Relationships – New Leaf Psychotherapy LLC

Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW
July 22, 2024
Relationships

After the Breakup: 6 Ways to Stop Making Yourself Small and Live with Joy (Part 2)

After the Breakup: 6 Ways to Stop Making Yourself Small and Live with Joy (Part 2) Click here to read Part 1 There is no denying that there is great value in doing good for others and being of support and care to others in our lives. There most certainly is! What is being focused...

Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW
July 12, 2024
Relationships

After the Breakup: 6 Ways to Stop Making Yourself Small and Live with Joy (Part 1)

After the Breakup: 6 Ways to Stop Making Yourself Small and Live with Joy (Part 1) The relationship is over. It is normal to look back and try to assess what went wrong. For some, theremay have been an epiphany of sorts, some recognition of a pattern. The pattern of making oneselfsmall, prioritizing the ex-partner’s...

Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW
June 23, 2024
Relationships

Reactive Abuse: What is it?

Reactive Abuse: What is it? The term “reactive abuse” is quite confusing and may stir up some very strong emotions for some. The phrase is making the rounds in the news cycle due to an unfortunate tragedy. It is confusing terminology that seems to have been coined some years ago online on one of the...

Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW
June 6, 2024
Relationships

Keeping It Real: Being Cheated On and Dumped Hurts. How to Survive

Keeping It Real: Being Cheated On and Dumped Hurts. How to Survive. Being cheated on and “dumped” in a relationship can be one of the most painful experiences one lives through. Moving forward in life can seem nearly impossible. The experience can leave one traumatized, especially if it was unexpected. The feelings are genuine, the...

Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW
May 30, 2024
Relationships

Betrayal As Trauma: Strategies Towards Healing

Nothing can be more painful after betrayal in a relationship than to have others close to you dismiss your pain and leave you feeling “crazy” for not just “moving on with life”. It can seem as though we live in a world were being betrayed seems to be part of the course of life and...

Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW
May 15, 2024
Emotional Health, Relationships

Recovery From Narcissistic Abuse

Recovering from narcissistic abuse can be a long and arduous journey. It can be difficult to rebuild your self-esteem and confidence after being manipulated and belittled by a narcissistic partner or family member. However, it is possible to heal and move forward from the trauma. The first step in recovering from narcissistic abuse is to...

Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW
April 22, 2024
Relationships

Nurturing Inner Strength: The Power of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is the practice of being kind and understanding towards oneself, especially during times of stress, difficulty, or failure. It is an important part of overall well-being and can help to reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and self-criticism. If you struggle with practicing self-compassion, here are some tips to help you get started. Recognize the...

Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW
March 30, 2024
Emotional Health, Relationships, Self Care

A Good Life. Why Am I Not Happy?

The alarm goes off, marking the start of another beautiful day. On the surface, everything seems perfect. Your basic needs are met; you have a nice home, a beautiful family, fashionable clothes, and financial security. Everyone around you remarks on how fortunate you are to lead such a comfortable life. Yet, despite these comforts, you...

Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW
March 5, 2024
Relationships

Overcoming Insecurity After Narcissistic Abuse

Few speak openly about—overcoming insecurity after enduring narcissistic abuse. First, let me acknowledge your strength. Surviving such an experience is no small feat. You’ve already proven your resilience by making it through the storm. But now, it’s time to rebuild—stronger, wiser, and more empowered than ever before.. Narcissistic abuse often leaves us questioning our worth,...