I know what others did to me was out of my control. It was not my fault. I did not cause it. Or that’s what I keep being told. But I can’t help wondering why I stayed so long. How did I allow myself to be put in such a hurtful situation? Why did I…
There was a time when I did not know what “Gaslighting” was. It was just a strange-sounding word I heard now and again that I didn’t fully understand. But over time and particularly in recent years, gaslighting has become a term used regularly and, far too often, incorrectly. It seems that when someone disagrees with…
I sat there listening to my friend tell me everything she had been going through in her relationship for the last 10 years. I couldn’t believe my ears. All this time, I had assumed she was one of those women who willingly isolates herself within her man’s world leaving her friends far off while the…
With the New Year upon us, our team has been reflecting on all we are grateful for through this past year. For many, 2021 may have mixed reviews…uncertainty, loss, change. For others, it promulgated significant transformation and growth. Whatever 2021 brought to you, we hope you find peace, joy and healing as you begin 2022…
Phillip spent years trying to figure out why he felt like a slave. “It must be due to my childhood. That’s why I struggle so.” He saw a therapist. Tried to get help. He defended his wife; thought she was his only support. Until one day, the revelation of what was going on hit him…
She is so incredibly mad at me. She says I said something when we were at dinner with her family that I did NOT say, but she insists I apologize for it. Once I apologize for something I didn’t do, she’ll make me apologize profusely before she decides to show me any warmth. I just…
“I wasn’t a participant in my own life for a while,” Have you ever felt this way? Is there someone in your life who treats you as if you aren’t a valuable person or as if you aren’t competent enough to take charge of your own life? Keep reading; oftentimes, learning the words and labels…
Today’s blog is a story from a brave survivor who courageously shares her story. Survivor stories can be healing and validating for those who are within or have been in an abusive relationship. They are essential for survivors to share. But they also can be very hard to hear; sometimes, we can become triggered by…
I can remember when I worked with kids in the foster care system – you know those children who are taken away from their biological parents because the abuse or neglect they experience is considered to be so harmful that the child cannot be kept safe within the home so the State places them with…
Today, we are sharing a story from a victim that highlights not only how tormenting Covert Emotional Abuse can be, but how being a male victim abused by a woman can be a uniquely difficult and isolating situation. Like many other male victims, Tom endured years of maltreatment, both physical and emotional, before he found…