An Offer of Community Service
Emotional abuse happens far more often and destroys more relationships than most people realize. Many, many people are living in an abusive environment without knowing it – they know they feel hurt a lot of the time and that their relationship is not going well, but have never considered (or cannot bear to consider) the possibility of abuse as an explanation. Until the problem is accurately identified, it cannot be resolved and there is no hope for improving the relationship in a lasting way.
Though the issue of emotional abuse receives more press these days, it is somehow still experienced in isolation by those who live with it. Knowledge of what constitutes abuse and what to do about it is essential for each individual trying to find or maintain a healthy relationship. It is also essential for each of us as citizens in a society which is becoming more and more impersonal, which lays the foundation for more and more dehumanizing behavior. It is my goal to educate as many people as possible on this subject. I have assembled a workshop which takes about two hours, including ample time for discussion. Those who have attended so far have reported that it was exceptionally informative and empowering, and expressed personal gratitude for the experience. It covers the following information:
1. Common misconceptions that keep emotional abuse from being more consistently identified and addressed. These misconceptions leave targets of abuse feeling alone, confused, and perhaps even believing that they caused their own mistreatment.
2. Characteristics of emotional abuse. There is a broad spectrum of behaviors which range from merely controlling and disrespectful, to outright emotional assault. Awareness of these behaviors is crucial to identifying abusive patterns in a relationship.
3. The effects of living with emotional abuse. Living with chronic abuse can create profound losses in psychological and physical health, yet targets of abuse often can’t see how dramatically it affects them. Recognizing typical symptoms can help seminar participants identify whether they are living in abusive relationships.
4. What to do about emotional abuse. From the individual relationship to our larger social structure, there are actions we can all take to reduce the occurrence of this destructive force. Therapy can help; therapeutic goals for both abusers and their targets are discussed.
5. Resources for learning more, and for getting help if it is needed.
I am offering this workshop free of charge to any group of five or more (based on neighborhoods, community organizations, workplaces, etc. -- any group is welcome), as long as I can work it into my schedule. I can present at your location if the facilities are appropriate and it is within acceptable driving distance. Otherwise, your group is welcome to come to my area if you wish, as I can accommodate up to eight participants in my office.
In order to extend the benefits of this community service, I request donations which I forward to the
Washington Women’s Shelter – donations are not required but are much appreciated. I cannot handle donations of goods due to the time and logistics of transporting the goods to the shelter. However, I encourage you to keep the shelter in mind if you have items that would be helpful to the women in our area who are too often starting their lives over with nothing because of the destruction of yet another relationship due to emotional and/or physical abuse.
Please feel free to
contact me with any questions, or to make arrangements for a presentation of this workshop for your group.