Donna Andersen

When seeking therapy, some victims of intimate partner abuse or intimate partner terrorism are told that they "chose to be abused" or are "codependent." But most survivors do not knowingly or willingly enter into relationships in which they are exploited, dominated and preyed upon. According to new research by Lovefraud.com, counselors who blame victims, either directly or indirectly, for becoming entangled in abusive relationships may be delivering therapy that does more harm than good. Counselors who understand the characteristics and behaviors of abusive partners, on the other hand, are often able to establish more productive therapeutic relationships. Counseling Intimate Partner …

What counselors need to know when treating survivors of intimate partner abuseRead More

Facilitating Professionally Run Support Groups for Partners in Exploitative Relationships Confusion — everyone who is romantically involved with a sociopath experiences massive amount of confusion. Support groups offer clarity and validation — that's why they're so helpful for recovery. Lovefraud constantly hears from people who are looking for support groups specifically to help with recovery from sociopaths. They are really hard to find. And that's why Mary Ann is offering her webinar — so therapists who want to offer support groups can learn how to do it. Psychologists and social workers can earn two continuing education credits. This webinar would also be helpful for anyone wh …

Mary Ann Glynn on why a support group helps recovery from a sociopathRead More

  Suppose you're a therapist and a new client walks into your office. This person appears confused, full of self-doubt and self-blame. What might you think might be causing your client's problems? Anxiety Low self-esteem An exploitative relationship If you're like most therapists, you probably wouldn't even think of option 3 — an exploitative relationship. But Mary Ann Glynn, LCSW, CHT, explains that confusion, self-doubt and self-blame are almost universally experienced by people who are being exploited and manipulated by their intimate partners. You probably weren't taught this in your training. Here's your chance to learn about it. Lovefraud Continuing E …

If your client doubts herself, is it low self-esteem? Or an exploitative relationship?Read More

When someone is involved in an abusive relationship, the most prominent warning sign is likely to be confusion, explains Mary Ann Glynn, LCSW, CHT. People who are involved with abusers can't figure out what is going on — and sometimes counselors misinterpret their clients' confusion. In this Live Online webinar, you'll be able to ask questions of Mary Ann and interact with other learners. You'll also be able to take advantage of a new feature of Lovefraud's Continuing Education courses — a private forum for everyone in the course. Ask questions and compare notes with other learners — even after the webinar is over. Love and Exploitation: Part 1: Recognizing the exploitative relation …

Confusion: The top warning sign of an abusive relationshipRead More