Because of the cyclical nature of trauma bonding, it can be especially challenging to get out of a relationship with an abuser. But it is possible. Once you identify the trauma bond, there are several steps you can take and resources you can turn to.

EMDR is a powerful tool that focuses on healing. It’ not meant to bring up old memories that you’d prefer to forget. Instead, it’s about being able to put the memories to rest. And with that you no longer have to be defined by those thoughts, allowing your depression to finally lift.

As with all emotions, shame passes. But for individuals with addictions, codependency, or both, it lingers – often subconsciously – and leads to other painful feelings and problematic behaviors.

Lack of access to trans-affirmative mental and physical healthcare is a common barrier for TGNC people. Untreated GD presents significant risks. Due to pervasive experiences of discrimination and violence in many cultures and societies, gender dysphoric adolescents are already highly vulnerable.

Infidelity is painful and complicated. It changes the way we view ourselves and the world around us. Redefining infidelity, what it means to us, and what it feels like can help us assess infidelity in a more productive manner.

By its nature, gaslighting is elusive and difficult to pin down. In moments of emotional and psychological abuse, it may even be impossible for a victim to determine they are being gaslit.

Abusive relationships typically start out charming. They reel you in with your kindness and attention; acting like they are the savior of your life. But there are usually non-violent signs that can be easily be brushed off.

You need to find the courage to remain emotionally present, become vulnerable, and open yourself to an authentic emotional connection. A relationship in which you are more engaged, responsive, and accessible to one another is well worth the time and effort!

Anxiety can feel overwhelming. You feel you will never be that calm, cool or collected person. If this sounds like you, EMDR for anxiety may just be the thing that will help you.

The codependent individual often looses all sense of self. They lose touch with their own emotions, and they live entirely to make the other person happy. They begin to feel guilt when the other person doesn’t change because they feel that if they just did more, the person would be better. In the end, they end up doing more harm than good.

Sexual intimacy means engaging in sexual behaviors with someone you feel connected to. Another definition of sexual intimacy is where both partners feel like their sexual relationship needs are being met. While it is possible to have either sex or emotional intimacy, sexual intimacy implies both sex and emotional connection are involved.

Because we often internalize feelings of rejection, after being cheated on, it’s easy to find fault with yourself. This allows us to feel like we have control after being betrayed. If we can focus on what we did wrong, and change that thing, maybe we wouldn’t have been hurt in the first place.

While the two conditions are the result of different causes, research shows that their symptoms and triggers are similar – so much so that the two conditions mirror each other. This is significant because it helps us better understand betrayal trauma and the intensity of its symptoms, as well as effective treatment methods.

We must first dispel the notion that a trigger is inherently negative. It isn’t. A trigger simply refers to something that activates a response within the body. Triggers are typically sensory in nature, meaning they can be compromised of various sights, sensations, textures, and even scents.

Communication within relationships is essential in getting your needs met and letting your partner know how you feel. When the communication is working well, both partners can feel connected, loving and secure.

How does this happen? EMDR helps rapidly reduce the intensity of negative emotions and disrupts the intensity associated with disturbing images, which may be stuck in your mind. Due to research in brain science and Somatic Psychotherapy, we know that stress isn’t always only carried in the brain, but also in the body with tension, discomfort, cramping, trembling, and body aches.

Unlike embarrassment, shame is often attached to thoughts and feelings that remain hidden from the outside world. Shame isn’t always situational. And shame is often intertwined with our moral character, resulting from the perception that our thoughts or actions are not in alignment with our own beliefs, values and personal standards.

Those who are addicted to love often live in a chaotic world with desperate need and emotional despair. Afraid of being both alone and rejected, love addicts endlessly search for someone who will make them feel whole.

You discovered your husband’s porn stash, looked at the history on his internet browser, looked at his phone, or otherwise discovered that he is watching porn. And maybe he has already promised not to watch porn again but you found out he watched porn again. Maybe this is now the fourth or fifth time he has made and broken that promise. Cue more fighting and your demand that he go to therapy.

Being hurt is an inevitable part of living in a broken world with broken people. Maybe our spouse disappointed us, our friend rejected us, our boss underappreciates us, or our family members mistreated us. Whatever the situation, when these injuries occur, it’s natural to feel frustrated, angry and even vengeful.