The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It
Leslie Vernick, counselor and social worker, has witnessed the devastating effects of emotional abuse. Many, including many in the church, have not addressed this form of destruction in families and relationships because it is difficult to talk about. With godly guidance and practical experience, Vernick offers an empathetic approach to recognizing an emotionally destructive relationship and addresses the symptoms and the damage with biblical tools. Readers will understand how to:
- Reveal behaviors that are meant to control, punish, and hurt
- Confront and speak truth when the timing is right
- Determine when to keep trying, when to get out
- Get safe and stay safe
- Build an identity in Christ
This practical and thorough resource will help countless individuals, families, and churches view abuse from God’s perspective and understand how vital it is for victims to embrace His freedom from the physical, emotional, spiritual, and generational effects of emotionally destructive relationships.
Top Highlights
“But when we see we have been dishonest, disrespectful, unkind, or harsh with someone, we have the opportunity to admit it, apologize, and make necessary repairs to the relationship. We understand we have hurt someone, and we don’t make excuses for our bad behavior by blaming the other person for what we did. We genuinely feel remorse for causing someone to suffer and make sincere efforts not to repeat the same behavior in the future.” (source)
“The psychological term is codependent and the lie is, I NEED you to love me or I NEED you to need me in order to make me feel alive and worthy.” (source)
“You must face the ugly truth that you’re in a destructive relationship and that you are the one who has allowed it to continue.” (source)
“The abusers’ focus is only on their feelings, their wants, their needs, and their preferences. Their victims function merely as objects that can help to fulfill those desires, wishes, needs, and so on.” (source)
“We learn to live differently by living differently, not by thinking about living differently. We must take action against our fears.” (source)
Product Details
- Title : The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It
- Author: Vernick, Leslie
- Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
- Publication Date: 2007
- ISBN: 9780736933520