Relational Trauma in Romantic Partnerships

A pair of spouses with problems talking to a counselor for couples

Romantic relationships have the power to bring love, security, and joy—but when they involve relational trauma, they can also leave deep emotional scars. Relational trauma occurs when someone experiences chronic emotional distress, manipulation, betrayal, or abuse in a relationship. Unlike a one-time event, this type of trauma develops over time, often leaving individuals feeling trapped, […]

People-Pleasing: Understanding and Overcoming the Habit

People-pleasing is a common behavior that involves prioritizing the needs and desires of others over one’s own, often at the expense of personal well-being. People-pleasers tend to seek approval and validation from others, fearing rejection or disapproval. While the intention behind people-pleasing is often rooted in a desire to maintain harmony and avoid conflict, it […]

Divorce and the Emotional Impacts

Divorce is one of the most emotionally complex and life-altering experiences a person can go through. Whether the separation is amicable or contentious, it brings a wave of emotions that can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and at times, isolating. The emotional impact of divorce extends beyond the legal dissolution of a marriage—it affects self-identity, mental health, […]

Understanding Codependency: What It Is and How to Heal

The Signs, Impact, and How Therapy Can Help Emotional abuse can be subtle yet deeply damaging, and recognizing its signs is crucial for your well-being and personal growth. What is Emotional Abuse? Emotional abuse involves the systematic manipulation and undermining of an individual’s self-worth and emotional stability. Unlike physical abuse, it leaves no visible scars, […]

Emotional Abuse

Managing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The Signs, Impact, and How Therapy Can Help Emotional abuse can be subtle yet deeply damaging, and recognizing its signs is crucial for your well-being and personal growth. What is Emotional Abuse? Emotional abuse involves the systematic manipulation and undermining of an individual’s self-worth and emotional stability. Unlike physical abuse, it leaves no visible scars, […]

Briana Lefman Trauma / Addiction Therapist & Support Group Facilitator

Briana Lefman Trauma therapist and Addiction Recovery Specialist In California & Florida

I specialize in addiction, trauma, sexual abuse, affairs and infidelity, grief, Men’s anger, and Bipolar disorder. I provide individual and Couples therapy. I work with issues that I have lived experience with. I didn’t just read and learn about cheating, drugs, sexual trauma, and the fallout that follows these experiences; I have walked your path […]

Dealing With Love Addiction.

A Heart Surrounded By Chain As Though Bound By Love Addiction

Love addiction, though not recognized as a formal diagnosis, is a physiological condition that can have profound consequences on an individual’s well-being and relationships.