If you use a computer you are probably aware of the ‘default settings’ that come on your computer or in various software programs on your machine. A default settings is
“The controls of a computer hardware, software, device, equipment or machine which was preset by its manufacturer.”
Items on your computer that are preset are often the country you are in, the time zone, etc. There are also types of ‘presets’ you can choose yourself such as what company ISP is your home page, which printer you assign to your computer, and so on. These selections become ‘default’ settings once you have selected them. Your machine is now set to automatically defer to those choices every time the machine needs to.
But our computers are not the only things that are set on default. Just like a computer ‘hardware’ or ‘software’ can come ‘preset’ by its manufacturer, so can our own internal computer—our body and psyche.
Our hardware is our genetics that come hardwired into the development of our brain (and body for that matter). This can include propensities and proclivities to certain traits such as high or low serotonin in our brains, high or low empathy, and other genetic DNA that ‘presets’ our internalized computer. Just as we have seen the impact of the pathologicals own hardwired symptoms, we too come hardwired with our defaults that want to ‘lean’ us to these preset settings. Our default settings could be set to attraction to stocky dark haired men, or blonde and blue eyed, or black men or maybe your physical default is not all that particular about the physicality of your partners. Maybe your default is set to other parameters such as humor, charisma, or spirituality.
While we don’t ask why we have blue eyes or why we are attracted to tall dark and handsome, we often ask ‘why’ we have too much empathy or too much relationship investment not understanding that these settings come hardwired with us when we are born. A fact not often understood is that some emotional traits are as hardwired as other genetic DNA.
Our software is the programs that have been added into and onto our machine that tell the machine what to do. These software programs also impact our default settings but in a different way. Software are the messages you learned growing up as a child. These messages about relationships, men and women’s roles in relationships, what power you do or do not have, the impact of choices, violence in the home, addictions in parents are all data and information that is stored on your computer in the software ‘programs’ that run your computer. From your software the machine (your body, your external life) is run from the programs of your software. So messages about how ‘all relationships are’ or about what you ‘can and cannot succeed in’, tell your machine what choices to make from the software you have.
Software programs other than childhood messages can also come from religious impact, education, and your own experience within relationships—each compounding the existing software message or conflicting with existing software messages. These messages are also loaded onto your software as programs that impact choices which impact your life.
Hardware (hardwiring) preset defaults such as hyper empathy combined with software loaded defaults such as super trust or high tolerance messages (such as ‘don’t get divorced no matter what’) combine in unique yet entrapping ways that cause some people to be more ‘at risk’ of Pathological Love Relationships than others.
We have had heard the arguments of ‘nature versus nurture’ especially regarding pathology. We know some of the Cluster Bs are born that way, some are made that way from their social environments and some are both—born that way and then bent that way further. The same is true for you, the Super-Traited partner of Cluster Bs.
You come into the world with a proclivity towards certain hardwired traits within your temperament that are so strong as to make your ‘bent’ towards attraction to, and tolerance of, pathology extremely high. Into your world with your ‘bent’ you are exposed to lifelong messages that either encourage your bent or try to bend you away from your existing proclivities.
Families with healthy boundaries and healthy relationships model the exact programming that sets a child’s default on a different setting for partner selection. But families who themselves have selected pathological partners, who have the same hardwiring propensity for tolerating pathology, flip the child’s software default switch to tolerance, minimizing, renaming, and accepting pathological behavior. This is largely done through role modeling these behaviors or what we call learned conditioning.
A genetic hard-wired proclivity with a software default program that supports pathological partner selection starts the process of the continued pattern of having pathological partners well into adulthood.
In computers, default settings serve the purpose of ‘minimal user interaction required’ which puts the setting defaults to the most commonly selected options. This is exactly what it does for you as well. “Why do I keep picking these kinds of guys over and over again?” Your default was set early in life and has not been changed. When left to your own programming, your default will automatically select the most pathological partner. Your hard-wiring is already ‘bent’ in that direction and is supported by your software programs to do so. It is so automatic, so autonomic, that just like the computer ‘minimal user interaction is required.’
