Our childhood wounds follow us into adulthood, causing us to make choices that we sometimes don’t understand. Only when we heal those wounds can we be fully able to make wise choices
Can EMDR Really Heal Trauma?
EMDR can be used to heal the trauma associated with domestic violence. It works quickly and the survivor does not need to talk about their painful memories.
Squashing your ANTs – (Automatic Negative Thoughts)
In my last two blogs, I talked about how I have struggled with self-esteem issues, and what I have done to increase my self-esteem. I don't feel I have fully arrived, but I have come a long way. Today, I put on my counselor...
Becoming a Person Who Recognizes Their Own Worth
I am facilitating a counseling group for women who have experienced (or are still experiencing) domestic violence. Seeing these women grow in strength, insight and self-esteem is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It is also stretching me as a human...
Healing from Your Narcissistic Parent
Last week, I wrote about what your life might be like if you were raised by a narcissistic parent. I began describing five steps that can help you heal from your upbringing. The two steps I shared last week are: Accepting your parent's limitations, and Processing your...
Stop That Negative Self-Talk
Years ago, I went to a counselor because I was depressed. She had me try this exercise. For a period of time, (day, week), write down everything you say to yourself. This was an eye-opening exercise for me. Here are some of the things I was telling myself at that...
Change Just One Thing
Many of us struggle with depression and/or anxiety. I have struggled with these myself on and off for years. Even though we have tried counseling and medication, we may still struggle. I am getting my master's degree in counseling. This semester I am taking a...
That Crazy-Making Honeymoon Stage
Have you ever received a letter from your abuser where he* makes every promise you ever wanted to hear? Suddenly, your decision to leave him seems the most stupid and selfish move you have ever made. This was my experience. I was married for 20 years to an abuser. The...
Do I Need Professional Counseling?
I highly recommend professional counseling for those who have suffered any kind of abuse whether in childhood or from an intimate partner. Sometimes people feel like failures if they seek professional counseling. It is a sign of weakness, isn't it? Wrong! In my...
How Can Group Counseling Help a DV Survivor?
We don't often hear about group counseling. I am currently going to my local seminary to get a degree in counseling. Since studying group counseling this semester I have learned a few things I didn't know: Group counseling can be just as effective and sometimes even...
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