Mind Games

Empathy

Raising Boys to Experience Empathy

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on July 10, 2024

Supportive parents are likely to develop empathy in their offspring.

Supportive parents are likely to develop empathy in their offspring.

Domestic Violence

Denial for the Perpetrator and Survivor of Intimate Partner Abuse

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on April 29, 2024

In intimate partner abuse in a couple, both perpetrator and survivor are in denial. It's almost always upon the survivor to ultimately say "no more" for change to take place.

In intimate partner abuse in a couple, both perpetrator and survivor are in denial. It's almost always upon the survivor to ultimately say "no more" for change to take place.

Domestic Violence

Self-Compassion: A Must for Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on March 5, 2024

Feeling for ourselves and our suffering is a necessary part of fully healing.

Feeling for ourselves and our suffering is a necessary part of fully healing.

Domestic Violence

How Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse Take Back Control

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on January 16, 2024

To take back agency, survivors of intimate partner abuse need to identify the coercive tactics and psychological impact, and then embark on trauma recovery.

To take back agency, survivors of intimate partner abuse need to identify the coercive tactics and psychological impact, and then embark on trauma recovery.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence: Some U.S. States' Residents at Higher Risk

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on December 5, 2023

Domestic violence rose before and after the pandemic. A 2023 study identifies the U.S. states with highest percentages. More education and resources are needed.

Domestic violence rose before and after the pandemic. A 2023 study identifies the U.S. states with highest percentages. More education and resources are needed.

Domestic Violence

Victims of Abuse Penalized for Victimization

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on October 16, 2023

It's hard to believe that intimate partner victims with children can be held responsible for the violence they endure and risk losing custody.

It's hard to believe that intimate partner victims with children can be held responsible for the violence they endure and risk losing custody.

Domestic Violence

Intimate Partner Abuse Often Causes Adverse Physical Health

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on September 5, 2023

Intimate partner abuse not only harmfully affects mental health, but also creates a serious risk to declining physical health, underscoring the need to recognize and treat both.

Intimate partner abuse not only harmfully affects mental health, but also creates a serious risk to declining physical health, underscoring the need to recognize and treat both.

Domestic Violence

Guns Make Domestic Violence More Deadly

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on July 11, 2023

Since domestic violence wasn’t identified 200 years ago, the 1994 federal law "protective order" for DV victims is deemed unconstitutional by one appeals court, so far.

Since domestic violence wasn’t identified 200 years ago, the 1994 federal law "protective order" for DV victims is deemed unconstitutional by one appeals court, so far.

Domestic Violence

Exposure to Intimate Partner Abuse Requires Healing

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on June 9, 2023

After leaving an abusive intimate partner, recovery is necessary to heal from self-blame, low self-esteem, and loss of trust in your own judgment and get back safety and agency.

After leaving an abusive intimate partner, recovery is necessary to heal from self-blame, low self-esteem, and loss of trust in your own judgment and get back safety and agency.

Relationships

Coercive Control Weighs Heavily on Children

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on April 12, 2023

New data about coercive control in the home reveals that children need protection.

New data about coercive control in the home reveals that children need protection.

Mating

Identifying Signs of Coercion When Dating

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on February 22, 2023

Dating can be less stressful when you're aware of the potential red flags of a coercive partner.

Dating can be less stressful when you're aware of the potential red flags of a coercive partner.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury From Intimate Partner Violence

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on January 9, 2023

Treatment for survivors of intimate partner violence is often focused on PTSD. But what is often missed are the signs of a co-existing traumatic brain injury.

Treatment for survivors of intimate partner violence is often focused on PTSD. But what is often missed are the signs of a co-existing traumatic brain injury.

Trauma

Freeze and Fawn: Trauma Responses Undermine Self-Protection

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on November 17, 2022

When we are entrapped by an abusive situation, it's common to shut down our painful feelings and/or become complacent in the service of the perpetrator.

When we are entrapped by an abusive situation, it's common to shut down our painful feelings and/or become complacent in the service of the perpetrator.

Parenting

Co-Parenting After Divorce When Your Ex Was Abusive

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on October 11, 2022

Co-parenting is not possible with an abusive partner who doesn't seek treatment. Parallel parenting minimizes contact between parents while addressing the needs of the children.

Co-parenting is not possible with an abusive partner who doesn't seek treatment. Parallel parenting minimizes contact between parents while addressing the needs of the children.

Relationships

Curious People Are Likely to Have Better Relationships

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on August 15, 2022

Curiosity is important to look for in dating and an intimate partner for greater success.

Curiosity is important to look for in dating and an intimate partner for greater success.

Gender

Gender Inequality Fuels Intimate Partner Violence

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on July 5, 2022

Gender equality for women is identified as an important contributor to reducing violence against women.

Gender equality for women is identified as an important contributor to reducing violence against women.

Moral Injury

The "Moral Injury" of Intimate Partner Abuse

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on May 13, 2022

In an oppressive or dangerous circumstance, protecting ourself can cause us to experience a moral injury.

In an oppressive or dangerous circumstance, protecting ourself can cause us to experience a moral injury.

Law and Crime

Marital Rape Is Criminalized But Not Upheld

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on March 10, 2022

Marital rape law established in 1993 yet many states downgrade to a lesser crime or no crime at all.

Marital rape law established in 1993 yet many states downgrade to a lesser crime or no crime at all.

Narcissism

Narcissistic Partners May Be More Dangerous Than You Think

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on February 1, 2022

Feeling badly during a relationship might be a clue you're with a narcissist.

Feeling badly during a relationship might be a clue you're with a narcissist.

Emotional Abuse

Coercive Control Becoming Criminalized

Carol A. Lambert, MSW on December 20, 2021

Coercive control protective laws take seriously psychological abuse. It is detrimental to well-being and a precursor to possible future physical violence.

Coercive control protective laws take seriously psychological abuse. It is detrimental to well-being and a precursor to possible future physical violence.