:20 – Not Saving It For LaterCONNECT WITH DR. KERRY MCAVOY:Website: https://www.kerrymcavoyphd.com/Instagram: @kerrymcavoyphdFacebook: Dr. Kerry McAvoyCONNECT WITH HANNAH + HEMBREE BELL:Website: www.hembreebell.comWebsite: HannahHembreebell.comInstagram: @hannahhembreebellInstagram: @hembreebelllawFacebook: Hannah Hembree BellTikTok: @hannahhembreebell