By: Melanie Arcidiacono, LAMFT

Abuse can be defined in different ways. The textbook definition of abuse is likely to be defined as cruel or violent treatment towards people or animals repeatedly or regularly. It can be confusing when applying what abuse looks like in personal relationships; maybe with romantic partners, colleagues, and even family. Relational abuse can happen physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Mental and emotional abuse can include control, manipulation, breadcrumbing, gaslighting and other things depending on their context. The best protection against abuse are things like a strong sense of self, firm boundaries, and knowledge around spotting abuse.

Useful definitions to arm yourself with:

Breadcrumbing: the act of one person giving just enough time, attention, effort, information, or reassurance to maintain the bare minimum with the other party.
Love bombing: overwhelming a person with affection, gifts, or attention in order to gain control over the person or situation.
Manipulation: a dishonest and deceptive way of influencing someone to gain control or their desired outcome.
Gaslighting: to manipulate someone using psychological methods that cause a person to question their own sanity or reasoning.

Most people know what physical abuse looks, feels, and sounds like, but emotional and mental abuse are often disregarded due to a lack of knowledge surrounding it. It can seem daunting and overwhelming to address abuse in your relationships, but it can be much simpler than perception makes it seem.People of all backgrounds, races, and ages can experience emotional abuse and can look different for everyone whether it comes from a spouse, a parent, or a friend.When you feel ready to do so, working with a therapist and your support system can help defend you against manipulation tactics as well as guide you to a safer environment.

**Melanie Arcidiacono, LAMFT**

Melanie provides in-person and online sessions at our Galloway, NJ location and provides online services to clients in Pennsylvania. She works with couples looking to reconnect emotionally, resolve painful conflict, or strengthen their bond to create lasting change in their relationships. She also works with individuals to address self-confidence, improve boundaries and understand unhealthy patterns. To read more click here…

A BETTER LIFE THERAPY

A Better Life Therapy was founded in 2013 with a passion for providing warm, compassionate services to individuals and families in Pennsylvania. Our team specializes in relationship health as well as individual mental health. Our team has expertise in areas like anxiety, grief, depression, pregnancy related issues, sexual issues, substance use and trauma.

We currently have in person offices in: