Healing from abuse is a long, painful process. I wish that wasn't true. I wish there was a magic potion we could take, or our fairy godmother could wave her magic wand and it would all be better. Sadly, this isn't how it works. Healing takes time, but it doesn't...
Hanging Onto Hope Podcast
Brenda J and Karen Wonder from Hanging Onto Hope Podcast interviewed Caroline Abbott, author of “A Journey to Healing After Emotional Abuse.”
Do You Experience Toxic Shame?
Do you struggle with feeling shame? Many of us do. Sometimes we are taught to feel shame by our parents, or at a childhood church. But often, our abusers plant a feeling of shame in our hearts. How is this possible? The following is taken from my book, A Journey to...
Healing from Your Narcissistic Parent
Last week, I wrote about what your life might be like if you were raised by a narcissistic parent. I began describing five steps that can help you heal from your upbringing. The two steps I shared last week are: Accepting your parent's limitations, and Processing your...
Do You Have a Narcissistic Parent?
Many of us grew up with emotional, sexual, or physical abuse. Did you? You may not have experienced overt abuse, but maybe you were raised by one or more parents who put themselves and their needs before yours. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental...
Where Was God During Your Tragedy?
Last week, I asked the question, "If God is loving, why is the world so evil?" For those of us who have suffered greatly, we may be asking God more personal questions, such as: “Why did you allow this to happen to me?” and “Where were you when I experienced this?”...
Stop That Negative Self-Talk
Years ago, I went to a counselor because I was depressed. She had me try this exercise. For a period of time, (day, week), write down everything you say to yourself. This was an eye-opening exercise for me. Here are some of the things I was telling myself at that...
Do I Need Professional Counseling?
I highly recommend professional counseling for those who have suffered any kind of abuse whether in childhood or from an intimate partner. Sometimes people feel like failures if they seek professional counseling. It is a sign of weakness, isn't it? Wrong! In my...
A Garment of Praise
Last year I shared a new method I learned of studying the Bible. I read a chapter of the Bible and write down everything that speaks to me. Then, I look at what I've written and discern what I think God is saying to me that day. Sometimes I write the verses back to...
Why Do I Still Love My Abuser?
I speak to many abuse victims. They contact me to understand whether they really are being abused. They contact me to seek help in leaving their abusers. Some even contact me to ask me why they still love their abusers. This is my topic for today. How is it possible...