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
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 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.
Read MoreVictim 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 uses against her. If she disagrees with him, he retaliates with anger or silent treatment that can last for days. Read More.
Read MoreWhen Elderly Parents Are Abusive
Attempting to take care of an abusive elderly parent is fraught with problems and limited options, more so now as family members shelter in place during the Covid-19 pandemic. But there are some actions to take that can help create a safer caregiving experience. What You Can Do If Your Elderly Parents Are Abusive: Share what Read More.
Read MoreIs it a Love Spat or Emotional Abuse?
It takes maturity, self-reflection, and mental discipline to be in a healthy relationship. These traits are useful when conflicting needs, opinions, and expectations cause disharmony between intimate partners.
Couples who possess these qualities can usually resolve disagreements with acceptance, understanding and compromise. There is an equitable balance of power and neither partner is a victim. When there are hurt feelings, there is little residual damage.
Read More