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 […]
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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When someone chips away at your sense of self in the name of love, that is not love. Dear Survivor, Sometimes, survivors of narcissistic abuse don’t realize they’re being harmed until the damage is done. The signs are often subtle, wrapped in affection or disguised as concern. But behind the charm is a pattern of
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When your heart whispers what your mind can’t quite name, it’s time to listen. Dear Survivor, It takes incredible courage to even entertain the thought: I think I’m in an abusive relationship but not sure. That uncertainty can feel like a fog, especially when you’ve been told you’re overreacting, too emotional, or imagining things. Abuse
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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
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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
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