Natalie D'Annibale, PsyD LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

The original cycle of abuse’s four steps can be adapted to fit narcissistic relationships. Just as physical violence is not only perpetrated by one gender, narcissistic abuse is unisex. Instead of using fists or smashing bottles to hurt someone, someone high in narcissism tends to use gossip and lies to mar the victim's reputation. This person may use whatever means necessary to keep their partner in line and themselves in control of the narrative. Even if they are called out

7 Signs of Avoidant Attachment in Relationships If you suspect avoidant attachment is shaping your relationship, here are the patterns to look for: You shut down during conflict. When your partner raises an issue, your brain goes offline. You cannot access words. You feel foggy, blank, or suddenly exhausted. This is not laziness. It is your nervous system pulling the emergency brake. You feel “suffocated” by closeness. A few good days of connection and suddenly you need space

Dissociative amnesia is the most common dissociative disorder, which are conditions that cause people to feel detached or disconnected from themselves or reality. In dissociative amnesia, this manifests as memory loss. This memory loss goes beyond the realm of typical forgetfulness. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), the different types of dissociative amnesia include : localized selective continuous

What’s the Difference Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack? The main difference lies in onset, intensity, and duration. Panic Attack Happens suddenly , without warning Peaks within 10 minutes Intense physical symptoms Often feels like a medical emergency May appear even when a person feels calm Panic attacks are more physical , sudden, and overpowering. Anxiety Attack Builds up gradually Triggered by stress, fear, or overthinking More mental and emotional Can last hou

Individuals do not achieve recovery by just not using. Recovery involves creating a new life in which it is easier to not use. If individuals do not change their lives, then all the factors that contributed to their addiction will still be there. But most individuals begin recovery by hoping to get back their old life without the using. Relapse is a gradual process that begins weeks and sometimes months before an individual picks up a drink or drug. There are three stages to