By the time women contact The Institute, they are so exhausted by the lifetime of the pathological energy-sucking relationships that they are ready to do what it takes to stop this. Simply stating “I am NEVER going to do this again. I am going to pick differently in the future” doesn’t register to your software program. It’s still set on the default pattern of selection it has been set on for years. If you could look at the software settings internally it would look like this:
x Narcissistic
x Cheater
x Pathological Lying
x Charming and deceitful
x Helps me ignore my red flags
x Induces fantasy thinking of how my future MIGHT be
x Honeymoon cycle followed by D&D (Devalue & Discard)
x Intense, intensely pursued
x Hypnotic, I can’t think or choose differently while with them
These might be some of the traits you are repeatedly selecting through your software default program.
In software programs, it’s noted that ‘Using defaults will tend to increase errors, as users may leave incorrect default settings selected.’
Hmmmmm… yeah. Can we agree that’s true? The difficulty in Pathological Love Relationship recovery is that women read a book or go to a counselor and talk about the pain of the relationship but never get down to the reprogramming of the software. Hardware comes as it is and will always be there and you will always be ‘bent’ in a direction or proclivity for these relationships. BUT you can put in different software programming that will let you pick from a NEWSET of default choices and not automatically ‘defaulting back’ to what you have always chosen. You have to choose differently in order to get a different outcome.
Only a few times a year do we offer these ‘software reprogramming’ events that we call retreats. By popular demand we have added one more for all of 2012 which is Sept 2-7 in beautiful Brevard, NC – The Land of Waterfalls. 2013 retreats (if offered) have not been set yet. Please avail yourself to this opportunity. We have filled the first house and had so many other requests we have added a second house and only have ONE slot remaining in it. Information about the retreat is on the website and an application. Fill it out and email it to us at saferelationships (at) yahoo. We will review and contact you to let you know if it was accepted into the program. We cannot comment on your placement without an application. Cost is $625 for accommodations, group sessions, and nature outings.
Controls of a computer hardware or software (or of a device, equipment, or machine) as preset by its manufacturer. Some types of default settings may be altered or customized by the user.
Ads by Google
Read more: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/default-setting.html#ixzz1y96c3FZm
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Gender Disclaimer: The issues The Institute writes about are mental health issues. They are not gender issues. Both females and males have the types of Cluster B disorders we often refer to in our articles. Our readership is approximately 90% female therefore we write for those most likely to seek out our materials. We highly support male victims and encourage others who want to provide support to male victims to encompass the issues we discuss only from a female perpetrator/male-victim standpoint. Cluster B Education is a mental health issue applicable to both genders.
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Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Becoming Aware
I was always told as a youngster, "be aware of your surroundings." Obviously, I was told this to use awareness as a protective measure against the evils that could be lurking around. As a child, the greatest need to becoming aware of your surroundings would be to look out for, and flee from human predators (i.e. kidnappers, sexual offenders). Is becoming aware of your surroundings so different as an adult, when it comes to looking out for human predators (i.e. psychopathic soul stealers)?
Awareness is defined as, "the state or ability to perceive, feel, or be conscious of events, objects or sensory patterns." The definition goes on to state, "in this level of consciousness, sense data can be confirmed by an observer without necessarily implying understanding. As adults we seem to become conflicted with the last part of the definition – feeling as though we have to 'understand' the sensory data to make sense of it, categorize it, and then take appropriate action. This is the part that seems to pose the problem – not fleeing when sensory data is clearly sending material to become keenly aware of and to move away.
