Maya took a brave step when she walked into my office, still unsure if her "difficult relationship" could really be called abuse. Through therapy, she began to understand the lasting impact of emotional abuse and started the journey toward healing, reclaiming her voice, and rediscovering her self-worth.

Psychological abuse involves using tactics to control someone's thoughts. Abusers make the victim feel crazy, manipulate them, or threaten them. Emotional abuse controls a person's emotions and causes distress. Abusers belittle, blame, and humiliate their victims.

Being in a toxic relationship can make you feel exhausted, trapped, and alone. Emotional abuse, negativity, and manipulation can cause strong feelings of loneliness that are difficult to escape. 

Relationship anxiety can sometimes be confused with no longer loving someone. It is important to understand that relationship anxiety comes from fear while falling out of love is usually characterised by indifference about the other person.

Recovering from a toxic relationship includes recognising the pain, removing negative influences from your life, and finding happiness on your own. Toxic relationships can damage your self-esteem and sense of self, so it's important to practice self-love to heal and find yourself again after a breakup.

Trauma bonding is a complex emotional response that occurs in abusive relationships. Understanding the 7 stages of trauma bonding can help you recognise and break free from toxic relationship.

Betrayal can leave you feeling devastated, angry, and lost. It's natural to experience a whirlwind of emotions, and it's crucial to allow yourself to feel the pain without judgment. Healing is deeply personal—there’s no right timeline or method. Seeking support, either through trusted friends or professional help, can provide clarity and effective coping strategies.

Discover the key red flags in relationships that may signal trouble ahead. From inconsistent behaviour and lack of accountability to emotional abuse and controlling tendencies, learn how to identify these warning signs early to protect your emotional well-being and foster healthier connections.