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 »
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
Leaving doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re reclaiming your life, even if it takes more than one try. Dear Survivor, If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I just leave?”—please know you are not alone. This question carries so much pain, shame, and misunderstanding. But the truth is, leaving a narcissist is one of
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery: Why It’s So Hard to Leave a Narcissist Read More »
Some questions echo louder in silence than when spoken aloud. Dear Survivor, When you find yourself wondering, “Was my relationship abusive?” that question alone holds power. It’s the beginning of truth-making, of choosing to listen to your own experiences instead of minimizing them. Even asking means you’re tuning in to something within you that needs
Was My Relationship Abusive? Abusive Relationships Can Be Covert Read More »