How many times do women recognize the 'sensory patterns' they feel within themselves, when in the beginning stages of a relationship with a pathological man? Perhaps it's the sensation of intense excitement, apprehension, heightened sexual response, or feeling that something is 'just not quite right.' Instead of leaving the situation, many women, especially those with elevated traits and characteristics which place them 'at risk' for the pathological predator, stay and wait it out – hoping to regain a sense of balance, or to see a change in the situation. These women, aware of perceiving, feeling, and being conscious of the sense data coming in upon their first meetings with the pathological tend to ignore the sensory patterns that develop as the relationship continues and becomes increasingly dysfunctional.
Those women that operate at a higher level of consciousness may begin to recognize the 'problems' that are occurring within the relationship – becoming aware of the pattern of behavior with the psychopathic man, as well as their own pattern of response to his behaviors. However, usually by this time, the relationship is well under way and she has invested time and energy – she may see her only viable option as remaining, working it out and hoping things change – she's smart and resourceful, she can 'make it work.' So, instead of taking this sense data, which is confirmed by the 'observer' (the woman involved), without necessarily implying understanding, and fleeing the situation that is not understood – she remains – and awareness is diminished. As time goes by, her level of awareness and consciousness dwindles as her mind and thought processes are busily tending to the everyday dealings with the pathological man.
To begin to cultivate awareness, a very simple practice is to be aware of the breath. This is a first step in stopping the process of habitual mindlessness, and bringing yourself back to the present moment. This practice helps to shift the constant mind chattering that affects all people with 'thinking back to the past, ahead to the future.' It puts a halt to this mind chatter, and brings you back to the present moment. When you are consciously in the present moment, concentrating on the breath, the mind can rest and awareness can take place. When the mind is at rest, developing skillful ways to handle stress can then be used to respond to various situations.
There are many breathing practices that can be learned through various books and articles, or by attending classes dealing with holistic healing methods. A basic breathing practice that can be used throughout the day, especially during times of stress, is the Four Square Breathing Technique. This technique is done as followed:
• Inhale the breath for the count of four.
• Retain the breath for a count of four.
• Exhale the breath for a count of four.
• Retain the breath for a count of four.
Repeat the practice a few more times. When doing a breathing exercise, always breath from the lower belly (feeling the belly rise), instead of from the upper chest. Breathing from the upper chest is shallow breathing, the type of breathing most people are use to, and the type of breathing that happens when people are anxious. The more you perform breathing techniques, the more fully you will breath automatically, bringing much needed oxygen to the body. Fully exhaling the breath assists in removing toxins from the body. Breathing practices are very restorative to the body and mind, and bring healing and steadiness. Breathing assists in cultivating awareness, and awareness keeps us in a present state so that we may become aware of our surroundings.
(With any traditional or alternative health practice, please consult your health care provider or a licensed/certified individual in a particular area. As with any practice, be responsible for your health. Cease the practice with any discomfort you may feel.)
This article was written for the 'Sandra Says' column with permission from Sandra Brown M.A. by Michelle O'Brien M.S. Ed.
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Gender Disclaimer: The issues The Institute writes about are mental health issues. They are not gender issues. Both females and males have the types of Cluster B disorders we often refer to in our articles. Our readership is approximately 90% female therefore we write for those most likely to seek out our materials. We highly support male victims and encourage others who want to provide support to male victims to encompass the issues we discuss only from a female perpetrator/male-victim standpoint. Cluster B Education is a mental health issue applicable to both genders.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awareness is defined as, "the state or ability to perceive, feel, or be conscious of events, objects or sensory patterns." The definition goes on to state, "in this level of consciousness, sense data can be confirmed by an observer without necessarily implying understanding. As adults we seem to become conflicted with the last part of the definition – feeling as though we have to 'understand' the sensory data to make sense of it, categorize it, and then take appropriate action. This is the part that seems to pose the problem – not fleeing when sensory data is clearly sending material to become keenly aware of and to move away.
