Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a collaborative process between a trained mental health professional and an individual, couple, family, or group. The goal of therapy is to address and overcome emotional or psychological challenges, improve mental well-being, and facilitate personal growth and development. Therapists use various therapeutic approaches and techniques to help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, ultimately leading to positive changes in their lives.
There’s a moment many survivors face when they step into a new relationship or emotional bond: “Why does this feel so different… and why does it scare me?” It’s not because the relationship is bad.It’s not because your instincts are broken.It’s because this is uncharted territory—and your heart is trying to protect you from getting… Read More 🌀 When You’re Confused by Connection: Navigating New Feelings After Trauma
For many survivors of long-term abuse, “letting someone in” isn’t just a romantic cliché—it’s a terrifying act of bravery. When you’ve spent years, even decades, navigating manipulation, control, emotional harm, and walking on eggshells, your nervous system learns one thing: people aren’t safe. And yet, somewhere deep within, there’s still a quiet yearning…To be known.To be… Read More 🌱 Letting the Barriers Down: The Vulnerable Path to Deep Connection After Abuse
When you say, “I need to get away somewhere different for a while,” it tells me that part of you is yearning for: A change of scenery doesn’t have to be permanent or dramatic. Sometimes even a few days by the sea, a weekend in a new town, or time in nature can recalibrate your… Read More The Need to Get Away
There is a unique kind of heartbreak that comes not from being blindsided, but from having your deepest suspicions confirmed. You know the feeling — that uncomfortable churn in your stomach, that quiet voice whispering, “Something isn’t right here.” Years ago, I felt it. A comment about Thai girls in France. A cruel suggestion that I could… Read More 🌪 When the Truth Confirms the Trauma: A Psychological Reflection on Betrayal, Intuition, and Liberation 🌱
When I first met him, I didn’t have the training I do now. I hadn’t studied trauma, emotional abuse, or nervous system dysregulation. I hadn’t yet learned how the cycle of abuse works—or how deeply psychological manipulation can entangle even the strongest, most intelligent people. So I did what many empathic people do:I tried to… Read More 🌿 “I Wasn’t a Therapist When I Met Him. Now I Understand Why That Matters.”
A Psychological Perspective on How Healthy Love Heals There’s a common myth that trauma must be healed alone. That we have to fix ourselves before we can love or be loved. But the truth is: while solitude creates space for healing, it is often safe, healthy, attuned relationships that create the conditions for deep transformation. When you’ve survived emotional abuse, neglect, betrayal,… Read More ❤️🩹 Post-Traumatic Growth Through Love
In an era where convenience is king and “there’s an app for that” has become the norm, it’s easy to assume that healing from deep emotional wounds can be approached the same way. From meditation prompts and digital journals to AI-driven therapy bots, technology has provided useful tools to support mental health. But when it… Read More Why You Can’t Heal Long-Term Abuse With an App
“What Steps Do You Intend to Take to Repair the Relationship?” This reflective questionnaire is designed to promote emotional accountability, foster healthy dialogue, and explore the willingness and capacity for rebuilding trust, respect, and connection. 1. 🌱 Acknowledgment and Ownership 2. 💬 Communication & Active Listening 3. ❤️ Empathy & Emotional Insight 4. 🔄 Behavioral Change & Rebuilding Trust… Read More 🧩 Relationship Repair Questionnaire
(A Reflection from a Trauma and Neuroscience Lens) People often ask me, “When did he change?”But the truth is — he didn’t.He was always that person.I just didn’t want to believe what was happening. 🧠 From a neuroscience perspective, when you’re in survival mode — especially after a history of trauma — your brain doesn’t… Read More 💔**“When Did He Change?” — A Truth We Don’t Talk About Enough**
“How can he stitch you up? What money has he? I assume you’ve been living off pensions. I have never said it’s okay to break your arm—but I don’t know what led up to that. I doubt he would try to kill you. You’re accusing me of supporting violence, which is unfair. Just let the… Read More 💔 When Speaking Up About Abuse is Met with Dismissal: A Therapist’s Insight
