Emotional abuse doesn’t always leave visible scars. It often masquerades as concern, sarcasm, or even love. But over time, it chips away at a person’s sense of self-worth and autonomy. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse is harder to detect and can make the victim question if anything abusive is happening at all.

Whether you're reflecting on your own relationship or supporting someone else, recognizing the signs is the first step toward clarity and safety.

Have you ever reacted to your partner in a way that surprised even you—snapping over something small, shutting down during conflict, or clinging tightly when you sense emotional distance? These intense responses might not be coming from your adult self at all. More often than we realize, it’s our inner child who shows up in intimate relationships, bringing old fears, unmet needs, and outdated survival strategies into present-day dynamics.

Understanding how your inner child operates in love isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness. Because when you recognize these patterns, you can start to shift them. You can move from reacting to relating, from old wounds to new intimacy.

When life delivers pain, whether it’s heartbreak, loss, or unwanted change, our first instinct is often to fight reality, replay what-ifs, or wish things were different. Yet, psychological research and evidence-based therapies show that fighting reality can intensify our suffering, while accepting it can lead to real transformation.

What Is Radical Acceptance?
Radical acceptance is a core skill within Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan for people struggling with strong emotions, stress, or trauma. But its benefits extend to everyone. Radical acceptance means fully acknowledging and accepting reality as it is, without judgment—even when it’s unpleasant or painful.

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing—but for many people, they bring unexpected stress, anxiety, or even dread.

If the thought of traveling—or being “off” from work—makes you feel tense, you're not alone. As therapists, we regularly see clients who feel ashamed or confused about their vacation anxiety. But here’s the truth: It’s more common than you think.

Let’s explore what vacation anxiety is, why it happens, and how you can manage it so you can actually enjoy your time away.

Summer is supposed to be relaxing. So why do so many of us feel even more overwhelmed this time of year? Between work deadlines, managing kids on school break, family obligations, and the pressure to “make the most of summer,” many working professionals and parents find themselves burned out instead of recharged.

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing summer wrong. Summer burnout is real, and understanding how to manage your mental load during the warmest months can make a world of difference.

What is our inner critic? Our inner critic is that judgemental, demeaning internal voice that makes us question our skills, decisions, and self-worth. It can sound something like “You always mess up,” “Why can’t you do better?” or “You’ll never be good enough” - leading to shame, self-doubt, and decreased confidence.

Where does our inner critic come from? The inner critic draws from negative internalized beliefs we have about ourselves, often formed by early life experiences, relationships with authority figures or trauma.

Evolutionary psychology explains the inner critic as an ancient, adaptive system rooted in our survival needs. This self-critical voice evolved primarily to help us fit in, avoid danger, and promote social cohesion. However, having an excessively chatty inner critic can create psychological distress, showing up as depression, anxiety and social isolation.

In therapy, the relationship between client and therapist is more than just a professional interaction—it’s the cornerstone of healing and growth. At the heart of this connection are two essential elements: trust and rapport. Without them, the therapeutic process struggles to take root. With them, it flourishes.

Therapy often involves discussing deeply personal and sometimes painful experiences. For clients to feel safe sharing their thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities, they need to trust their therapist. This trust isn’t granted immediately—it’s earned over time through consistent, respectful, and empathetic engagement.

Rapport, meanwhile, creates the sense of connection that makes trust possible. It’s the emotional resonance that says, “You see me. You hear me. You understand.” When clients feel truly seen and heard, they’re more likely to open up and engage fully in the therapeutic process.

For many people, saying “no” feels uncomfortable—even wrong. Whether it’s due to fear of disappointing others, guilt, or a desire to be liked, we often say “yes” when we really mean “no.” Over time, this can lead to burnout, resentment, and a loss of connection with our own needs and values.

Saying no isn’t about being selfish—it’s about being honest. It’s a powerful act of self-respect and emotional clarity.

Identity is the lens through which we view ourselves and the world. It includes our race, gender, sexuality, culture, religion, and social roles. When our identity is affirmed, we feel seen, valued, and empowered. When it’s invalidated or marginalized, it can lead to emotional distress, confusion, and disconnection.

Mental health is deeply intertwined with identity. Feeling like you have to hide or suppress parts of who you are can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. On the other hand, embracing your identity can be a powerful source of strength and healing.

Emotional regulation is the ability to manage your emotional responses in a way that aligns with your values and long-term goals. It’s not about suppressing emotions or pretending everything is fine—it’s about learning how to respond thoughtfully, even when emotions are intense.