How many times do women recognize the 'sensory patterns' they feel within themselves, when in the beginning stages of a relationship with a pathological man? Perhaps it's the sensation of intense excitement, apprehension, heightened sexual response, or feeling that something is 'just not quite right.' Instead of leaving the situation, many women, especially those with elevated traits and characteristics which place them 'at risk' for the pathological predator, stay and wait it out – hoping to regain a sense of balance, or to see a change in the situation. These women, aware of perceiving, feeling, and being conscious of the sense data coming in upon their first meetings with the pathological tend to ignore the sensory patterns that develop as the relationship continues and becomes increasingly dysfunctional.
Those women that operate at a higher level of consciousness may begin to recognize the 'problems' that are occurring within the relationship – becoming aware of the pattern of behavior with the psychopathic man, as well as their own pattern of response to his behaviors. However, usually by this time, the relationship is well under way and she has invested time and energy – she may see her only viable option as remaining, working it out and hoping things change – she's smart and resourceful, she can 'make it work.' So, instead of taking this sense data, which is confirmed by the 'observer' (the woman involved), without necessarily implying understanding, and fleeing the situation that is not understood – she remains – and awareness is diminished. As time goes by, her level of awareness and consciousness dwindles as her mind and thought processes are busily tending to the everyday dealings with the pathological man.
To begin to cultivate awareness, a very simple practice is to be aware of the breath. This is a first step in stopping the process of habitual mindlessness, and bringing yourself back to the present moment. This practice helps to shift the constant mind chattering that affects all people with 'thinking back to the past, ahead to the future.' It puts a halt to this mind chatter, and brings you back to the present moment. When you are consciously in the present moment, concentrating on the breath, the mind can rest and awareness can take place. When the mind is at rest, developing skillful ways to handle stress can then be used to respond to various situations.
There are many breathing practices that can be learned through various books and articles, or by attending classes dealing with holistic healing methods. A basic breathing practice that can be used throughout the day, especially during times of stress, is the Four Square Breathing Technique. This technique is done as followed:
• Inhale the breath for the count of four.
• Retain the breath for a count of four.
• Exhale the breath for a count of four.
• Retain the breath for a count of four.
Repeat the practice a few more times. When doing a breathing exercise, always breath from the lower belly (feeling the belly rise), instead of from the upper chest. Breathing from the upper chest is shallow breathing, the type of breathing most people are use to, and the type of breathing that happens when people are anxious. The more you perform breathing techniques, the more fully you will breath automatically, bringing much needed oxygen to the body. Fully exhaling the breath assists in removing toxins from the body. Breathing practices are very restorative to the body and mind, and bring healing and steadiness. Breathing assists in cultivating awareness, and awareness keeps us in a present state so that we may become aware of our surroundings.
(With any traditional or alternative health practice, please consult your health care provider or a licensed/certified individual in a particular area. As with any practice, be responsible for your health. Cease the practice with any discomfort you may feel.)
This article was written for the 'Sandra Says' column with permission from Sandra Brown M.A. by Michelle O'Brien M.S. Ed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gender Disclaimer: The issues The Institute writes about are mental health issues. They are not gender issues. Both females and males have the types of Cluster B disorders we often refer to in our articles. Our readership is approximately 90% female therefore we write for those most likely to seek out our materials. We highly support male victims and encourage others who want to provide support to male victims to encompass the issues we discuss only from a female perpetrator/male-victim standpoint. Cluster B Education is a mental health issue applicable to both genders.
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Tuesday, June 12, 2012
What Will You Do?
In May 2012, Vicki Bolling lay dying in her front yard, shot three times by her husband. The local news reports say that the death of Ms. Bolling was no surprise to her sons. According to news accounts, her sons report that she suffered years of physical and emotional abuse that included threats, manipulation and intimidation. She was married for 30 years. Her son, John Stevenson, is quoted as saying “She is the only one in the world who could love a monster.” (Tampa Bay Times, May 10, 2012)
We know that she is not the only one…we know that loving a “monster” is possible. For women that love psychopaths, love and monster often exist in the same thought. The problem is, someone who has never been in the midst of this level of psychological trauma may not understand…they don’t understand why women stay…why women don’t see how bad he is. This lack of understanding of the power of pathology is killing women.
