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 MoreBlog: From Charm to Harm
Recognizing the Pain of Emotional Invalidation
“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 MoreChildhood Pain Can Lead to Adult Relationship Abuse
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 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.
Read MoreEmotional 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 them with disdain, contempt and disregard.
Read MoreThe Real Reasons for Emotional Abuse and What to Do About It
Belinda didn’t know that Jake had a serious psychological disorder when they got married 10 years ago. She saw him as a normal man with the ability to love her. She thought they would be happy together.
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