By: Mandie Schreck Verbal Abuse can be difficult to overcome and even harder to set boundaries around. Establishing parameters for yourself can be a struggle when confronted with Verbal Abuse. How can you create a safe space for yourself where you have an open flow of healthy communication? Recognize Unhealthy Communication Habits The first step...
By: Whitney Derman Generational Trauma affects many families. It is commonly caused by creating a cycle of abuse by which each generation ends up passing their fears, anxieties, and other issues they got from their parents to their children, who in turn pass it down to their children. “Even if the abuse itself is not...
By: Whitney Derman In recent years, reports of Sexual Abuse seem to have gone down slightly. The question is, “Why?” Is less abuse happening, or is it just not being reported? Both factors come into play, but one is more prevalent. Sexual Abuse and harassment are taken much more seriously than in the past, with...
By: Mandie Schreck Spiritual or Religious Abuse is very complex because it has many layers. Not only does some Religious Abuse affect individuals mentally for the rest of their life, but it can also include other forms of abuse we educate on at ARO. When Spiritual Abuse coincides with Sexual, Narcissistic, Spousal, or Child Abuse,...
By: Eileen Shea Goals Why do we set new goals in a new year? The calendar is simply a reminder to reflect on what you want to work towards, but can also provide a psychological reset. Perhaps the new year brings a greater sense of motivation or ability to succeed. Even though one digit doesn’t...
By: Mandie Schreck Narcissistic Abuse is often correlated with spouses, partners, or even friends, but what if Narcissistic Abuse starts from the day some of us are born? “A narcissistic parent can be defined as someone who lives through, is possessive of, and/or engages in marginalizing competition with the offspring” (Ni, 2016 ). Children and...
By: Mandie Schreck What are the first steps in the healing journey for individuals who have been abused? Acknowledging the abuse you’ve experienced and having a clear understanding that you are not the one at fault It can be difficult for many because you may have many underlying fears, regrets, shame, guilt, and questions about self-confidence...
A Poem By: Josie Nelson Breathe in deep. Expand your lungs. Drop your shoulders. Raise your chest.Exhale s-l-o-w-l-y out your mouth, so you feel wind across your lips.Breathe in. Exhale out. Breathe in. Exhale out.Do you feel lighter? Do you feel brighter?Do you feel that little spark of hope that there’s more to come?More LIFE....
By: Rashmi Negi We live in a society where young boys are taught not to express emotions and may often feel discouraged to share whatever they are going through in their lives. People commonly talk about women’s abuse but remain hushed when it comes to men. It may happen more often than you expect in...
By: Whitney Derman So you’re considering therapy? I’m proud of you for taking that first step to a healthier and better you! Planning to go to therapy is a great step; however, not every therapist will be perfect for you. Finding your ideal match can be the make-it-or-break-it point between successful treatment that will help...
