Hi! I was looking for online support and found this site this morning. I developed cPTSD after surviving and escaping an emotionally abusive marriage of 20 long years. I've been in trauma therapy weekly for 1 1/2 years.
I just broke up with my boyfriend a month ago and am discovering that he, too, had controlling behaviors.
I am seeing this is a pattern of craving attention from guys and ignoring red flags (and idealizing love and mistaking the control as love.) Fun stuff.
I've learned to cope with symptoms through meditation, yoga, breathwork, grounding, inner child work, journaling, and affirmations. And I give myself lots and lots of hugs.
I look forward to getting to know other survivors and walking this journey of healing together. ❤️
Hi and a warm welcome to OOTS Phoenix! :heythere: Great choice of forum name as it really sounds like you are rising from the ashes of bad relationships through some good recovery work! I hope you find it helpful being here :)
Thank you, Kizzie - yes, my sister referenced this after I told her about my abuse and wanting to "become who I am again." She described it the way you did and it has since become part of my identity: I bought a necklace of a phoenix on black obsidian stone and also named my blog after it.
Thanks for your response and for all that you do. Ive read some of your posts and they are very gentle and kind.
You're on a good recovery path Phoenix! :grouphug:
Welcome, Phoenix. I'm glad you found us.