It’s no easy task to understand overt versus covert behaviors and how they play out destructively within relationships. Yet, understanding is the key to overcoming. Covert behaviors are incredibly confusing and especially difficult to discern. The person within the relationship on the receiving end of covert behaviors often has no idea what is going on…
We are thankful for Michelle’s bravery in sharing her story of healing from a covert narcissist. She was captivated by the love bombing and, in marriage, became the victim of emotional, physical, sexual, and financial abuse. The stress, shame and confusion kept her silent for years. After nine years and three children, she courageously disclosed…
To some, it may seem implausible that an “institution” or “organization” can abuse people, but it can. Let’s see what abuse looks like in institutional settings, its effects on victims and their loved ones, and how to recognize, prevent, and heal from it. WHAT IS INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE AND WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF IT?…
In this brave story by Michelle (not her real name), she shares her journey with a covert narcissist, her soon-to-be ex-husband. No matter how hard she tried or what she did to support her partner, he minimized, rejected, gaslit, lied, degraded, and attacked her. He withheld intimacy and personal connection every step of the way.…
Discerning the experiences and stories of two people can be tricky and confusing. This is especially true when a long history of abuse is involved and the victim’s internal defense mechanisms are triggered by recurring abusive attacks. Both people act in ways that could be considered violent and abusive to an outsider. This may make…
“Covert” means “hidden” or “secret”. Covert abuse involves tactics of coercive control that are hard to spot, difficult to define, and nearly impossible to confront. This subtle form of emotional abuse usually continues unabated for years or decades before the victim recognizes their own trauma. Covert abuse happens in all types of relationships: friendships, families,…
Gaslighting. Most of us have heard the term before. Many use it regularly. Some of us have been its victims. But what is gaslighting? How does it play out in real life? How do you know if you or someone you love is being gaslighted? What is gaslighting? The dictionary definition of gaslighting is…
In a recent blog, we discussed the surprisingly high incidence of intimate partner violence on college campuses. It was amazing to learn how little we hear about IPV on college campuses in light of how often it actually happens. Equally alarming is how large is the number of victims who do not report the abuse…
In this week’s blog, our survivor, Brigid (not her real name) finally shares the lifelong held secret of her upbringing. After several years of not fully realizing the abuse or understanding its impact, she has found the freedom that only clarity can provide. She refuses to hide any longer. She is breaking the silence. She…
Many of us have sent our kiddos off to college, excited about the fun, deep and life-changing experience college can provide. We spend years equipping them for their future. When the time draws near for them to leave, we may even prepare them (especially if we have girls) for the potential dangers they might face…
