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 »
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 »
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
10 Narcissistic Relationship Signs Read More »
