Love bombing, a manipulative behavior that utilizes excessive flattery to control an unsuspecting potential partner, is the antithesis of everything love stands for. It’s cruel and selfish, often leaving a person feeling confused and foolish for falling for such a manipulative person. Here’s what love bombing looks like: They say they love you first early in the relationship and go to extremes to show you. They will go above and beyond only after a few dates. They will help y

As a clinical psychotherapist, I see couples who do not belong together. There are individuals who tolerate being screamed at or insulted by their partner. Yet when it’s suggested that they should take a break or separate from each other, they vehemently decline. They protect their partner in public when they go off on a rage and even attack family members who voice their concerns. Understanding why people stay in toxic relationships is the first step to helping them leave. B

When I talk with fathers about their unborn children, most of them are comfortable with the idea of a son but are a bit more apprehensive about having a girl. They worry they’ll have nothing in common and or wonder what they conversations will be like. As a society, we’ve put a lot of pressure on moms to take on the majority of parenting, especially the emotional aspects. Often we forget about the incredible impact engaged dads have on their children. In a time of turmoil wit

Victims of sexual assault share one very real truth in common – they no longer trust anyone. Many victims express not even trusting themselves. This is one of the reasons dating or making new friends after an assault becomes so difficult. Another reason is that the victim had little control over what caused the sexual assault. Sexual assault is not about sex – it’s about control. Like all crimes, something is taken without the victim’s consent. It can never be given back. Ass

For many, going home for the holidays is a happy time including laughter, intimate discussions, fond memories and the warmth of being together. Unfortunately, for some this is not their experience. Instead, they recall fights, caustic words yelled carelessly, and rough touches. They dread the holidays, they dread leaving work, and they dread the conversations forced upon them. When the people who are supposed to love you, don’t, or the ones you share your last name with humil

In the United States between 40 to 50 percent of married couples divorce. Divorce happens for many reasons, but marriage experts often believe if the couple had taken time apart, worked with a mental health professional, or received pre-marriage education, divorce could have been prevented. However, there is one situation that this does not apply, and that issue is abuse. Abuse begins early in the relationship but continues to worsen the more it is tolerated. When you hear th

If you’ve ever been in a relationship with a manipulator, chances are you’ll never forget it. You end up being put into situations you don’t like being in and feel trapped to resist the situation or consequences. In a sense we are all manipulated into buying something we don’t want or being in a situation we don’t like due to social influence, and that’s normal and common. But a psychological manipulator is not normal, and it’s not healthy because someone else is using you fo