Domestic homicide is preventable. The mission of the Fatality Review Committee in Pinellas County, Florida is to convey that message. It is the responsibility of the Pinellas County Fatality Review Committee to bring to the table members of the community who share a vested interest in uncovering patterns related to local domestic homicides. In the last twelve years, the team has reviewed 103 cases. Cases are reviewed only after they have been finalized in the criminal justice system.
Domestic homicide, both locally and nationally, does not occur in a vacuum…there are warning signs and in a community, there are trends. Our report, published in May 2012, outlines the seven trends in our community for domestic homicides.
1-In 89% of cases there had been no contact with the local domestic violence center. Domestic homicide is preventable when victims reach out to domestic violence centers for safety and resources.
2-In 89% of the cases there had been no referral to a batterer’s intervention program. Domestic homicide is preventable when perpetrators connect with batterer’s intervention programs and their underlying behaviors and beliefs are addressed.
3-In 88% of cases there was a male perpetrator and female victim. Domestic homicide is preventable when our society shifts to the belief that all people are of equal value and control over others is no longer the standard.
4-In 85% of cases there was no injunction for protection filed. Domestic homicide is preventable when victims are encouraged to file injunctions for protection and have access to information and safety planning to assist in the process of leaving.
5-In 76% of cases substance abuse was a contributing factor. Domestic homicide is preventable when those who have a substance abuse problem are assessed for issues related to violence, both perpetrators and victims.
6-In 68% of the cases the perpetrator had a prior criminal history. Domestic homicide is preventable when criminal history is identified as a pattern of behavior and the information is made openly available to victims and during domestic violence court hearings.
7-In 69% of the cases friends, family, coworkers and/or neighbors were aware of previous violence. Domestic homicide is preventable when everyone in the community takes a stand against violence; stop asking why she doesn’t leave and start asking what you can do to help her leave.
These trends mean something. A “trend” refers to the idea or awareness of repeated, connected events. It’s not a black and white predictor but rather a clue to a potential. Trends are used in many areas of our lives. Many follow financial trends or housing market trends; some look at trends related to medical issues and even trends in our environment. Those that use trends take advantage of facts and information found in the reality of our lives…trends don’t rely on the maybe’s of the past, but rather the truth that exists in the past.
What is powerful about trends is their ability to provide safeguards as well as hope. Trends help us connect missing pieces to prevent poor choices, and they help us highlight information that will lead to improved choices. If we are open to it, they translate into the framework for prevention.
Prevention in the area of domestic homicide is risky. The risk comes because of the severity of getting it right or getting it wrong…human life is at stake. But I believe we must move through the risk. By “move through” I mean acknowledge it…learn from it, and then see what follows. So, beyond acknowledging the risk exists a focus on prevention.
The trends that have come from our local review of domestic homicide highlight many areas that need more focus. The realities of these trends are not unlike acknowledging the realities of pathology. Identifying patterns of behavior in one person and accepting the reality of who they are can help prevent continued pain. We have to begin to call it as it is…we have to pay attention to the facts and the patterns of behavior.
So, what will you do? I invite you to be an observer – begin to pay attention to the people around you. As you observe the behavior of others, do so without judgment…without including your “opinion” about who they are…leave out the morals that might have been handed to you or the input of society that doesn’t fit for you. Observe the behavior as it is…look for patterns… and when you uncover a pattern that violates who you are…or violates the boundaries of someone you love….do something.
As part of the mission of The Institute we ask you to spread the word about the power and impact of pathology. Share this report with those in your community that are invested in saving lives. Talk to them about the trends and patterns, and about pathology. Domestic Homicide Fatality Review Teams are active in many states and communities…what can you contribute to the conversation? If your community is not talking about dangerous relationships, then you can be the start…do something.
