Counseling
You feel anxious or depressed, but don’t understand what’s happening or what to do about it.
If you’re like many of my counseling clients, you’re in a relationship where you care for your partner, but your partner isn’t treating you right.
It’s the way your partner speaks to you, or the things that your partner does that are upsetting. Some of your partner’s behaviors are obviously hurtful.
AND…
Some of the behaviors may seem almost insignificant and are hard to name–yet they leave you feeling sad, frustrated, or angry. Sometimes you wonder if you’re taking things too seriously. You get confused and wonder if the trouble is your fault, or if you are going crazy.
Even if your partner physically abuses you, you question whether or not you provoked the treatment.
All of the above are forms of emotional abuse. When you have been subjected to these and other abuse tactics, over time it damages your self-esteem, weakens your vitality, and causes you to doubt yourself and your ability to determine what’s right and what’s wrong. Granted, most couples argue and sometimes say and do things they regret afterwards. They make apologies and improve their behavior.
By contrast, in emotionally abusive relationships, there is an ongoing pattern of abusive treatment by one partner against the other that can lead the abused one to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, exhaustion, alcohol or drug abuse, over-spending and more. Also, it can contribute to, or cause a variety of health problems. In some relationships, both partners are abusive to each other.
Amy helped me to see all the emotionally abusive tactics that my partner was using against me, like blaming, criticism, and twisting the truth. Now that I know what he’s doing, I’m in a better position to protect myself. —49-year-old female
Hi, my name is Amy Bear. I’m a therapist who is passionate about helping people who are in hurtful relationships.
I’m also the author of the book, From Charm to Harm: The Guide to Spotting, Naming, and Stopping Emotional Abuse in Intimate Relationships.
I understand emotional abuse in all its forms and guises from a personal and professional perspective. We will work together to help you gain clarity about your relationship and face the issues with skill and confidence.
I offer a non-judgmental, compassionate environment to help you heal and take charge of your life.
You don’t have to continue this way. A better life is possible.
“Amy has written an important book that explains what happens when men and women play out their childhood wounds with their intimate partners. She puts words to the many and varied ways that people hurt themselves and others as a result. Her book is a valuable tool for those involved in emotionally abusive relationships.”
– John Gray, PhD., Author of the phenomenal #1 bestseller,
Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus
Controlling behaviors are often hard to distinguish from the normal experience of being in a relationship. If you suspect your partner is controlling, look for clues in how your partner’s behavior affects you. Do you feel like you’re twisting yourself into a pretzel to gain approval or keep up with an endless stream of expectations? Do Read More.
Read More“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 to tell her that his ex-girlfriend would be there. When Amanda found out, she expressed her hurt feelings. Over the Read More.
Read MoreChildren 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 cause a lot of inner conflict. Often it is easier to inflict that pain onto their partners rather than look inward for the real source of their hurt, anger, and resentment.
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