If you've been in a relationship with a ruthless manipulator, you know the devastation is far-reaching. They reduce life to a game of winning, a compulsion to obliterate anyone or anything standing in their way. Understand that regardless of what they say, they have no emotional attachment to anyone, fairness, or justice. They lack cognitive empathy, and the researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health found a link between sociopathic deficits in recognizing emotions and amygdala dysfunction. Sadly, they cannot [...]

Most people believe that anger is inherently toxic or harmful. And that is not true. Anger is our natural reaction to something that is not right. Our bodies instinctively respond to someone trespassing on our physical, emotional, or mental boundaries. It is situational, occurring when needed to fend off a threat and then subside. Healthy anger can motivate us to fight injustice or protect our children like a mama bear. It can push us to leave unhealthy relationships. It is not [...]

Dating after an abusive relationship presents unique challenges since most survivors experience chronic PTSD… especially if you were with a cluster B personality (narcissist, psychopath, sociopath, or BPD) and survived childhood trauma. But pat yourself on the back for taking the first step in leaving. Abuse alters brain chemistry, making it almost impossible for victims to leave their abusers. According to a study conducted by UCLA psychology professor Shelley Taylor, “oxytocin released from the amygdala promotes positive social bonds and has [...]