Finally, if you are experiencing physical and psychological abuse, please consider creating an Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit. To learn more, visit www.documenttheabuse.com
To read the full report “Preventable: A Review of Domestic Fatalities in Pinellas County, Florida”, click here: http://www.largo.com/egov/docs/1337974149_814671.pdf
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Gender Disclaimer: The issues The Institute writes about are mental health issues. They are not gender issues. Both females and males have the types of Cluster B disorders we often refer to in our articles. Our readership is approximately 90% female therefore we write for those most likely to seek out our materials. We highly support male victims and encourage others who want to provide support to male victims to encompass the issues we discuss only from a female perpetrator/male-victim standpoint. Cluster B Education is a mental health issue applicable to both genders.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We know that she is not the only one…we know that loving a “monster” is possible. For women that love psychopaths, love and monster often exist in the same thought. The problem is, someone who has never been in the midst of this level of psychological trauma may not understand…they don’t understand why women stay…why women don’t see how bad he is. This lack of understanding of the power of pathology is killing women.
Domestic homicide is preventable. The mission of the Fatality Review Committee in Pinellas County, Florida is to convey that message. It is the responsibility of the Pinellas County Fatality Review Committee to bring to the table members of the community who share a vested interest in uncovering patterns related to local domestic homicides. In the last twelve years, the team has reviewed 103 cases. Cases are reviewed only after they have been finalized in the criminal justice system.
Domestic homicide, both locally and nationally, does not occur in a vacuum…there are warning signs and in a community, there are trends. Our report, published in May 2012, outlines the seven trends in our community for domestic homicides.
1-In 89% of cases there had been no contact with the local domestic violence center. Domestic homicide is preventable when victims reach out to domestic violence centers for safety and resources.
2-In 89% of the cases there had been no referral to a batterer’s intervention program. Domestic homicide is preventable when perpetrators connect with batterer’s intervention programs and their underlying behaviors and beliefs are addressed.
3-In 88% of cases there was a male perpetrator and female victim. Domestic homicide is preventable when our society shifts to the belief that all people are of equal value and control over others is no longer the standard.
4-In 85% of cases there was no injunction for protection filed. Domestic homicide is preventable when victims are encouraged to file injunctions for protection and have access to information and safety planning to assist in the process of leaving.
5-In 76% of cases substance abuse was a contributing factor. Domestic homicide is preventable when those who have a substance abuse problem are assessed for issues related to violence, both perpetrators and victims.
6-In 68% of the cases the perpetrator had a prior criminal history. Domestic homicide is preventable when criminal history is identified as a pattern of behavior and the information is made openly available to victims and during domestic violence court hearings.
7-In 69% of the cases friends, family, coworkers and/or neighbors were aware of previous violence. Domestic homicide is preventable when everyone in the community takes a stand against violence; stop asking why she doesn’t leave and start asking what you can do to help her leave.
These trends mean something. A “trend” refers to the idea or awareness of repeated, connected events. It’s not a black and white predictor but rather a clue to a potential. Trends are used in many areas of our lives. Many follow financial trends or housing market trends; some look at trends related to medical issues and even trends in our environment. Those that use trends take advantage of facts and information found in the reality of our lives…trends don’t rely on the maybe’s of the past, but rather the truth that exists in the past.
What is powerful about trends is their ability to provide safeguards as well as hope. Trends help us connect missing pieces to prevent poor choices, and they help us highlight information that will lead to improved choices. If we are open to it, they translate into the framework for prevention.
Prevention in the area of domestic homicide is risky. The risk comes because of the severity of getting it right or getting it wrong…human life is at stake. But I believe we must move through the risk. By “move through” I mean acknowledge it…learn from it, and then see what follows. So, beyond acknowledging the risk exists a focus on prevention.
