CBT Therapy NI

08/10/2025

We know that domestic abuse continues to impact far too many women across our communities. Please see an important community announcement we would like to share with you.

05/10/2025

If someone tells you that they are being abused by a narcissist or a sociopath, and your first reaction is to doubt them—thinking, “That can’t be true, they’re such a nice, charming person”—pause. Really pause. Think again. Because abuse doesn’t always look like what we expect. It doesn’t always come with screaming matches, visible scars, or dramatic confrontations. Sometimes, abuse is subtle. Sometimes, it’s quiet. Sometimes, it’s hidden behind a smile, a polite word, or an outwardly flawless reputation.

The person on the outside might seem perfect: friendly, courteous, accomplished, and even generous. They may charm everyone around them effortlessly, drawing people in with charisma, wit, and apparent kindness. But don’t be fooled. That same charm can be a weapon—a mask carefully crafted to conceal manipulation, control, and emotional cruelty. Superficial charm is not just a personality trait; it is one of the most defining characteristics of narcissists and sociopaths. It’s how they gain trust, infiltrate lives, and keep the people around them second-guessing their own reality.

Abuse isn’t defined by outward appearances. It’s defined by how someone makes another person feel: unsafe, unheard, manipulated, or diminished. Just because someone seems “nice” doesn’t mean they are incapable of causing deep, lasting harm. And just because someone looks “normal” doesn’t mean the victim’s experience is any less real.

This is why believing survivors is so crucial. Listening without judgment, validating their experiences, and trusting their words is not optional—it’s necessary. Because abusers rely on doubt and disbelief to maintain their control. They rely on the world seeing only the surface and ignoring the truth underneath. Abuse often comes disguised as charm, perfection, and success. And if you let that charm blind you, you may miss the reality of the pain they are inflicting.

The next time someone shares that they are being abused by someone seemingly “nice,” resist the urge to judge based on appearances. Understand that the masks of charm, politeness, and generosity can hide a pattern of manipulation and cruelty. Support them. Stand with them. Their experience is real, and their courage to speak out matters more than any illusion of goodness you see in the abuser.

08/09/2025

18/08/2025

🚨 Nationwide Emergency Alert Test — Sunday 7th September, 3pm

The UK’s new emergency alert system will send a loud siren, message, and vibration to every compatible phone even on silent. Survivors of abuse with hidden phones could be put at risk if the device is discovered.

You can opt out in your phone’s settings to protect your safety:
✅ iPhone: Search “Emergency Alerts” in settings → Turn off Severe & Emergency alerts

✅ Android: Search “Emergency Alerts” in settings → Turn off Severe & Emergency alerts (and other threat categories if listed)

28/05/2025

💛 credit: .sg

20/03/2025

The One Stop Shop offers free, confidential and immediate advice/support for all women experiencing domestic abuse. No appointment is required and agencies involved are: Women’s Aid, PSNI, NIHE, Community Advice and Legal.

📍Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick

📅Tuesday 25th March 2025 & Tuesday 29th April 2025

⏰10AM – 12PM.

18/03/2025

This is your sign to reach out to your friends and check in on them.

06/03/2025

26/02/2025

Words can break or heal.

Choose wisely; kindness matters. 💖✨

26/02/2025

A workshop aimed at parents and professionals who support children unable to attend school as a result of anxiety and other factors.