In our previous conversation, we explored the "invisible prison" of coercive control. Now, let's shine a bright light on the very bricks and mortar of that prison: emotional and psychological abuse. While physical violence leaves visible marks, this form of abuse targets your inner world—your mind, your emotions, and your very sense of self.

Determining what constitutes coercive control and abuse can be very confusing; even finding a clear definition is difficult. This article gives a broad overview of the types of abuse and some real examples. Each of the types of abuse will be discussed in more detail in my upcoming blogs.

When life feels overwhelming and the connection with someone you care about starts to fray, it’s natural to wonder if things can ever be the same again. I’ve been there too—feeling lost in the silence, unsure how to bridge the gap. That’s where the gentle power of relationship counselling can make a profound difference. It’s not just about fixing problems; it’s about rediscovering trust, understanding, and hope together.

The goal of a holistic approach isn't to eliminate conflict, but to transform it. It’s about understanding that a disagreement isn't just a war of words; it's a symphony of unmet needs, nervous system states, and emotional histories.

“Is this normal conflict, or is something fundamentally wrong?”

Learning to distinguish between healthy, cautionary, and unhealthy relationship dynamics is a crucial form of self-care. Think of it as an emotional toolkit. To help you build yours, let’s explore the concept of relationship flags: Red, Amber, and Green.

When life feels overwhelming and the connection between you and your partner seems fragile, it’s natural to wonder if there’s a way to heal and grow together. Sometimes, the path forward isn’t clear, and that’s okay. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. There is a gentle, supportive space where you can explore your feelings, understand each other better, and rebuild your bond. This space is what relationship counselling offers.

Many of us truly struggle to have genuine, authentic relationships.  I am referring to relationships where you feel completely seen and understood.  Relationships where you can have difficult discussions and speak your truth.  Relationships where you are able to be your whole self.  Relationships that are truly healing and transformational.  Oh how we long for these.  A place to belong and feel safe.  To find your people.  For many of us, working towards empowering relationsh