Survivors are not naive. They are being carefully conditioned. Dear Colleague, One of the most confusing parts of emotional abuse is how intensely loving it can feel in the beginning. Survivors often describe a whirlwind. Affection, flattery, gifts, fast commitment. It is intoxicating. And it is strategic. This is love bombing, and it is not […]
From Love Bombing to Bread Crumbing: How Survivors Get Hooked Read More »
Love is not always enough, but understanding can be everything. Dear Survivor, A client once shared how isolating it felt after she left her abusive partner. People praised her for being brave, but when she struggled to sleep, missed her ex, or doubted her decision, they grew impatient. They told her to just move on,
What Survivors Really Need from Their Support System Read More »
Missing someone who hurt you does not mean you’re broken. It means you’re human. Dear Survivor, A distraught survivor once asked me, “Why do I still miss him? After everything he did, why do I still feel drawn to him?” That question lives inside so many survivors. And it’s often followed by shame. The answer,
Why Do I Miss My Abusive Ex? Read More »
There is a quiet power in hearing yourself again after surviving what tried to silence you. Dear Survivor, Your voice is still yours. It may feel buried beneath doubt or fear, but it has never truly left you. I remember the first moment I heard mine clearly again. It happened during a small decision, one
Survivor Strength: Reclaiming Your Inner Voice Read More »
Healing doesn’t always move in a straight line. Dear Survivor, I thought leaving would be the hard part. I believed that once I got out, the pain would fade and peace would follow. I imagined progress would feel like clarity, like I had crossed a finish line. But instead, I found myself triggered by small
Survivor Strength: Healing Isn’t Linear and That’s Okay Read More »
Sometimes, the bravest thing a survivor can say is no more. Dear Survivor, There was a moment in my own journey when I whispered two words that would change everything: no more. I didn’t shout them. There was no dramatic scene. Just a quiet declaration made in the middle of an ordinary day that felt
Survivor Wisdom: The Power of No More Read More »
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 »
Some wounds are invisible to everyone — except the one carrying them. Dear Survivor, Emotional abuse leaves scars no one else can see. It seeps into your self-worth, erodes your confidence, and twists your understanding of love. You begin to question your instincts, your memories, even your sense of who you are after surviving a
The Silent Scars: Healing After Narcissistic Abuse Read More »
Sometimes, the greatest act of strength is the choice not to respond. Dear Survivor, There was a time in my own healing when I believed I had to defend myself against every jab, every sideways comment, every accusation. The bait was so tempting — a pointed comment about my parenting, a snide remark about my
Survivor, Don’t Take the Bait: Reclaim Your Emotional Power Read More »
If you’ve experienced domestic violence or relationship abuse, it can be hard to make sense of what you’re going through. You might feel confused, overwhelmed, or question your own reality. These feelings are common—but they don’t change the fact that what’s happening (or has happened) to you is not your fault. Here are 3 simple
3 Simple Truths Every Survivor Deserves to Hear Read More »