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

"Here’s a little-known secret: Divorce attorneys give surprisingly good dating advice, not just legal advice. We recently asked divorce...

The Trauma Bond Trauma bonding is similar to Stockholm Syndrome, in which people held captive come to have feelings of trust or even...

Trauma bonds occur in very toxic relationships, and tend to be strengthened by inconsistent positive reinforcement—or at least the hope...

"Some have explained the difference between shame and guilt as follows: When we feel guilt we feel badly about something we did or...