When control doesn’t stop at the door, it often follows you through your screen. Dear Survivor, A client once told me something that still sits heavy: her partner had secretly placed a tracking device on her car before a weekend trip with a friend. When she confronted him, he said it was for her protection. […]
They’re Still Watching: Protecting Yourself Digitally Read More »
In an abusive relationship, even technology can be turned into a tool of control. Dear Colleague, Survivors are often monitored more closely than they realize. From smart home devices to hidden spyware and GPS tracking, abusers exploit technology in deeply invasive ways. As clinicians, we must assess these risks as part of safety planning. We
The Digital Trap: Helping Survivors Navigate Tech Safety Read More »
If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I’m the crazy one,” you’re not alone. Dear Survivor, Survivor after survivor asks me the same question in different words: “Am I remembering it wrong?” “Am I overreacting?” “Am I crazy?” They’re not asking because they are confused people. They’re asking because they’ve been made to doubt their own mind.
When They Rewrite Reality: Understanding Gaslighting Read More »
Every ethical choice we make either strengthens or silences a survivor’s voice. Dear Colleague, When a survivor enters our care, they often carry a long history of being told what to do. Abusers, systems, even well-meaning helpers have all taken the steering wheel. Ethical care means giving it back. Even when that feels counterintuitive or
From Powerlessness to Power: Ethical Empowerment for Survivors Read More »
Do I need Discernment Counseling? Couples can get into muddy waters when it comes to one person feeling really “off” about their spouse’s “friendship” with someone who could become a romantic partner. This can lead to a lot of fights about what is cheating. Does it have to involve physical contact? These debates don’t actually
When Discernment Counseling is the Right Fit Read More »
Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t leaving, it’s staying gone. Dear Survivor, One survivor asked me a question that lives in the heart of so many who’ve walked away from painful relationships: “Why do I still miss her?” He had done what felt like the impossible, left a home that once made him feel small. This
The Invisible Chains of Trauma Bonding Read More »
Ethics isn’t just a set of rules. It’s a commitment to protecting those most at risk. Dear Colleague, When working with survivors of domestic violence, our ethical responsibilities extend far beyond informed consent and HIPAA compliance. We are safeguarding lives. The risk of harm for survivors is very real, especially when they are considering or
Survivor Safety Is Ethical Care Read More »
Hard Problems in Marriage and How Discernment Counseling Can Help from discernmentcounseling.org Once upon a time when divorce was rare, most people were driven to divorce by one of the “Triple A” problems: Affairs, Addictions, or Abuse. Divorce meant someone was chronically cheating, repeatedly drunk, or physically violent. Desertion was the fourth reason for divorce
Discernment Counseling: Hard Problems Read More »
Discernment Counseling – Do I need it? The journey towards saving your marriage is not easy. We offer you solid support through the following six tips. They may go against your instincts right now, but rest assured, your best chance is NOT adding more emotion and drama into the situation. Want to learn more about
Can Discernment Counseling Save My Marriage? Read More »
Summer Mental Health Support for Survivors Summer can bring sunshine, but it also brings risk for many survivors. Dear Colleague, Summer Custody and Co-Parenting Conflicts Custody arrangements often change during the summer months. These transitions can open the door to manipulation, emotional threats, and increased contact with abusive ex-partners. Survivors may feel trapped in patterns
Summer Mental Health Support for Survivors Read More »