The Compassion Chronicles

From anger to compassion and forgiveness.

Trauma
Three Steps to Breaking Your Negative Relationship Patterns

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on April 23, 2025

Many people develop a pattern of choosing partners who are abusive, neglectful, unfaithful, or addicted because they are unconsciously reenacting a trauma from the past.

Many people develop a pattern of choosing partners who are abusive, neglectful, unfaithful, or addicted because they are unconsciously reenacting a trauma from the past.

Trauma
Traumatic Reenactments in Abuse Survivors

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on January 28, 2025

Former victims often reenact past trauma by becoming involved with abusive people or by treating themselves or their children the way their parents did.

Former victims often reenact past trauma by becoming involved with abusive people or by treating themselves or their children the way their parents did.

Sexual Abuse
Tell Yourself the Truth if You Were Sexually Abused

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on July 15, 2024

Victims of child sexual abuse tend to be in denial: denial that they were abused, denial that the abuse caused damage, denial that it was done against their will.

Victims of child sexual abuse tend to be in denial: denial that they were abused, denial that the abuse caused damage, denial that it was done against their will.

Sexual Abuse
Child Sexual Abuse: A Common Secret

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on May 14, 2024

There are many obstacles child victims of sexual abuse must overcome before they can disclose the abuse. In fact, the average age at the time of reporting is about 52 years.

There are many obstacles child victims of sexual abuse must overcome before they can disclose the abuse. In fact, the average age at the time of reporting is about 52 years.

Sex
How Survivors of Sex Abuse Can Stop Compulsive Sex Practices

Beverly Engel L.M.F.T. on April 13, 2023

Being re-victimized isn't the only way former victims of child sexual abuse reenact their trauma, some take on a sexually aggressive stance in an attempt to avoid being victimized.

Being re-victimized isn't the only way former victims of child sexual abuse reenact their trauma, some take on a sexually aggressive stance in an attempt to avoid being victimized.

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Magazine
November 2025 magazine cover
November 2025
Healing Family Splits

Cut-offs cut deep and wide, their emotional impact reverberating far beyond the combatants. Because much of the suffering is hidden, repair is challenging for everyone, not least of all therapists.

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Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

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