My first grade sexual abuse prevention lessons revisit and build upon the skills and concepts covered in kindergarten. (See Kindergarten Lessons for Sexual Abuse Prevention.) For this series of thr…
My sexual abuse prevention unit for second grade consists of three lessons, which revisit and build upon the skills and concepts covered in first grade. For these lessons you will need the books Sc…
Use this list of free resources to use as social emotional learning activities to help you work with kids and young adults. As a special educator for 10 years, I can say without a doubt that we need more social emotional learning supports for kids and young adults. Some of my best days in the classr
Learn the 5 phases of narcissistic abuse and trauma recovery. Join thousands who have discovered these 5 keys to healing.
The classic abusive relationship is characterized by a three-stage cycle that may or may not be visible to outsiders. Victim Beware: You are on an emotional roller coaster ride that will wear you down and deplete your self-esteem! The Tension-Building Stage: The angry person becomes increasingly controlling during this period, which may take days, weeks, or even years to evolve and progress. Limits are imposed on the partner. For example, the abuser may decide what clothes look "right" on the partner, or what image is portrayed. They may try to define whom the partner may or may not speak with and about what, etc. The control is insidious and progressive. As tension and control increase, the partner attempts to accommodate the abuser in order to keep peace, to please the abuser, or for some similar reason. Despite actions the partner takes, the abuser becomes increasingly remote, contemptuous, critical, preoccupied, or otherwise on edge. The tension and control increase until culminating in the abuse stage. The Abuse Stage: (Explosion) A major verbal, emotional or physically abusive incident occurs that was instigated by the abuser. A trivial event is often used to trigger the main event. The abuser actively looks for excuses to blow up over, and may set their partner up in a no-win situation. One angry man found reason to verbally abuse his girlfriend and destroy her property because he did not like the size of the pot she was boiling eggs in. Needless to say, the pot had nothing to do with anything. This opportunist had simply received a nod from a former lover, decided to change girlfriends, and wanted an out. The victim is often left feeling hurt - and confused. The Remorse Stage: (Honeymoon Period) Once the blows are delivered, the abuser is calmed. Having blown off steam and regaining composure, the abusive person is full of apologies and promises never to do "it" again - if the partner distances. The more distanced the victim, the more intensely the abuser pursues...and pursues...and pursues. The abuser can be so charming and complimentary, the codependent victim's heart breaks. There is a compelling need to believe their abuser's promises and pleas and take them back. The more codependent and insecure the partner, the more vulnerable they are to the partner's attentive remorse. Abusers during this phase are wonderful! A "normal" person is unlikely to be so compelling and persistent in winning over their partner's love - because they have no reason to be. As the relationship progresses, the abuse cycle typically escalates in intensity and in the temporal contiguity of its negative aspects. The abuse lasts longer and becomes more pronounced, while the loving remorse dwindles. The abuser loves a good challenge. The goal is to win the victim back, at any price. At a distance, the partner is perceived as emotionally "safe." The harder the abuser has to work to win back his or her victim, the more the victim is appreciated. Once the relationship resumes, the abuser's mistrust prompts their poor recall of any tender feelings. Their fear inevitably powers the resumption of the abuse cycle. (http://www.drirene.com/cyclesof.htm) Another image-
Our Letting Go of Resentment Worksheet PDF can be downloaded and used with all your clients, giving them the ability to fill it out on a digital device or print it out.
While each individual’s path of healing is unique, this “healing flame” is a visual representation of factors that contribute to healing for youth who have experienced abuse. It has been adapted fr…
What is verbal abuse? The idea itself seems pretty straight-forward. Yet everyone has said thi
Learn to identify common narcissistic abuse and manipulative tactics by parents and the lasting effects of each behavior on their children.
The following book is recommended: Cory Helps Kids Cope with Sexual Abuse: Playful Activities for Traumatized Children. Lowenstein, Liana. (2014). Champion
Learn more about 10 Signs of Emotional Abuse You Should Never Ignore from the experts at The Marriage Restoration Project.
If you and your mom are best friends-close, you might not even comprehend a relationship that doesn't go that way. But the mother-daughter dynamic can be tricky, and, if you look closely, it's possible you'll see signs you have an emotionally…
The long-lasting side effects of strangulation, a common tactic of abusers.
This 7-step guide covers what reparenting is, why it's important, and the process of how to reparent yourself to heal from childhood abuse.
Therapy Resources: We provide mental health professionals with worksheets, group activities, & more!
This activity can be used to support your students' understanding of the importance of a 'Safety Network', as part of a Protective Behaviours program. This product is FREE; there is nothing more important than helping keep our students safe from abuse.
Therapy Resources: We provide mental health professionals with worksheets, group activities, & more!
A case study looking at working with sexual abuse through art therapy, and how it can support with PTSD. All identities remain anonymous.
Does this sound familiar?
Learn what is Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, its signs, causes, treatment and ways to cope with PTSD.
DBT Substance Abuse Worksheets provide individuals seeking help with a comprehensive and structured way to address their substance abuse challenges. These worksheets are specifically designed to guide individuals through the process of building skills and techniques that can facilitate their recovery journey. By focusing on important topics such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills, these worksheets empower individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and cultivate a positive and sustainable lifestyle free from substance abuse.
I was a first-year school counselor standing at the front door greeting students as they walked into school for the day. A new second grader approached me and
