Best Self Magazine

Recovering from emotional abuse & learned toxic behaviors

Recovering from Emotional Abuse & Learned Toxic Behavior, by Lisa Cooney. Photograph chain fence by Neonbrand.

Photograph by Neonbrand

Strategies to reclaim your power and self-esteem after emotional abuse

In moments of stress or anger, many of us revert to behaviors we experienced as children. The rage and anger that we swore we would never express, especially the way our parents or caregivers did, can sometimes overwhelm us as we find ourselves acting out the toxic behaviors of our youth.

Emotional abuse leaves its scars as much as physical, sexual, and other more violent forms of abuse. It is penetrable, just as destructive and far too often goes unseen. Not all wounds we bear are visible. You

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