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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »