He seemed perfect at first — charming, attentive, and quick to talk about a future together. But that speed wasn’t love; it was control. This blog, told from the perspective of the abuser, reveals how love bombing and hot-and-cold behavior hook you in, blur red flags, and keep you chasing the man you thought he was — and why it was never your fault.

Trauma doesn’t just live in the past — it can shape how you see yourself, connect with others, and experience love. Whether it’s people-pleasing to avoid conflict, doubting your instincts, or blaming yourself for what happened, these patterns often start as survival strategies. The good news is, with awareness, self-forgiveness, and healthy boundaries, it’s possible to break the cycle and build relationships that feel safe, mutual, and empowering.

In abusive relationships, apologies can feel like hope—but often, they’re just part of the cycle that keeps you stuck. Love bombing, empty promises, can cloud your judgment and make it harder to see the truth: real love shouldn’t hurt, confuse, or control you. In this blog, we break down why apologies can be so convincing, how the cycle of violence works, and what it means to hold on to the good times—even when they were part of the harm.

There’s no “right way” to survive. This blog breaks down why so many survivors are disbelieved and why you never have to prove your pain to deserve support.

Have you ever been called too sensitive, too emotional, or too much? You’re not alone and you’re not the problem. This blog explores where that message comes from, why it sticks, and how to gently reclaim your voice and your space.

Feeling numb doesn’t mean you’re broken, it often means you’re still protecting yourself. This blog gently explores why emotional numbness happens after trauma and what healing can look like.

Some triggers don’t yell, they whisper. Hi, I’m Nada, a trauma-informed therapist at NJCCS. In this blog, I explore how ordinary things like sounds, smells, or casual phrases can reactivate deep emotional pain. If you've ever felt triggered but couldn’t explain why, this is for you. You're not too sensitive, your body remembers what it had to survive.

I support women who’ve been criminalized after trauma with compassion, not judgment. Whether you're facing court, rebuilding, or just trying to be heard, you are not alone and you are not beyond healing.

Hi, I’m Nada, a Trauma-Informed Therapist who supports women healing from abuse and the emotional harm that often goes unseen. Some experiences are hard to explain hard to name. Maybe you said “yes,” but it didn’t feel like a choice. Maybe you felt hurt or confused, even without force or yelling. This is something many women go through silently. It’s called coercive sex. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone and your feelings are valid.

When people hear about a woman living with abuse or control, it’s easy to ask, “Why doesn’t she just leave?” But leaving isn’t simple — and for many, it can be the most dangerous time. This post gently explains why walking away is so complicated, the hidden risks women face, and how careful planning and support can make all the difference.

Systemic gender bias means that unfair treatment based on gender is built into institutions even when no one means for it to happen. In healthcare and sustainability, this bias can limit women’s access to leadership, respect, and opportunity, leading to burnout and inequity. True progress means addressing these hidden barriers and creating space for every voice to be heard (PRISM, n.d.).

When your ideas are dismissed, your voice is minimized, or your authority is questioned especially by someone above you—it can wear you down. This blog explores how being undermined by a superior, like a president, impacts women in leadership and how I can support you through it.

When you’ve grown up around unhealthy patterns, it’s not always easy to see what safe, respectful love should feel like. This post gently explains what healthy boundaries look like, how to spot red flags, and how NJCCS can help you build trust in your own voice — one small step at a time.

If you’re a teacher in conflict with your principal, you might feel unheard, anxious, or unsure of yourself. This blog explores how workplace power dynamics can affect women emotionally, especially in schools, and why your reactions are valid not a sign of weakness. 💛 You deserve support, safety, and respect at work. If you’ve been carrying this stress alone, you don’t have to anymore, I’m here to help.

Workplace conflict can quietly chip away at your confidence especially as a woman in leadership. You may feel dismissed, second-guessed, or like you're constantly walking a tightrope. This blog explores how gender inequality shows up at work and how it impacts your mental and emotional well-being (Pavlou, 2023; Stamarski & Son Hing, 2015). You deserve to feel respected, heard, and supported. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone and I’m here to help.

Hi, I’m Nada, a trauma-informed therapist supporting women's healing from abuse in all its forms. Workplace harassment is often overlooked, but it can leave deep wounds. Maybe you’ve felt it—shrinking in meetings, brushing off unsettling comments, wondering if you were overreacting. You’re not. You’re responding to harm. And it’s okay to want more. Let’s talk about how it impacts you and how healing is possible.

Hi, I’m Nada, a trauma-informed therapist supporting women healing from abuse. If you feel like you've lost your voice, confidence, or spark, you're not alone. Abuse can deeply impact your self-esteem, leaving you questioning your worth and feeling buried in shame. In this blog, we’ll explore why that happens—and how you can gently start reconnecting with yourself. If this speaks to you, I’d be honored to support you through your healing journey.

Freezing during a traumatic experience is a natural response, not a choice. Your body wasn’t weak or passive; it was protecting you in the only way it could. In this blog, Victoria Wilson gently explains why many survivors freeze, what neuroscience says about this instinct, and why it’s never your fault. If this sounds familiar, know you’re not alone and support is here whenever you’re ready. 🫶🌿

Violence against women isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it hides in cultural messages that tell women to stay quiet, obey, or accept mistreatment. These beliefs can make harmful relationships seem “normal,” leaving women unsure where to turn. As a counselor, I’ve seen how culture, family, and outside systems can keep women stuck. 🌿 At Nada Johnson Consulting and Counselling Services, I offer compassionate, culturally sensitive support to help women feel safe, heard, and empower

This blog post explores how survivors of abuse, especially women, can end up charged, misunderstood, and overlooked by the very systems meant to support them. We hope this post helps bring awareness to these unfortunate circumstances and reminds you that if this has happened to you, you’re not alone.