therapy

Supporting Clients Healing from Abuse and Self-Blame

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 »

The Role of Gaslighting in Narcissistic Abuse: Identifying and Addressing Its Impact

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 »

Address Survivor’s Negative Cognitions with Care

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 »

Understanding the Cultural and Societal Factors that Impact Domestic Violence Survivors

April 16, 2025 Supporting survivors means understanding their world through a deeper lens, where cultural norms, societal pressures, and systemic barriers often intersect with their trauma. Dear Colleague, Working with survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Each individual carries not only their experiences of abuse but also the cultural

Understanding the Cultural and Societal Factors that Impact Domestic Violence Survivors Read More »

Survivor’s Guide to Identifying Breadcrumbing and Love Bombing

April 2, 2025 Dear Survivor, Have you ever felt swept off your feet by someone’s charm, only to feel uncertain and devalued later? Maybe they made grand gestures early on, but as time went by, those moments of attention became few and far between. This experience might feel confusing or even hurtful, but you’re not

Survivor’s Guide to Identifying Breadcrumbing and Love Bombing Read More »

Finding Strength & Safety in the Midst of Abuse

March 31, 2025 Dear Survivors and Friends, Safety can feel elusive in the darkest moments, but with support, resources, and incredible resilience, freedom is possible. This month, we’re sharing a survivor’s story of courage to inspire hope and strength and providing actionable steps you can take to achieve physical and emotional safety. A Story of

Finding Strength & Safety in the Midst of Abuse Read More »

Daily Self-Care Rituals for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Relationship Abuse

March 29, 2025 Hello Survivors and Friends, You are important! I’m not sure if you needed to hear that right now, but you are important. And I want to take a moment to acknowledge just how much strength and courage it takes to be where you are right now. Whether you’re still finding your way

Daily Self-Care Rituals for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Relationship Abuse Read More »

Understanding Types of Abuse in Relationships: It’s more than physical

March 26, 2025 Dear Survivor, Abuse can take many forms, and recognizing the different types is a crucial step toward prevention and healing. The Types of Abuse worksheet is a tool designed to shed light on these patterns, helping individuals understand the many ways abuse can manifest in relationships. It’s so much more than being

Understanding Types of Abuse in Relationships: It’s more than physical Read More »

Understanding Jealousy and Possessiveness in Relationships

At the start of a relationship, jealousy might feel like a natural reaction—one that highlights care and attachment. It’s not uncommon for a partner to occasionally feel uneasy when someone of the opposite sex compliments you. But jealousy can morph into possessiveness, leading to a relationship dynamic that feels stifling and overwhelming. Knowing the difference

Understanding Jealousy and Possessiveness in Relationships Read More »

Understanding the Invisible Scars of Emotional Abuse

The devastating effects of emotional abuse are often invisible but run deep, leaving lasting scars on the mind and spirit. Unlike physical abuse, which may leave visible marks, emotional abuse operates in subtle, insidious ways that can profoundly affect one’s sense of self, mental health, and overall well-being. It’s crucial to shed light on this

Understanding the Invisible Scars of Emotional Abuse Read More »

Scroll to Top