Can a Relationship With Emotional Abuse Be Saved?

Dr. David Hawkins helps many couples with narcissistic or emotional abuse. Listen to this episode to learn when a relationship can be saved.

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Dr. David Hawkins is a clinical psychologist, director of the Marriage Recovery Center, and a best-selling author of over thirty books. Since 1976, he has helped bring healing to thousands of marriages and individuals. He’s passionate about working with couples in crisis and helps them discover a new way of doing things to have a healthy and thriving relationship.

In this episode of Last First Date Radio:

• Signs of narcissistic or emotional abuse in a relationship
• How these factors contribute to the breakdown of a relationship
• Steps to protect yourself and work towards healing and repairing
• How couples can repair the damage of abuse in a relationship

EP 576: Dr. David Hawkins – Can a Relationship With Emotional Abuse Be Saved?

What are some common signs or indicators of emotional abuse and narcissistic abuse in a relationship, and how do these factors contribute to the potential breakdown of the relationship? 

It’s first felt before it’s understood. They feel small, invisible, alone, frightened and unsafe. Emotional abuse is when you approach your partner with concern, and you’re met with defensiveness, powering over response. They can’t validate the concern, so more trouble occurs. Ask yourself, “Can I approach this person with a concern, or do they become dismissive, demanding or defensive?” You’re in emotional quicksand, which happens when they say you’re crazy or shouldn’t be concerned. It happens over and over. We get neglected and don’t get what we need.

For individuals who suspect they may be in an emotionally abusive or narcissistically abusive relationship, what steps can they take to protect themselves and work towards healing and repairing the relationship? 

Intervention is done far too infrequently. We tolerate and accept more than we should. If someone wants help, I help them become clear about what they’re tolerating. Then, I ask if they’re ready for an intervention. There are choices available. A mini intervention is saying, “If you’re going to harm me in any way, I’ll leave the room.” “I’m going to tell a friend.” “I’m going for counseling.”

What are some effective strategies or resources that can help couples address and overcome the damaging effects of emotional abuse and narcissistic abuse, and rebuild trust and intimacy? 

Define boundaries and follow through and enforce the boundaries. We teach people how to treat us.

Can you share success stories or examples of couples who have faced emotional abuse or narcissistic abuse in their relationship and were able to create positive changes and restore a healthy dynamic? What were the key factors that contributed to their healing and transformation? 

Men who come in after being called a narcissist by their partners, begin with growling and blame, but they learn empathy and relationship skills. They become healthier and can repair their relationship.

What are your final words of advice for anyone who wants to go on their last first date?

Show up well and be someone who’s easy to be with and approachable.

Watch this episode on YouTube

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Connect with Dr. Hawkins

Website: http://www.marriagerecoverycenter.com  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marriagerecoverycenter   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriagerecoverycenter/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/drdavidbhawkins/videos  

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mad-in-love/id161882883

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