Leaving was not just about heartbreak. It was about survival. Dear Survivor, A woman once told me that after she left, people treated it like a typical breakup. They asked if she was dating again. They encouraged her to get over it. What they did not see were the nightmares, the triggers, the way her […]
It Wasn’t Just a Breakup. It Was an Escape. Read More »
Every survivor needs a foundation of safety before healing can begin. Dear Colleague, Survivors often walk into our offices carrying invisible alarms that never turn off. Safety is not just physical. It includes emotional, psychological, and financial dimensions that are frequently overlooked. As providers, we are not only asked to recognize danger. We are also
Every Survivor Deserves to Feel Safe. Here’s Where We Start Read More »
No is a complete sentence, even when your voice trembles. Dear Survivor, Saying no used to feel impossible for me. I remember the weight in my chest every time I wanted to speak up but didn’t. My silence wasn’t because I agreed. It was because I had been taught that protecting others from discomfort mattered
Survivor Boundaries: Learning to Say No Without Guilt Read More »
Some of the most dangerous moments in a survivor’s life happen right after they decide to leave. Dear Colleague, Leaving is often the most life threatening decision a survivor can make. Studies show that women are 70 times more likely to be killed in the weeks after leaving than at any other time in the
Survivors Are Dying to Leave. Literally. Read More »
Your intuition often sees the truth long before your mind can explain it. Dear Survivor, In every abusive relationship, there are warning signs — little moments that make your heart race, your stomach tighten, your spirit shrink. Maybe it was the way they mocked your dreams, isolated you from loved ones, or twisted every argument
Red Flags Aren’t Red for No Reason Read More »
Not all abuse leaves bruises — some of the most damaging wounds are invisible. Dear Colleague, Recognizing the signs of emotional abuse is critical when working with survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse. By identifying emotional abuse early, we help survivors name their experiences and begin the path to recovery. 👉 Resource to Support
Signs of Emotional Abuse Providers Must Recognize Read More »
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 »
April 14, 2025 Fear can cast a long shadow, often keeping survivors from stepping into the light of their new beginning. Dear Colleague, Starting over is one of the most daunting challenges for survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse. The very thought of leaving the familiarity of a harmful relationship—even one steeped in pain
Why the Fear of Starting Over Holds Survivors Back—and How to Overcome It Read More »
April 13, 2025 Healing begins with the small, brave act of choosing to believe in yourself again. What if journaling could be the bridge that helps you rebuild that belief? Dear Survivor, Starting over after experiencing relationship abuse takes incredible courage. Your strength is evident in every step forward, no matter how small it feels.
The Best Journaling Tools to Track and Boost Your Self-Esteem Read More »
April 11, 2025 Supporting survivors means recognizing the nuanced differences in their healing journeys, especially after narcissistic abuse. Dear Colleague, As therapists who work with survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse, you know that healing is never a one-size-fits-all process. When it comes to survivors of narcissistic abuse, the trauma leaves unique scars that
Healing from Narcissistic Abuse vs. Other Types of Trauma: What’s Different? Read More »