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  • Blog
  • Tools + Resources
    • Types of Abuse
    • Healing From Abuse
    • Help Someone Being Abused
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  • Courses
    • Finding Clarity And Healing Survivor Course
    • Responder Course
    • CE Course for Licensed Professionals
  • Book A Training
    • Training for Survivors
    • Training for Responders
    • Training for School Staff
  • Restore Coaching Calls
  • Free Monthly Webinar

The MEND Project Blog

The MEND Project Blog

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The MEND Project’s blog offers articles, personal stories, and more to help victims and responders of emotional abuse.

Use the box below to search our articles, or scroll down to view them as a list.

Additionally, you can click here for free downloadable resources.

Choosing a Therapist: A Guide With Questions to Ask

Let’s begin with a few preliminary points before we get into how to interview and choose a therapist.  It can be hard to know

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Abusive Belittling

When ‘Belittling’ Crosses the Line into Emotional Abuse

Belittling within an abusive relationship happens slowly over time. If it happened outright and upfront, the victim would be more likely to confront it

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Reactive Defense: Understanding the Fallacy of Mutual Abuse

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,

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Overt vs. Covert Beharior Relationship Examples

Overt vs. Covert Behavior — Relationship Examples

It is difficult to understand overt versus covert behaviors and how each plays out within relationships. Yet understanding is the key to overcoming.  Covert

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A woman experiencing what is institutional abuse.

What Is Institutional Abuse? (Definition, Types, And Effects)

It may seem implausible that an “institution” or “organization” can abuse people.  But the truth is that it can and does happen.  In this

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Leaving a Covert Narcissist

The Story of Leaving a Covert Narcissist: By Michelle

In this brave Emotional Abuse Survivor Story by Michelle (not her real name), she shares the details of her journey being married to a

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What is Narcissistic Gaslighting?

The terms “narcissist” and “gaslighting” are widely used in our culture, but they are rarely understood. Narcissistic gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse

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hands-aren't-meant-to-be-feared,-by-Rowe

Hands Aren’t Meant to Be Feared, by Rowe

In this blog, Rowe (not her real name) shares her story of domestic violence and abuse and how it negatively impacted her life. Through

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losing-my-mom-after-abuse-and-finding-clarity

Losing My Mom After Abuse and Finding Clarity (Brigid’s Story)

​For many, abuse is a well-kept secret.  This was true for “Brigid” who grew up watching her mother experience constant verbal, emotional, and mental

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A-Story-of-Survival-and-Overcoming

A Story of Survival and Overcoming, by Lyn

Lyn’s story demonstrates beautifully the path from victim, to survivor, to heroine. Please remember, it is not always easy to hear about the abuse

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Institutional-abuse-in-the-church

Institutional Abuse in “The Church”

We hear of and see Institutional Abuse happening over and over again, notably and repeatedly within churches across our country. One of the challenges

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From-Darkness-to-Dawn_AdaJourney

From Darkness to Dawn: Ada’s Journey

'There will be joy in the morning,’ she said as she prayed for me one day. 'Joy in the morning.' After the pain, hurt,

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AI Support for Abuse

How AI Can Be a Supportive and Empowering Resource for Abuse Survivors

We recently connected with Anne Wintemute, founder of Aimee Says, to learn more about the heart behind this AI-powered help companion and how it can support people in confusing, difficult, or abusive relationships.  In the ...

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happy woman walking away

Finding the Strength to Leave an Abusive Relationship

How The MEND Project Has Helped Me The MEND Project has given me a place where I can express my deepest traumas and assist others who are going through or have been through circumstances and ...

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Oversharing: Finding Healing Through Self-Love

We all long for connection. To be seen, heard, and understood is part of being human. Yet sometimes the way we share leaves us feeling unsettled, ashamed, or even more isolated. Those feelings often happen ...

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child holding parents legs

Becoming the Parent Your Child Needs After Abuse and Trauma

This blog was written for us by Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a researcher, educator, and expert in coercive control and its impact on children and adult survivors. You know that feeling when you hear the door open. ...

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Court house pillars

What No One Tells Protective Parents About Family Court

This blog was written for us by Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a researcher, educator, and expert in coercive control and its impact on children and adult survivors. You went into family court expecting it to see what ...

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gold kintsugi lines on legs

From Trauma to Triumph: My Journey Through Abuse and Injustice

How Has The MEND Project Helped You? I was looking for websites which validate the experiences of parents who have gone through hell via the family court system. I found yours, which offers an opportunity ...

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Disclaimer: The MEND Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The information on this website and the services we provide are offered for educational purposes in an effort to serve those impacted by abuse. While we are not clinicians, we are committed to research and to helping identify and clarify harmful behaviors and patterns when covert abuse is present. We do not seek to vilify any gender or any person, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, or other identity. © 2026 The MEND Project. All Rights Reserved.

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