The trends that have come from our local review of domestic homicide highlight many areas that need more focus. The realities of these trends are not unlike acknowledging the realities of pathology. Identifying patterns of behavior in one person and accepting the reality of who they are can help prevent continued pain. We have to begin to call it as it is…we have to pay attention to the facts and the patterns of behavior.
So, what will you do? I invite you to be an observer – begin to pay attention to the people around you. As you observe the behavior of others, do so without judgment…without including your “opinion” about who they are…leave out the morals that might have been handed to you or the input of society that doesn’t fit for you. Observe the behavior as it is…look for patterns… and when you uncover a pattern that violates who you are…or violates the boundaries of someone you love….do something.
As part of the mission of The Institute we ask you to spread the word about the power and impact of pathology. Share this report with those in your community that are invested in saving lives. Talk to them about the trends and patterns, and about pathology. Domestic Homicide Fatality Review Teams are active in many states and communities…what can you contribute to the conversation? If your community is not talking about dangerous relationships, then you can be the start…do something.
Finally, if you are experiencing physical and psychological abuse, please consider creating an Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit. To learn more, visit www.documenttheabuse.com
To read the full report “Preventable: A Review of Domestic Fatalities in Pinellas County, Florida”, click here: http://www.largo.com/egov/docs/1337974149_814671.pdf
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gender Disclaimer: The issues The Institute writes about are mental health issues. They are not gender issues. Both females and males have the types of Cluster B disorders we often refer to in our articles. Our readership is approximately 90% female therefore we write for those most likely to seek out our materials. We highly support male victims and encourage others who want to provide support to male victims to encompass the issues we discuss only from a female perpetrator/male-victim standpoint. Cluster B Education is a mental health issue applicable to both genders.
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Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Determination in the Life of the Survivor
I've seen the look many times – hundreds of times over the past 20 years, working with (mostly) women who are surviving a pathological love relationship. There is a 'look.' Initially it's a timid look – before she grasps that she really CAN survive and thrive. The look then begins to change, morphing into real belief and real power.
Ironically, I saw the look this past week in an unlikely, but stunning face. I saw her gentleness – as did the pathological that was in her life. Your 'super traits' of empathy, tolerance, caring and compassion are what make you the wonderful girl you are. It has also been target traits for pathological individuals. You can just see the gentleness in the face.
Then I saw her powerlessness.
The look like you don't know if you will ever get out, ever survive, ever find your power again. It feels as if you are being held against your will – when you remember once that you were so different – so self-assured, confident, and capable.
Many people have seen the face of unbelievable stress and worry – when you no longer trust your own judgment, ping-pong back and forth between loving and loathing him. When you can't concentrate, focus, sleep, or even want to get up each day.
But, the greatest thing about doing this work is when women really 'get it' about pathology. When they understand that what's wrong with him has nothing to do with her, and what she did or didn't do. When she gets that 'wild-eyed look' that says her reality has shifted, and she realizes that what has happened to her is simply that she's been knee-deep in pathology, and she is powerful enough to walk away.
I love that part – the paradigm shift – when women turn the corner in understanding, and her whole future opens up like a flower blooming.
Over the years, I have watched hundreds of women storm off into their future having recaptured their lives, their dignity, their ability to function well, and their self-belief. It's a beautiful and strong presence when you get to witness that happen.
Why all of the horse photos? This is Rachel Alexandra – I love her expressive face. She is a reminder to me of all the women I have worked with. She was the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness. It awed me to see her many faces of gentleness, powerlessness, worry, thriving, and power. It reminded me that even though so much is often against you in your race to recovery from pathology, that you too like Rachel Alexandra, can defy the odds even when they have been stacked that way for 85 years! There really is something to be said for the power of belief, destiny, and desire. I believe in you!
