Love doesn’t just disappear when someone causes harm, and that can be the hardest part. Dear Survivor, If you’ve ever found yourself missing someone who hurt you, or wondering why you still love your abusive ex, know this: you are not alone, and you are not broken. This is one of the most common and […]
Many of us never expected that our deepest challenge would be emotional depletion. Dear Colleague, We entered this work to make a difference. And we are. But sometimes, making space for trauma day after day takes more from us than we realize. I’ve spoken with countless providers who describe feeling detached, irritable, or numb after
Compassion Fatigue and the Cost of Caring for Survivors Read More »
Some of the hardest chains to break are the ones we can’t see. Dear Survivor, Trauma bonds don’t feel like abuse at first. They feel like hope: a promise that the love will come back, that the bad days are just a phase, that things will get better if you just try harder. These bonds
Why Survivors Struggle to Leave: The Truth About Trauma Bonds Read More »
Understanding Teen Relationships Through a Healthy Lens When parents first suspect something might be wrong in their teen’s relationship, the focus often turns toward what is unhealthy. But understanding what healthy love looks and feels like can be just as important, both for recognizing red flags early and for helping teens form strong, safe relationships
What Healthy Teen Relationships Look Like (and How Parents Can Model Them) Read More »
Some trauma needs more space to breathe before it can fully heal. Dear Survivor, A survivor I once worked with, who we’ll call Maya, had done years of weekly therapy. She was insightful, committed, and brave, but there was still a heavy weight that clung to her spirit. She told me, “I understand my trauma.
Why I Recommend EMDR Therapy Intensives to Survivors Read More »
You don’t have to be sure of everything to take your next step. You just have to trust yourself enough to try. Dear Survivor, One of the most painful effects of narcissistic abuse is how it breaks your trust in your own perception. You begin to question your memory, your instincts, even your feelings. You’re
From Confusion to Clarity: Rebuilding Trust in Yourself After Narcissistic Abuse Read More »
When love starts to hurt more than it heals, it’s time to take a closer look. Dear Survivor, Emotional abuse can be difficult to recognize, especially when it’s wrapped in affection, apologies, or promises to change. Unlike physical violence, emotional abuse wears a disguise. It slowly chips away at your self-worth, your confidence, and your
Sometimes healing feels lonelier than being hurt. Dear Survivor, There’s a quiet grief that doesn’t get talked about enough: the loneliness that shows up after you finally see the truth. At first, awakening to realizing it is abuse can feel like relief. The fog lifts. The confusion starts to clear. But then something unexpected happens.
Realizing It Is Abuse: The Loneliness of Waking Up Read More »
What do you do when doing the right thing might put your client at risk? Dear Colleague, Mandated reporting is a legal duty. But for survivors of domestic violence, it can feel like a betrayal. We must walk a careful line, honoring our ethical and professional responsibilities while holding deep awareness of the real-world consequences
When Ethics Meets Danger: Navigating Mandated Reporting with DV Survivors Read More »
Is My Teen in an Unhealthy Relationship? You may find yourself asking questions like: “Is my teen’s relationship just typical drama, or something more serious?” This is one of the most common and heartfelt questions parents ask. Teen relationships can look intense and emotional, and it’s not always easy to tell the difference between normal