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April is recognized as Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month (SAAPM)—a time dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and strengthening our collective commitment to preventing sexual violence. The statistics are sobering. Every 68 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted, according to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). Behind each number is a human being—a story, a life, a ripple effect that extends far beyond a single momen

Being in a relationship with a narcissistic partner can be emotionally exhausting and deeply confusing. Many individuals find themselves questioning their reality, minimizing their own needs, or feeling persistently “not enough.” These dynamics often intensify when narcissism overlaps with misogynistic attitudes—where women’s emotions, boundaries, and autonomy are devalued.

Childhood trauma has a way of lingering long after the events themselves have passed. Experiences such as abuse, neglect, abandonment, or growing up in an unsafe or unpredictable environment can shape how a person understands themselves, others, and the world. While trauma may occur early in life, its effects often unfold silently over time—affecting emotions, relationships, and physical well-being well into adulthood. Discover how therapy can help.

We Were a Nice, Normal Family is more than a memoir. It is an invitation to reclaim voice, agency, and the possibility of a fuller, more connected life.

Emotional abuse leaves no visible scars, yet its impact can be deeply damaging—eroding confidence, trust, and emotional well-being. Often subtle, it may begin with criticism, manipulation, or withheld support, gradually leading to self-doubt and isolation. This article explores the signs, effects, and long-term consequences of emotional abuse, while offering pathways to healing. Remember, recognizing abuse is the first step toward reclaiming your worth—you are not alone.

From the moment we are born, we begin forming bonds that influence the rest of our lives. Attachment—the enduring emotional connection between an infant and their primary caregiver—lays the groundwork for how we trust, love, and relate to others. When those early bonds are secure and consistent, we grow with a sense of safety and self-worth. When they are disrupted, inconsistent, or paired with trauma, the story unfolds differently.

September marks Complex PTSD Awareness Month—a time to recognize the impact of prolonged trauma on mental health, relationships, and self-worth. By educating ourselves, reducing stigma, and fostering empathy, we can support healing and create space for those living with C-PTSD to thrive.

EMBRACING FIRSTS As a 74 year-old retired forensic psychologist living in the stunning Sonoran Desert with my husband and our playful Goldendoodle, JP, I’ve learned that life is a series of firsts. Recently, I celebrated a significant milestone: my first personal essay was published in late December 2024, in a collection called Nonlinear Love on SubStack. The essay, inspired by a fortune cookie that read, “You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find Prince Charming,” refl

Has childhood trauma affected you? Is trauma from your childhood affecting your current relationships? Approximately 64 percent of adults in America report at least one childhood experience of trauma caused by abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), neglect, witnessing violence, or household dysfunction. ACES-Adverse Childhood Experiences Test - is a questionnaire that measures traumatic experience during childhood and their potential impact on adult social outcomes. It is no