Sometimes even our most encouraging words can leave survivors of abusive relationship feeling unseen. Dear Colleague, Empowerment language can become a burden when survivors are not ready to carry it. Phrases like “you’re so strong” or “you’ve got this” are meant to uplift, but they can land as expectations. Survivors may feel they have to […]
When Empowered Starts to Feel Like Pressure Read More »
Some days, helping survivors will confront parts of you that you have not healed yet. Dear Colleague, Working with survivors often surfaces your own unprocessed wounds. Even the most seasoned provider can feel caught off guard by an emotional reaction. These reactions may come from past personal trauma, grief, or even early professional burnout. No
The Thing Nobody Tells You About Helping Survivors Read More »
Healing after trauma is rarely a straight line — it’s a winding path that survivors must walk at their own pace, with curiosity as our greatest companion. Dear Colleague, When I first began working with survivors, I thought my role was to guide them swiftly toward solutions. The bravest thing we can do as therapists
The Survivor’s Journey: How Curiosity Transforms the Healing Process Read More »
I have been working in trauma-focused therapy for survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse for many years. These are the 3 simple (but effective) pieces of advice I’d give anyone starting out (or who wants to get started): Advice #1: Understand that staying in an abusive relationship can be a safety decision. One of
Trauma can hide in the smallest details, yet its impact is undeniably profound. Dear Colleague, When working with survivors of narcissistic abuse, it’s crucial to understand how deeply trauma can weave itself into every corner of their experiences. The manipulation, gaslighting, and relentless erosion of self-worth may leave survivors questioning their very reality. Trauma often
Understanding Trauma in Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse Read More »
April 16, 2025 Some days feel impossibly heavy, but even on those days, small steps toward healing can ignite hope. Dear Survivor, Healing from domestic violence or relationship abuse is not linear. It’s a path filled with highs and lows, strength and vulnerability. On the hardest days, it might feel like you’re stuck in place,
Healing Starts Here: Affirmations and Support for Survivors 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 »
April 9, 2025 Hello Survivor, First, I want to take a moment to honor the remarkable step you’ve taken by leaving an abusive relationship. That takes courage, strength, and resilience. You might now be in a place where the external harm has ceased, but if you’re struggling with harsh self-talk or lingering doubts, know that
Practical Ways to Speak Kindly to Yourself After Leaving an Abusive Relationship Read More »
April 4, 2025 There is incredible strength in surviving, but even greater power in rising. Dear Survivor, You are not alone, and your experience is valid. Whether you’re just beginning to recognize the damage of an abusive relationship or you’ve been walking the road to healing for some time, take a moment to honor how
To Every Survivor, This is Your Time to Rise Read More »
April 3, 2025 When you’re carrying the invisible wounds of abuse, it can feel like no one truly sees your pain, making the road to healing even lonelier. Dear Survivor, Navigating life after enduring domestic violence or relationship abuse is one of the hardest paths anyone could walk. But even more challenging is the feeling
Why Doesn’t Anyone Understand What I’m Going Through? Read More »