Not all abuse leaves bruises. Some of the deepest wounds are emotional—and they’re often hidden in plain sight. Dear Colleague, Recognizing the signs of emotional abuse is essential when working with survivors of domestic violence and relationship trauma. Unlike physical violence, emotional abuse often leaves no visible marks, but its impact can be just as […]
Signs of Emotional Abuse Providers Must Recognize Read More »
Trauma bonding can feel invisible, yet it powerfully keeps survivors tethered to abusive relationships. Dear Colleague, Understanding trauma bonding is essential for anyone committed to trauma-informed care. It is one of the most misunderstood dynamics in abusive relationships and one of the most emotionally complex. Trauma bonding occurs when a survivor forms an intense, often
Curiosity, not assumptions, creates the emotional safety survivors need to truly heal. Dear Colleague, In our work with survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse, curiosity is not just a clinical stance—it is a lifeline. When someone has lived through gaslighting, control, or emotional abuse, being truly heard without pressure can feel revolutionary. Assumptions, even
The Power of Curiosity: A Survivor-Centered Approach Read More »
Some of the most profound shifts for survivors begin with giving themselves permission to choose their own response – taking back their power. Dear Colleague, Abusers often twist words, incite arguments, and create emotional traps designed to keep survivors entangled. Engaging in these conversations is often futile and draining. Teaching survivors the empowering skill of
Don’t Take The Bait: Empowering Survivors to Reclaim Their Strength Read More »
Healing after trauma is rarely a straight line — it’s a winding path that survivors must walk at their own pace, with curiosity as our greatest companion. Dear Colleague, When I first began working with survivors, I thought my role was to guide them swiftly toward solutions. The bravest thing we can do as therapists
The Survivor’s Journey: How Curiosity Transforms the Healing Process Read More »
I have been working in trauma-focused therapy for survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse for many years. These are the 3 simple (but effective) pieces of advice I’d give anyone starting out (or who wants to get started): Advice #1: Understand that staying in an abusive relationship can be a safety decision. One of
Gaslighting is more than manipulation; it’s a calculated tool of control that leaves survivors doubting their own reality. Dear Colleague, When working with survivors of narcissistic abuse, we often encounter the devastating effects of gaslighting. This insidious form of emotional abuse strips individuals of their self-trust, leaving them in a haze of confusion and shame.
The Role of Gaslighting in Narcissistic Abuse: Identifying and Addressing Its Impact Read More »
Trauma can hide in the smallest details, yet its impact is undeniably profound. Dear Colleague, When working with survivors of narcissistic abuse, it’s crucial to understand how deeply trauma can weave itself into every corner of their experiences. The manipulation, gaslighting, and relentless erosion of self-worth may leave survivors questioning their very reality. Trauma often
Understanding Trauma in Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse Read More »
Working with clients who have experienced domestic violence (DV) and relationship abuse is both rewarding and deeply challenging. For many survivors, self-blame is a barrier that complicates the healing process. They may internalize the abuse, holding themselves accountable for the harm inflicted by others. For therapists, guiding someone through this emotional terrain requires patience, tools,
Supporting Clients Healing from Abuse and Self-Blame Read More »
Gaslighting isn’t just psychological manipulation; it’s a calculated effort to take control over someone’s reality. Dear Colleague, Gaslighting is one of the most harmful tactics used in narcissistic abuse. It warps a survivor’s self-perception, undermines their confidence, and leaves them feeling disoriented and doubtful of their own experiences. By identifying its types and understanding how
The Role of Gaslighting in Narcissistic Abuse: Identifying and Addressing Its Impact Read More »