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 »
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 »
March 28, 2025 One of the most challenging aspects of healing from an abusive relationship is the feeling of profound isolation. Many survivors recount similar stories—that during the relationship, they were cut off from their support systems. Abusers often create divides between survivors and loved ones, whether by sowing conflict, spreading lies, or making it
Rebuilding Your Support Network After Abuse Read More »
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 »