11/08/2025
"Abusers tend to be master manipulators, able to evade suspicion by being overly charming and helpful in public spaces, to hide the heartbreaking truth of what goes on in private." – Wendy Kittlitz
Abuse is not just physical. It can also be mental, emotional, sexual, or even spiritual.
As therapists, we take a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach to therapy—creating a safe and supportive space where survivors can begin to heal, rebuild trust and reclaim their sense of self.
In couples therapy, recognizing the signs of abuse is crucial. Sometimes what may appear as “communication issues” or “conflict patterns” can actually be signs of control, manipulation or coercion. True relational healing cannot happen when one partner feels unsafe or silenced.
That’s why it’s essential for therapists to:
-Notice imbalances of power and patterns of fear or intimidation.
-Create opportunities for private check-ins with each partner when needed.
-Avoid interventions that could unintentionally reinforce the abuser’s control.
-Prioritize safety and validation over reconciliation when abuse is suspected.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please know that you are not alone, and support is available.
Safety comes first. Healing can follow. You deserve to be heard and to feel safe.
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☎ 519-886-8577
✉ info@bypeacefulwaters.ca
🌐 www.bypeacefulwaters.ca
