Trauma bonding can feel invisible — yet it powerfully keeps survivors tied to abusive relationships. Dear Colleague, Understanding trauma bonding is essential if we want to offer true survivor empowerment. The more we understand trauma bonding, the better we can support survivors in breaking the cycle and reclaiming their healing journey. 👉 Resource to Support […]
Supporting Survivors Through Trauma Bonding Read More »
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, the simple act of staying curious can be one of our greatest tools. As providers, cultivating open curiosity strengthens our ability to truly walk alongside survivors in their trauma recovery.
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. 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” can
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 »
Survivors often carry the weight of harmful beliefs shaped by abuse—beliefs we have the power to help them rewrite. Dear Colleague, Survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse often carry deeply ingrained beliefs about themselves, born from their trauma. Phrases like “I am powerless” or “I don’t deserve love” may echo in their minds, shaping
Address Survivor’s Negative Cognitions with Care Read More »