Emotional Abuse

Gaslighting emotional abuse in which an abuser manipulates the victim into believing their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions are invalid. This manipulation leads to a deep mistrust, lowered ... Read More

by Mary Alexander, JD What Makes Clergy Abuse So Different?  Acts of sexual abuse are inexcusable. Acts of sexual abuse at the hands of priests, clergy, and other religious leaders are ... Read More

Emotional incest, also known as covert incest, has nothing to do with incestuous sexual abuse. Rather, it is an unhealthy emotional relationship between a parent and a child that blurs ... Read More

Emotional manipulation can undermine close relationships and leave the manipulation victim feeling powerless, confused, and frustrated. Yet all people manipulate others from time to time—often ... Read More

I work daily with people who have experienced narcissistic abuse. Some grew up in a household with a narcissistic parent. Others are married to someone with narcissism. Still others may ... Read More

Dear GoodTherapy.org, My best friend is in a nasty relationship. She never spends time with her friends anymore, because her man throws a jealous fit if she’s paying attention to anyone ... Read More

Bullying is described as a behavior marked by two distinct features: the intent to create a power imbalance and the frequency with which it occurs. There are various strategies used to ... Read More

Dear GoodTherapy.org, I don’t think my relationship with my boyfriend is that bad, but some of my friends beg to differ. Mainly, they are concerned about some of the language he uses ... Read More

Childhood emotional abuse is correlated with later misuse of opioids, according to a study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors. The study found emotional abuse is more strongly ... Read More

Gaslighting is in the news these days. In simple terms, to gaslight is to treat another person in a way that makes them doubt their own perceptions. We can see this behavior on a large ... Read More

In biblical lore, Aaron selected a goat on behalf of the entire tribe, cast upon it the sins of all members, and then banished it alone to the wild. The members of the tribe were then at ... Read More

Emotional abuse can be every bit as devastating to individuals and relationships as physical and sexual abuse. And the pain of experiencing emotional abuse can be heightened when you feel ... Read More