‘Abuse and Trauma’ Questions at Ask the Psychologist: Online Clinical Psychologist

Q: I come from an extremely dysfunctional home. My father is 70 years old and has always been verbally, emotionally and physically abusive. My mother has always protected him. They have been married for 50 years. They are also masters of keeping up appearances. They are so good at looking good that any outsider looking [...]

Q: I’m 26 years old, and I was sexually abused when I was 10. My abuser was my brother’s best mate whom my mum had taken in. The day after it happened, he robbed our house, and we have never seen him again.
Although I’ve never really told too many others what happened, I’ve lived with [...]

Q: I am seeking advice on how to deal with an emotionally abusive family member.
My older sister displays all the symptoms of a borderline personality disorder or possibly even sociopathy. After dealing with the lies, guilt, manipulations, aggression, and financial dependency for as long as I can remember, I cut off contact with her 2 [...]

Q: My 18-year-old daughter recently stormed out of our home after she was caught in yet another lie, and my relationship with her is strained at best. My daughter was beyond devastated when her dad moved out and began dating a boy who was verbally and emotionally abusive toward her; she began to lie habitually [...]

Q: I met my girlfriend seven months ago. She had gotten divorced last August after being in a very abusive relationship for over 18 years.
My girlfriend has a 17-year-old daughter who started college this year. She is a good kid. She does well in school, doesn’t smoke or do drugs and doesn’t party much. [...]