In an abusive relationship, even technology can be turned into a tool of control and manipulation. Dear Colleague, Survivors are often monitored more closely than they realize. From smart home devices to hidden spyware and GPS tracking, abusers exploit technology in deeply invasive ways. As clinicians, we must assess these risks as part of their […]
The Digital Trap: Helping Survivors Navigate Tech Safety Read More »
Understanding Mental Health Awareness Today Not everything that feels safe is actually good for you. Dear Survivor, A client once told me she was unsure if her new relationship was healthy or just less harmful. Her partner did not yell or insult her, but there was a lingering sense of unease. She felt confused by
Mental Health Awareness: Understanding Healthy Patterns Read More »
It is not weakness. It is conditioning. And it is trauma. Dear Colleague, One of the most painful things providers witness is when a survivor returns to a harmful relationship. It can feel heartbreaking and disorienting. But what looks like regression is often part of a powerful trauma pattern called intermittent reinforcement. This pattern keeps
Why Survivors Return: The Grip of Intermittent Reinforcement Read More »
Healing after abuse happens in micro-moves. These small shifts deserve to be seen and supported. Dear Colleague, In trauma therapy, it’s common to witness a client return to the same relationship, cancel sessions, or describe ongoing patterns that seem unchanged. It can feel discouraging, even like progress isn’t happening. But healing after abuse doesn’t always
Healing After Abuse: Why Micro-Moves Matter for Survivors 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, sexual, and financial dimensions that are frequently overlooked. As providers, we are not only asked to recognize danger. We are
Every Survivor Deserves to Feel Safe. Here’s Where We Start 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, 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 »