When power and control doesn’t stop at the door, it often follows you through your screens. 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 recreation trip with a friend. She was shocked when she found it on […]
They’re Still Watching: Protect Yourself Digitally Read More »
In an abusive relationship, even technology can be turned into a tool of control and manipulation. 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 their
The Digital Trap: Helping Survivors Navigate Tech Safety Read More »
Knowing what to expect can calm some of the fear that comes with doing deep healing work. Dear Survivor, Many survivors feel nervous before starting an EMDR intensive. That’s natural. You might be wondering how it works, what you’ll have to talk about, or if you’ll be emotionally overwhelmed. These are common questions, and they
What to Expect from EMDR Therapy Intensives as a Trauma Survivor Read More »
The first step isn’t fixing yourself. It’s remembering you were never broken. Dear Survivor, If you’ve just left a narcissistic relationship, or if you’re still trying to find the strength to go, this question may be echoing inside you: “Where do I even start?” Healing after narcissistic abuse is not a linear process. It doesn’t
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery: Where Do I Begin? Read More »
The ties that hurt the most are often the hardest to break. Dear Survivor, You may have left the relationship, but something keeps pulling you back, a longing, a guilt, a whisper of “maybe it wasn’t that bad.” If you’ve ever felt stuck in an emotional loop with someone who caused you harm, it’s worth
What Is a Trauma Bond? 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 »
The right kind of therapy meets you where you are, not where someone thinks you should be. Dear Survivor, You’ve probably heard that EMDR intensives can be life-changing. Maybe someone you trust recommended them, or you’ve read stories from other survivors who found peace through this format. But now you’re left wondering, “Is this really
Are EMDR Intensives Right for You? Read More »
It wasn’t “just emotional abuse.” It was psychological warfare dressed as love. Dear Survivor, If you’ve ever wondered why it hurts so much—why you can’t just move on, why the pain lingers even when they’re gone—you’re not broken. Narcissistic abuse cuts deeper than most people realize because it targets the very core of who you
Why Narcissistic Abuse Hurts So Much Read More »
When hurt becomes a pattern, the difference matters, and your feelings deserve clarity. Dear Survivor, If you’ve ever wondered whether what you’re experiencing is abuse or just a “bad relationship,” you’re not alone. Many survivors wrestle with this question, especially when the behavior they’re experiencing doesn’t leave visible bruises. Abuse doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it
How to Know If It’s Abuse or Just Toxic Read More »