Not all abuse leaves bruises. Some of the deepest wounds are emotional—and they’re often hidden in plain sight. Dear Colleague, Recognizing the signs of emotional abuse is essential when working with survivors of domestic violence and relationship trauma. Unlike physical violence, emotional abuse often leaves no visible marks, but its impact can be just as […]
Signs of Emotional Abuse Providers Must Recognize Read More »
Your intuition often sees the truth long before your mind can explain it. Dear Survivor, In every abusive relationship, there are warning signs — little moments that make your heart race, your stomach tighten, your spirit shrink. Maybe it was the way they mocked your dreams, isolated you from loved ones, or twisted every argument
Red Flags Aren’t Red for No Reason Read More »
Trauma bonding can feel invisible, yet it powerfully keeps survivors tethered to abusive relationships. Dear Colleague, Understanding trauma bonding is essential for anyone committed to trauma-informed care. It is one of the most misunderstood dynamics in abusive relationships and one of the most emotionally complex. Trauma bonding occurs when a survivor forms an intense, often
Supporting Survivors Through Trauma Bonding Read More »
Some wounds are invisible to everyone — except the one carrying them. Dear Survivor, Emotional abuse leaves scars no one else can see. It seeps into your self-worth, erodes your confidence, and twists your understanding of love. You begin to question your instincts, your memories, even your sense of who you are after surviving a
The Silent Scars: Healing After Narcissistic Abuse Read More »
Curiosity, not assumptions, creates the emotional safety survivors need to truly heal. Dear Colleague, In our work with survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse, curiosity is not just a clinical stance—it is a lifeline. When someone has lived through gaslighting, control, or emotional abuse, being truly heard without pressure can feel revolutionary. Assumptions, even
The Power of Curiosity: A Survivor-Centered Approach Read More »
Survival begins the moment you dare to believe your voice deserves to be heard. Dear Survivor, I remember the moment I realized my voice had been taken from me. It wasn’t through one loud event, but a thousand small ones — the times I was ignored, the moments my feelings were twisted, the steady drumbeat
The Survivor First Steps: Reclaiming Your Voice Read More »
Sometimes, the greatest act of strength is the choice not to respond. Dear Survivor, There was a time in my own healing when I believed I had to defend myself against every jab, every sideways comment, every accusation. The bait was so tempting — a pointed comment about my parenting, a snide remark about my
Survivor, Don’t Take the Bait: Reclaim Your Emotional Power Read More »
Some of the most profound shifts for survivors begin with giving themselves permission to choose their own response – taking back their power. Dear Colleague, Abusers often twist words, incite arguments, and create emotional traps designed to keep survivors entangled. Engaging in these conversations is often futile and draining. Teaching survivors the empowering skill of
Don’t Take The Bait: Empowering Survivors to Reclaim Their Strength Read More »
Healing after trauma is rarely a straight line — it’s a winding path that survivors must walk at their own pace, with curiosity as our greatest companion. Dear Colleague, When I first began working with survivors, I thought my role was to guide them swiftly toward solutions. The bravest thing we can do as therapists
The Survivor’s Journey: How Curiosity Transforms the Healing Process Read More »
There’s something powerful about knowing you’re not alone — and this month, survivors around the world are rising together. Dear Survivor, April holds deep meaning in our community — it’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and next week, we honor Denim Day — a movement that began as a protest against victim-blaming and has since become
Survivor Voices: This April, We Rise Together Read More »