Relationships

A Letter to the Woman Who is in an Abusive Relationship and Deciding Whether or Not to Leave... I’m writing to you with tenderness, truth, and zero judgment. Research shows that the average survivor leaves an abusive relationship 7–8 times before leaving for good. That’s not because they are weak. It’s because trauma bonds are real, coercive control is powerful, and abusers know exactly how to cycle between harm and “honeymoon” apologies to maintain control.

In today’s fast-paced world, one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, and others, is the experience of emotional safety. Whether in our closest relationships or within the workplace, emotional safety provides the foundation for trust, authenticity, and growth. It allows us to show up fully, without fear of judgment, rejection, or unnecessary conflict.

Domestic violence involves a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain power and control over another in an intimate relationship. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. The effects of domestic violence are far-reaching, impacting not only the victim but also families and communities.

Relationships are built on trust, respect, and mutual care. When these foundations are shaken, especially by physical aggression, it can leave you feeling conflicted, hurt, and uncertain about what to do next. If you’re in this situation or an unhealthy relationship, know that you’re not alone, and your feelings are valid.

Creating a stable family environment is essential for nurturing strong relationships and fostering emotional well-being. Stability within the family provides a foundation where every member feels safe, supported, and valued. This blog post explores practical ways to build and maintain such an environment, offering actionable advice that can be applied in everyday life.

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of individuals and families around the world. Often hidden behind closed doors, it transcends demographics impacting people of all genders, ages, races, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

We all have biases. They don’t make us bad people, but left unchecked, they can affect how we treat others, shape our decisions, and damage our ability to build meaningful, respectful relationships both personally and professionally.

Grief is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. It doesn’t follow a straight path or a timeline. It doesn’t look the same for everyone. And while it’s commonly associated with the death of a loved one, grief can stem from any significant loss, including a relationship ending, a major life transition, the loss of a job, a serious health diagnosis, or even a shift in personal identity.

Making assumptions is human, but so is choosing to slow down, get curious, and seek clarity. When we stop filling in the blanks with our own fears or projections, we make space for authenticity, empathy, better relationships, and deeper connection.

Survivors are labeled as "disordered" for their understandable reactions to harm, while the individuals responsible for their trauma, the perpetrators, are far less likely to receive scrutiny or diagnoses for their actions. This disparity not only compounds the burden on survivors but also overlooks the significant damage caused by those who perpetuate abuse and trauma.

In July 2025, a new resource for families in Southwest Virginia will officially launch: the Family Stability and Reunification Services (FSRS) Program. Developed with the needs of vulnerable families in mind, FSRS offers a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to rebuilding parent-child relationships and guiding families on their path toward reunification.

Discover why emotional validation matters and how understanding emotions can transform relationships and personal growth.

Discover what to do if boyfriend grabs you aggressively. Learn essential steps for safety and well-being.

Seeking support after betrayal and an HPV diagnosis? Discover empathy, healing, and practical advice to navigate betrayal trauma.

Explore the complexities of couples therapy in abusive relationships. Learn how triangulation impacts therapy dynamics and healing in couple