If you have ever witnessed a friend or family member in an abusive relationship, you likely feared for their safety, even their life and you would do anything to protect them. Yet, it seems that no matter what you say or do, many women remain in abusive relationships. Seeing them “choose” to stay with their…
In this story, Vesper (not her real name) met her boyfriend in another State. They had a fast beginning to their relationship when she fell deeply for him. He love-bombed her with affection, attention, gifts, and false promises of a blissful future. Filled with hope and a desire for a beautiful relationship, she moved out…
Many of us feel uncomfortable interviewing therapists before choosing them. It’s hard enough right now to find a therapist with the capacity to see new patients. So, when we finally find one “in-network”, we dive in head first. That’s not the wisest thing to do. Have you ever wondered, “Can couples therapy make things worse?”…
There’s been significant debate and public discussion about the term, mutual abuse, which has been used to conclude that some situations of domestic violence, psychological or physical, are actually mutual abuse with both people in the couple equally responsible for being both aggressors and victims. In this article, we’re going to debunk the myth about…
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,…