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Why It’s So Hard to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship (and Why That Doesn’t Make Us Weak)
If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t leave—even when you know the relationship is unhealthy—this post unpacks how trauma bonding and hormones play a powerful role in keeping us stuck.
sestringel
Jul 63 min read


The Truth About Divorce No One Tells Christian Women
Divorce after emotional abuse is never simple—but healing is possible. Learn what I’ve discovered through my own journey and how to take your next steps with clarity and compassion.
sestringel
Jun 293 min read


A Gentle Practice for Grief When Words Feel Too Hard
Grief isn’t something to fix—it’s something to honor. Try this gentle, body-based art practice to move through grief without needing the right words.
sestringel
Jun 223 min read


When Forgiveness Feels Like Starting Over: The Hidden Cost in Emotionally Abusive Relationships
Struggling to forgive in an emotionally abusive relationship? Discover why true forgiveness includes boundaries—and doesn’t mean staying in harm’s way.
sestringel
Jun 153 min read


6 Books I Recommend Again and Again (Plus a Bonus Read You Don’t Want to Miss)
There are certain books I find myself recommending over and over again to my clients. These are the books that open eyes, soften hearts,...
sestringel
Jun 83 min read


Is It Really Getting Better? Or Is It Just Another Round of False Hope?
When you’ve been in an emotionally abusive relationship, the hardest moments aren't always the blowups. Sometimes, the hardest part is...
sestringel
May 22 min read


If I Just Have Enough Faith…
For years, I believed that if I just had enough faith, God would fix everything. So I waited. I prayed. I held on. I bit my tongue when I...
sestringel
Apr 232 min read


"Why Does He Do This?” The Question That Keeps Us Stuck
I used to waste so much energy trying to figure him out. Why does he twist everything I say and make me feel like the bad guy? Does he...
sestringel
Apr 222 min read


When Faithful Advice Keeps You Stuck: The Truth About Christian Marriage Myths
Have You Heard This Before? “If you just have faith God will restore your marriage.” “You just need to pray harder.” “God hates divorce.”...
sestringel
Apr 212 min read


Radical Acceptance: Letting Go of the Fight to Change Others
For years, I believed that if I just tried harder, loved better, prayed more, or found the perfect words, things would finally change....
sestringel
Apr 12 min read


Triangulation: What It Is And How to Stop It.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the middle of a conflict you didn’t ask for? Maybe someone said, “Well, Sarah agrees with me that...
sestringel
Mar 23 min read


How to Set Healthy Boundaries: 4 Questions to Help You Care for Yourself
Setting Boundaries is Self-Care Many of us were taught to put others first. We want to be helpful, kind, and caring. But without healthy...
sestringel
Feb 232 min read


Understanding Anxiety: How to Calm Your Mind and Take Back Control
Have you ever felt your heart race, your stomach tighten, or your thoughts spin out of control? That’s anxiety. It’s a normal part of...
sestringel
Feb 162 min read


How to Handle Passive-Aggressive Comments in a Toxic Relationship
Have you ever had someone say something that sounded nice, but deep down, you knew it wasn’t? Maybe you’ve heard things like: “Oh,...
sestringel
Feb 93 min read


True or False: Avoiding Difficult Conversations Can Lead to Conflict — The Answer Depends on Your Relationship
In an emotionally mature relationship, both partners handle difficult conversations with care and mutual respect.
sestringel
Nov 16, 20243 min read


Every Step Forward Is Progress: How to Heal from Emotional Abuse, One Day at a Time
Healing from emotional abuse isn’t always easy, but every step counts.
sestringel
Nov 9, 20243 min read


How to Rewire Your Mindset and Break Free from People-Pleasing and Over-Functioning
Do you ever feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Constantly fixing, pleasing, and making sure everyone...
sestringel
Nov 2, 20244 min read


Baby Steps: The Power of Small Wins for Big Change
We often forget the importance of small, manageable actions that eventually lead us to where we want to be.
sestringel
Oct 14, 20242 min read


Understanding Your Relationship: When Potential Is No Longer Enough
Struggling with unmet potential in your relationship? Learn why emotional connection matters and how to decide whether to stay or move on.
sestringel
Oct 10, 20243 min read


Reclaiming Your Strength: Embracing Pushback and Anger on Your Healing Journey
One of the most challenging parts of healing from an emotionally abusive relationship is recognizing that emotions like anger and...
sestringel
Sep 15, 20243 min read
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