Sometimes the deepest wounds aren’t just from what happened to you. They come from what happened when you tried to explain it…and no one seemed to understand, or even care.

You expected protection. You expected someone to see what you were seeing. You expected the truth to matter. And when that didn’t happen, something shifts. Not just externally, but internally.
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You may have walked away feeling more guarded, more exhausted, or questioning yourself in ways you didn’t before. And that part can be confusing, because it doesn’t always look like what we typically think of as trauma. But it is. And it often leaves people not just hurt, but deeply mistrustful of the systems that were supposed to help.

Speaking out about abuse is never easy.

For survivors, telling the truth can feel like reclaiming your voice and your dignity. 

But for those who have lived with someone who thrives on control and power, telling the truth often comes with a significant cost: retaliation.

Narcissistic individuals, especially those high in coercive control, often respond to being exposed as if it were an existential threat. They do not see it as an opportunity for accountability or growth; they see it as an attack that must be countered.

How dare anyone contradict them or help to remove the mask that they so carefully keep in place when in public.
This dynamic affects not only survivors but also the professionals, friends, and family members who choose to stand beside them.

​Finding a therapist after experiencing domestic abuse can be daunting, but the right support is crucial for healing. In this guide from DomesticShelters.org, Sybil Cummin, MA, LPC, ACS, offers practical tips to help survivors identify therapists who truly understand the complexities of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse. It covers questions to ask, such as evaluating a therapist’s experience, their therapeutic approaches, and whether they fit your emotional and financial needs. It also highlights resources to locate specialized professionals. With thoughtful advice, this article empowers survivors to take a confident step toward recovery.

Read the full article here or click the button below.

By Sybil Cummin, MA, LPC, ACS

​In the high-stakes arena of family court, where the well-being of children should be in the forefront of everyone’s minds, survivors of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse are often ignored or even punished for trying to protect their children.

Navigating legal proceedings with an abusive ex can feel like an endless battle.  In Episode 60 of The Rising Beyond Podcast, Beyond Legislation: Reshaping Family Court with Lundy Bancroft, our expert guest shines a spotlight on the systemic challenges and the potential pathways to a reformed family court that truly protects the vulnerable.
 
​There are so many lessons that we can take away from this episode that features Lundy Bancroft, a leading authority on interventions for abusive men and passionate advocate for women survivors. I wanted to give you all the “Cliffs Notes” version of the top three takeaways that promise to reshape your understanding of family law, advocacy, and healing.