There are different levels of things not going well in a relationship during quarantine. On one end of the spectrum we have couples who are for most of the time getting along with only a minor dispute occasionally. Other couples are being tested by the time in quarantine and are noticing more frequent fighting, or that their fighting is more intense. While this is concerning, it can be managed and … [Read more...] about When Living Together Isn’t Going Well During Quarantine
Abusive Relationships
5 Signs of Psychological Abuse
If you are struggling with your voice being heard, your opinions being valued, or your boundaries and accomplishments being recognized, then you may be in a psychologically abusive relationship. In this blog, I provide you the top 5 most common signs of psychological abuse in relationships to help you to recognize if you are in an abusive relationship. Insulting A … [Read more...] about 5 Signs of Psychological Abuse
Red Flag Behaviors in Relationships That are Often Misinterpreted as Love
In a therapy session, I clarify what is not love more frequently than what love is. Once you get familiar with common misinterpretations of love, recognizing romantic love is easier. Identifying red flag behaviors early on your relationship, is going to help you build healthy relationships. Have you ever heard the word “limerence”? Limerence is often described as the altered state of mind when … [Read more...] about Red Flag Behaviors in Relationships That are Often Misinterpreted as Love
Why & How Narcissists Love to Play the Victim
Narcissists tend to behave in a horrible yet predictable pattern when in conflict with another (especially a relationship partner). The narcissist will twist reality to weave a distorted story of their “victim” status and manipulate others in to believing that the partner/ex-partner was an abuser. The typical pattern looks like this: The Narcissist is living in deep levels of denial … [Read more...] about Why & How Narcissists Love to Play the Victim
Coercive Sexual Experiences
An experience that is not usually represented in sexual assault or sexual violence statistics is the experience of sexual coercion. However, coercive sexual experiences are a type of sexual assault and sexual violence and can cause similar trauma related symptoms. Many women who have coercive sexual experiences struggle with how to label or name what has happened to them. Review the checklist … [Read more...] about Coercive Sexual Experiences
Surviving the Narcissist: What to do When the Abuser Cries Abuse
A frightening story I hear over and over is that of a narcissistic ex-partner abusing the legal system to abuse and bully their former partner. The narcissist will claim their former partner was or is abusive to him/herself and/or their pets or children. This form of abuse is costly to the victim, as the victim needs to hire a lawyer to defend themselves and may miss time away from work to deal … [Read more...] about Surviving the Narcissist: What to do When the Abuser Cries Abuse