The Compassion Chronicles

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Taking the Shame Out of Your Sexual Relationships

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on March 24, 2023

The trauma of childhood sexual abuse can literally shape a survivor's sexual personality.

The trauma of childhood sexual abuse can literally shape a survivor's sexual personality.

Embarrassment

Healing From Sexual Abuse: Forgiveness and Disclosure

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on February 1, 2023

Disclosure and forgiving oneself for previous "bad" behavior can help heal the shame that often results from childhood sexual abuse.

Disclosure and forgiving oneself for previous "bad" behavior can help heal the shame that often results from childhood sexual abuse.

Embarrassment

More Ways to Help Heal the Shame of Child Sexual Abuse

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on January 27, 2023

Shame is one of the most damaging aspects of child sexual abuse, but you can begin to heal that shame through self-compassion and safely expressing anger.

Shame is one of the most damaging aspects of child sexual abuse, but you can begin to heal that shame through self-compassion and safely expressing anger.

Embarrassment

3 Strategies to Help Heal the Shame of Child Sexual Abuse

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on January 17, 2023

If you were sexually abused as a child, you likely suffer from shame that continuously affects you.

If you were sexually abused as a child, you likely suffer from shame that continuously affects you.

Sex

What Constitutes Child Sexual Abuse?

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on December 22, 2022

People can be sexually abused in childhood without realizing it.

People can be sexually abused in childhood without realizing it.

Embarrassment

Why Is Shame the Most Damaging Aspect of Child Sexual Abuse?

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on December 14, 2022

Healing the shame caused by childhood sexual abuse is vital to the healing process for survivors of child sexual abuse.

Healing the shame caused by childhood sexual abuse is vital to the healing process for survivors of child sexual abuse.

Narcissism

Can Someone With BPD or NPD Change?

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on December 4, 2022

It is possible for those who suffer from BPD or NPD to change, but many people struggle to let down their defensive walls and become vulnerable.

It is possible for those who suffer from BPD or NPD to change, but many people struggle to let down their defensive walls and become vulnerable.

Narcissism

How to Determine If Someone You Care About Is a Narcissist

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on November 10, 2022

Not all abusers are narcissists. But it is equally important to understand that not all narcissists are abusers. Learn about the three subtypes of narcissism.

Not all abusers are narcissists. But it is equally important to understand that not all narcissists are abusers. Learn about the three subtypes of narcissism.

Narcissism

Not Every Emotional Abuser Is a Narcissist

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on October 5, 2022

The person emotionally abusing you may not be a narcissist at all, but someone who suffers from borderline personality disorder.

The person emotionally abusing you may not be a narcissist at all, but someone who suffers from borderline personality disorder.

Narcissism

Not All Emotional Abusers Are Narcissists

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on September 21, 2022

The good news is that we're talking more and more about emotional abuse—but the bad news is that everyone seems to be focusing on narcissists as the primary culprits.

The good news is that we're talking more and more about emotional abuse—but the bad news is that everyone seems to be focusing on narcissists as the primary culprits.

Types of Therapy

How to Determine Whether An Abusive Partner Has Changed

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on June 23, 2022

When you are tempted to take an abusive partner back.

When you are tempted to take an abusive partner back.

Forgiveness

Forgiving Yourself for Choosing an Abusive Partner

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on April 19, 2022

Stop beating yourself up for getting involved with an abusive partner. You had reasons for your choice.

Stop beating yourself up for getting involved with an abusive partner. You had reasons for your choice.

Forgiveness

How to Forgive Yourself for Becoming a Victim of Emotional Abuse

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on March 26, 2022

How self-understanding can help you forgive yourself.

How self-understanding can help you forgive yourself.

Embarrassment

How to Stop Believing What an Abusive Partner Says

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on January 31, 2022

Stop giving your abuser power by believing their criticisms of you.

Stop giving your abuser power by believing their criticisms of you.

Relationships

Healing Emotional Abuse With Self-Kindness

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on October 29, 2021

Are you being emotionally abused but don't feel strong enough to leave? Self Kindness can be an important first step.

Are you being emotionally abused but don't feel strong enough to leave? Self Kindness can be an important first step.

Are you emotionally abused? Learning how to practice self-compassion can help.

Fear

Fighting the Temptation to Go Back to an Emotional Abuser

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on July 28, 2021

Do you find yourself considering going back to an emotional abuser? If so, these suggestions may help you gain clarity—and courage.

Do you find yourself considering going back to an emotional abuser? If so, these suggestions may help you gain clarity—and courage.

Relationships

When You Need to End an Emotionally Abusive Relationship

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on May 18, 2021

7 signs that it is critical to end your relationship for your health and safety.

7 signs that it is critical to end your relationship for your health and safety.

Embarrassment

Recovering from the Lasting Shame of Emotional Abuse

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on March 11, 2021

Healing shame is important after escaping an emotionally abusive relationship.

Healing shame is important after escaping an emotionally abusive relationship.

Child Development

Child Abuse/Neglect Can Predict Emotional Abuse in Adults

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on February 4, 2021

Does child abuse and neglect set someone up for emotional abuse as an adult?

Does child abuse and neglect set someone up for emotional abuse as an adult?