Abuse/Neglect Archives - Tabitha Westbrook

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma

May 11, 2026 by Tabitha Westbrook

Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy be Helpful in Treating Trauma? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has become an easy target in online trauma spaces, and some of that criticism is earned. CBT is structured talk therapy built around the link between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and it is heavily researched and widely covered by insurance. The problem […]

Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect, Anxiety, Sexual Abuse / Trauma, Trauma, Trauma / PTSD Tagged With: complex trauma healing, domestic abuse recovery, emotional abuse awareness, healing from trauma, mental health counseling, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, stress management, trauma and PTSD wake forest, Trauma Healing, trauma recovery

Coercive Control Deep Dive

May 9, 2026 by Tabitha Westbrook

What is Coercive Control? Coercive control is a much better name for domestic abuse, domestic violence, or interpersonal violence because many people still picture abuse as only physical or sexual violence. The reality is that coercive control is a sustained pattern of power and control that slowly erodes another person’s autonomy, agency, and sense of […]

Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect, Couples/Marriage, Sexual Abuse / Trauma, Trauma, Trauma / PTSD Tagged With: coercive control, complex trauma healing, domestic abuse recovery, emotional abuse awareness, healing from trauma, healthy relationships, relationship red flags, trauma therapy

When it Doesn’t Feel Right: How to Recognize Teen Dating Violence

February 6, 2026 by Tabitha Westbrook

Teen Dating Violence Most people don’t often think about teen dating violence. Heck they may never think about it at all! Teen dating is often framed as awkward, dramatic, or something you’re supposed to just “get through.” Crushes, breakups, and big feelings are considered part of growing up. And while some emotional intensity is normal […]

Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect, Self-Esteem, Teens/Children, Trauma, Trauma / PTSD Tagged With: dating violence prevention, emotional abuse in teen dating, healthy teen relationships, teen dating violence, teen mental health, teen relationship boundaries, teen relationship red flags, unhealthy teen relationships

What Spiritual Abuse Is (and What it Isn’t)

January 16, 2026 by Tabitha Westbrook

Spiritual Abuse Defined The phrase spiritual abuse is being used more often, which is helpful and also can be complicated. It’s helpful, because many people have been harmed in the name of God and finally have language for their experience. Putting language to trauma helps us reengage our prefrontal cortex (the front thinky thinky part […]

Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect, Relationships, Trauma, Trauma / PTSD

Romance Fiction Red Flags: Unpacking Harmful Tropes in Fictional Love Stories (Part 1)

November 14, 2025 by Tabitha Westbrook

Written by Gwen Soat, LCMHCA Romance Fiction – Part 1 Falling in love through romance fiction is a common pastime for many creatives and story-lovers alike. We read of star-crossed lovers defying the odds, of enemies-to-lovers who choose each other despite their flaws, and friends who find each other to be so much more. Fictional […]

Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect, Addiction, Couples/Marriage, Sex, Sexual Abuse / Trauma, Trauma, Trauma / PTSD Tagged With: codependency, coercive control, emotional abuse awareness, gaslighting, healing from trauma, healthy relationships, jealousy in relationships, love and boundaries, mental health counseling, possessiveness, relationship red flags, romance fiction, romance fiction red flags, romantic obsession, therapy for women, Trauma Healing, trauma recovery, unhealthy relationship tropes