Invisible Scars : How to Stop, Change or End Psychological Abuse

During these harrowing times of social and economic turbulence, romantic relationships are often prone to issues of control and power plays between two partners. Perhaps one makes more money than the other, feels as though he or she does more around the house in terms of chores and duties or carries the emotional load of the relationship more than his or her partner. Otherwise resolvable problems such as these can be, in many cases, catalysts for a form of abuse that might not leave the victim with any visible cuts and bruises but is damaging and hurtful.

Catharine Dowda, M.Ed., LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice for over thirty years and holds a Masters of Education in Counseling from the University of North Carolina. A Victim Advocate/Law Enforcement Liaison as well as an instructor and frequent lecturer on domestic violence and victimization, she was the recipient of the United States Department of Justice "Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Dedication and Service on Behalf of Crime Victims" and selected "Outstanding Victim Advocate" by the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network. She lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.