A few times a year we offer those face-to-face events through retreats. In 2012 we reduced them to two a year which were in February and March. We have gotten a number of requests for one more retreat this year which we have organized and in which there is ONE remaining slot. The Healing the Aftermath of Pathological Love Relationships Retreat is Sept 2-7, 2012 in beautiful Brevard, NC the Land of the Waterfalls, 20+ hours of soul-healing group sessions, plus the restorational value of hiking, beauty, the forests, and waterfalls. Application downloads are on the magazine website.
If you feel the recovery approaches you have been utilizing are not effective, do consider the retreats which have been used by dozens and dozens of women to bring rapid results to their cognitive dissonance, anxiety, and stress disordered symptoms. I hope you will join us for the soul restoration you are craving.
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Gender Disclaimer: The issues The Institute writes about are mental health issues. They are not gender issues. Both females and males have the types of Cluster B disorders we often refer to in our articles. Our readership is approximately 90% female therefore we write for those most likely to seek out our materials. We highly support male victims and encourage others who want to provide support to male victims to encompass the issues we discuss only from a female perpetrator/male-victim standpoint. Cluster B Education is a mental health issue applicable to both genders.
Ironically, I saw the look this past week in an unlikely, but stunning face. I saw her gentleness – as did the pathological that was in her life. Your 'super traits' of empathy, tolerance, caring and compassion are what make you the wonderful girl you are. It has also been target traits for pathological individuals. You can just see the gentleness in the face.
Then I saw her powerlessness.
The look like you don't know if you will ever get out, ever survive, ever find your power again. It feels as if you are being held against your will – when you remember once that you were so different – so self-assured, confident, and capable.
Many people have seen the face of unbelievable stress and worry – when you no longer trust your own judgment, ping-pong back and forth between loving and loathing him. When you can't concentrate, focus, sleep, or even want to get up each day.
But, the greatest thing about doing this work is when women really 'get it' about pathology. When they understand that what's wrong with him has nothing to do with her, and what she did or didn't do. When she gets that 'wild-eyed look' that says her reality has shifted, and she realizes that what has happened to her is simply that she's been knee-deep in pathology, and she is powerful enough to walk away.
I love that part – the paradigm shift – when women turn the corner in understanding, and her whole future opens up like a flower blooming.
Over the years, I have watched hundreds of women storm off into their future having recaptured their lives, their dignity, their ability to function well, and their self-belief. It's a beautiful and strong presence when you get to witness that happen.
Why all of the horse photos? This is Rachel Alexandra – I love her expressive face. She is a reminder to me of all the women I have worked with. She was the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness. It awed me to see her many faces of gentleness, powerlessness, worry, thriving, and power. It reminded me that even though so much is often against you in your race to recovery from pathology, that you too like Rachel Alexandra, can defy the odds even when they have been stacked that way for 85 years! There really is something to be said for the power of belief, destiny, and desire. I believe in you!
A few times a year we offer those face-to-face events through retreats. In 2012 we reduced them to two a year which were in February and March. We have gotten a number of requests for one more retreat this year which we have organized and in which there is ONE remaining slot. The Healing the Aftermath of Pathological Love Relationships Retreat is Sept 2-7, 2012 in beautiful Brevard, NC the Land of the Waterfalls, 20+ hours of soul-healing group sessions, plus the restorational value of hiking, beauty, the forests, and waterfalls. Application downloads are on the magazine website.
If you feel the recovery approaches you have been utilizing are not effective, do consider the retreats which have been used by dozens and dozens of women to bring rapid results to their cognitive dissonance, anxiety, and stress disordered symptoms. I hope you will join us for the soul restoration you are craving.
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Gender Disclaimer: The issues The Institute writes about are mental health issues. They are not gender issues. Both females and males have the types of Cluster B disorders we often refer to in our articles. Our readership is approximately 90% female therefore we write for those most likely to seek out our materials. We highly support male victims and encourage others who want to provide support to male victims to encompass the issues we discuss only from a female perpetrator/male-victim standpoint. Cluster B Education is a mental health issue applicable to both genders.
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