Tag: toxic relationships

What Finn From ‘The Force Awakens’ and Adult Survivors of Emotional Child Abuse Have in Common

August 3, 2016

Editor’s Note: Upon reading this post, some readers may say, “Oh, it’s just a movie!” Indeed, but stories, whether in books or movies or television programs, teach us about ourselves, about what we value, about what we love, about what we hate. Recently, I rewatched the latest Star Wars film, “The Force Awakens,” and noticed … More What Finn From ‘The Force Awakens’ and Adult Survivors of Emotional Child Abuse Have in Common

From the Editor’s Mailbox: Being a Trusted Adult to Your Siblings, Going No Contact, and Why Therapy May Not Work for You

June 29, 2016

Editor’s Note: The Invisible Scar does not offer professional advice, only opinion. Here’s a look at the most common questions popping up in my inbox lately and some thoughts regarding them. My younger siblings live at home, and they’re being emotionally abused by our parents. What can I do? Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse … More From the Editor’s Mailbox: Being a Trusted Adult to Your Siblings, Going No Contact, and Why Therapy May Not Work for You

Fear and Guilt Will Keep You in an Abusive Relationship If You Let Them

August 10, 2015

You’ve long suspected something is not quite normal about your relationship with your parents. Perhaps you even sought answers and read about the signs of emotional child abuse. Now, you have come to the hard, cold realization that you’ve been emotionally abused as a child—and that the abuse has extended into your adulthood. So, what … More Fear and Guilt Will Keep You in an Abusive Relationship If You Let Them

How to Find Relationships That Are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren’t

May 22, 2015

If you are an adult survivor of emotional child abuse, you probably have a hard time differentiating the “safe” people in your life from ones that are crazy-makers or harmful to your well-being. In fact, you may not even grasp the concept of “safe people.” That’s not your fault. Raised by toxic people, you weren’t … More How to Find Relationships That Are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren’t

Prepare Yourself for Backlash When Going No Contact [Advice for Adult Children]

June 27, 2013

When the adult survivor of emotional child abuse decides to take a break (whether temporary or permanent) from the birth family, that decision may come to a shock to people in their social circles. From the outside of the family circle-—and even within it, at times—everything has looked perfect, tidy, and loving. To all who … More Prepare Yourself for Backlash When Going No Contact [Advice for Adult Children]