Do We Ever Truly Know Our Parents?
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I find myself reflecting deeply on the strength and resilience of women—especially my mother. Her life was complex, filled with unspoken struggles and sacrifices that, even now, I’m only beginning to understand. She was a...
Trauma Bonding: Exploring the Psychological Effects of Abuse
Question of the day: Why would the victim of a toxic abusive relationship emotionally bond with the person who is inflicting that harm on them? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complex and often misunderstood. Trauma bonding can lead to profound...
Understanding Differences Narcissistic Personality Disorder vs. Borderline Personality Disorder
When you hear the word “narcissist,” what images come to mind? In my world, “narcissist” is a term that’s both overused and misunderstood. In common vernacular, it can be inflammatory and insulting, but in medical circles, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a...
Recognizing the Signs of Toxic Relationships: A Guide to Self-Awareness
Have you ever woken up on a sunny day only to realize by mid-afternoon that the sky had darkened and heavy clouds were threatening rain? You might have had no idea when the sun had ducked behind a cloud or when the day had darkened. That’s what toxic relationships are...