“You’re overreacting,” Jake told Amanda. “It’s no big deal.” Amanda looked at Jake with disbelief. He said he planned to go on a fishing trip with his male friends over the weekend. But he neglected … [Read more...] about Recognizing the Pain of Emotional Invalidation
Childhood Pain Can Lead to Adult Relationship Abuse
Inside the Mind of One Man Children who sustained painful emotional wounds from their parents and others can carry that pain into adulthood. Their adult relationships bring up their original pain and … [Read more...] about Childhood Pain Can Lead to Adult Relationship Abuse
Emotional Abuse is a Key Sign of Toxic Shame: From Childhood Anguish to Adult Dysfunction
In my experience over the years as a psychotherapist, many individuals have come to me in despair over their troubled relationships. They tell me that their partners profess to love them and yet treat … [Read more...] about Emotional Abuse is a Key Sign of Toxic Shame: From Childhood Anguish to Adult Dysfunction
Victim Blaming: A Tactic for Avoiding Emotional Intimacy
“I can’t be wrong all the time,” laments a woman who needs counseling for her troubled relationship. After some probing, I discover that her partner is controlling and blaming is one of the tactics he … [Read more...] about Victim Blaming: A Tactic for Avoiding Emotional Intimacy
How Much Conflict is Normal in a Relationship? Twelve Signs You’re Tolerating Emotional Abuse
In healthy relationships, partners may argue, criticize each other, and use hostile language, but perpetrators know their behavior is hurtful and inappropriate. They feel remorse, have meaningful … [Read more...] about How Much Conflict is Normal in a Relationship? Twelve Signs You’re Tolerating Emotional Abuse
Helping Loved Ones in Emotionally Abusive Relationships
Navigating a potential minefield I often get requests to provide therapy for family members who want to help loved ones in emotionally abusive relationships. Their previous rescue attempts resulted … [Read more...] about Helping Loved Ones in Emotionally Abusive Relationships