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Category » Abuse

Black and white image of a woman in a hat looking up with her arms raised. Text overlay reads: “EMDR Therapy for Sexual Assault and Negative Cognitions. A new blog by Amy Jones, MSW, MFT, LCSW. Council for Relationships.”

EMDR Therapy for Sexual Assault and Negative Cognitions

April 29, 2025

Sexual assault is a deeply traumatic experience that can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars. Survivors often carry invisible wounds that affect their daily lives, relationships, and sense of safety. While every survivor’s journey is unique, many grapple with mental health challenges in the aftermath of trauma—challenges that can feel overwhelming and isolating. Fortunately, healing…

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This image features a static background with a glitch effect and the title "Divorcing a Narcissist" prominently displayed in a digital, pixelated font. Below the main title, the subtitle reads, "What is Coercive Control?" The bottom of the image features the author's name, "Dr. Lauren Napolitano," in a smaller, similar pixelated font. The top of the image displays the Council for Relationships logo, with the text "CFR Blog" on the side. The overall design evokes a sense of disruption or distortion, reflecting the blog's focus on challenging and unsettling relationship dynamics.

Divorcing a Narcissist: What is Coercive Control?

August 20, 2024

Divorcing a narcissist is more than just a challenging breakup; it’s a battle against deep psychological manipulation and control. In this guest blog, Philadelphia-area psychologist Dr. Lauren Napolitano explores the intense struggles faced by those entangled with narcissistic partners. From the grip of coercive control to the dangers of post-separation abuse, this blog sheds light…

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Cover image for a resource on 'Signs of Teen Dating Violence,' featuring a white handprint on a purple background, symbolizing a call to awareness. Below the handprint, the title reads in bold, 'SIGNS OF TEEN DATING VIOLENCE' by Danielle Silverman, LCSW, MEd, for the Council for Relationships. The color scheme and imagery convey a serious and informative tone appropriate for the topic.

Signs of Teen Dating Violence

February 12, 2024

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month when we focus on recognizing and understanding signs of teen dating violence. Teen dating abuse is a massive problem. It can manifest in different ways, like hurting someone emotionally or physically, controlling them, or harassing them online. Friends and family are pivotal in identifying warning signs, offering support,…

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023

Many believe that the effects of domestic violence are limited to the abuser and the victim, but as the U.S. Department of Justice’s own Office on Violence Against Women states, “domestic violence not only affects those who are abused, but also has a substantial effect on family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and the community…

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3 Alarming Takeaways for Parents of Teens in Age Discrepant Relationships

September 22, 2023

Age-discrepant relationships are relationships where partners have a sizeable gap between the ages of those in the relationship. While there is no hard and fast number to define what is considered “sizeable,” when it comes to relationships between teenagers and adults, laws define the age of consent. Mainstream pop stars like Demi Lovato are driving…

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Five Things Virginia Satir Would Tell You About the Therapeutic Process

Council for Relationships is known for couples and family therapy since 1932. But who discovered and developed Family Therapy? Virgina Satir is considered the Mother of Family Therapy. Her findings and therapeutic process remain highly influential for therapists. Read on the learn more about Virginia Satir and the five things she would tell you about…

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