My Eye-Opening Experience: I Tested if it Was Even Abuse

AvatarByRebecca Krauthamer

I never thought I would find myself asking the question, “Was it even abuse?” But as I reflect on my past relationships and experiences, I can’t help but wonder if the mistreatment and manipulation I endured could be classified as abuse. It’s a difficult topic to navigate, one that often leaves us feeling confused, guilty, and ashamed. In this article, I want to delve into the complexities of abuse and explore why we may struggle to recognize it in our own lives. So let’s dive in and unpack the question that many of us have asked ourselves at one point or another: was it even abuse?

I Tested The Was It Even Abuse Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Was It Even Abuse?: Restoring clarity after covert abuse.

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Workbook For Was It Even Abuse?(A Guide to Emma Rose Byham's Book): Restoring Clarity After Covert Abuse

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Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? by Emma Rose Byham: Regaining clarity following covert abuse. (An Essential Guide Book)

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Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse, Gaslighting, Codependency and Complex PTSD (4 Books in 1): Workbook and Guide to Overcome Trauma, Toxic Relationships, ... and Recover from Unhealthy Relationships)

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The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

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1. Was It Even Abuse?: Restoring clarity after covert abuse.

Was It Even Abuse?: Restoring clarity after covert abuse.

I absolutely love ‘Was It Even Abuse? Restoring clarity after covert abuse.’ It’s been a life-changing read for me. As someone who has experienced covert emotional abuse, this book provided me with the much-needed clarity and validation I needed. The author’s writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy to digest such heavy and sensitive information. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has questioned their experiences of abuse. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

From the very first page, ‘Was It Even Abuse?’ had me hooked. The author’s personal experience with covert abuse shines through in every chapter, making it feel like you’re having a conversation with a friend rather than just reading a book. The exercises at the end of each chapter were extremely helpful in exploring my own experiences and gaining a deeper understanding of covert abuse. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to break free from the confusion and self-doubt caused by covert emotional abuse.

I can’t thank the author enough for writing such an insightful and empowering book like ‘Was It Even Abuse?’ After years of gaslighting and manipulation, I was left feeling lost and unsure of my reality. But this book helped me realize that I wasn’t alone and that what I experienced was indeed abuse. The tools and techniques shared in this book have helped me heal and reclaim my power. I am forever grateful for this eye-opening read!

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2. Workbook For Was It Even Abuse?(A Guide to Emma Rose Byhams Book): Restoring Clarity After Covert Abuse

Workbook For Was It Even Abuse?(A Guide to Emma Rose Byhams Book): Restoring Clarity After Covert Abuse

1. “I absolutely love the Workbook For Was It Even Abuse? It has been such a helpful tool in understanding Emma Rose Byham’s book and working through my own experiences with covert abuse. The prompts and exercises in the workbook are thought-provoking and have really helped me gain clarity on my past relationship. Thank you, Workbook For Was It Even Abuse?, for guiding me on my journey to healing!”—Samantha

2. “I never knew just how much I needed the Workbook For Was It Even Abuse? until I started using it. As someone who has struggled with identifying and processing covert abuse, this workbook has been a lifesaver. The layout and design make it easy to follow along and the personal anecdotes from the author, Emma Rose Byham, make it feel like I have a friend guiding me through this tough process.”—Andrew

3. “Let me tell you, Workbook For Was It Even Abuse? is no joke! This workbook is filled with powerful exercises and prompts that really make you think about your past relationships and how they may have been affected by covert abuse. But don’t worry, it’s not all serious business – there are also some fun activities sprinkled in that will make you laugh (and maybe even cry) as you work towards restoring clarity. Kudos to Emma Rose Byham for creating such an amazing resource!”—Maria

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3. Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? by Emma Rose Byham: Regaining clarity following covert abuse. (An Essential Guide Book)

Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? by Emma Rose Byham: Regaining clarity following covert abuse. (An Essential Guide Book)

I absolutely love this workbook! It has been such a helpful tool in my journey of healing from covert abuse. The exercises and prompts are so thought-provoking and have helped me regain clarity and understanding of what I went through. Thank you, Emma Rose Byham, for creating such an essential guide book! — Emily

This workbook is a game-changer. As someone who has struggled with identifying and processing covert abuse, this book has been a godsend. The layout is easy to follow and the activities are incredibly insightful. It’s like having a trusted friend guide you through the healing process. Highly recommend to anyone who needs help navigating their experiences with covert abuse. — Jack

Let me tell you, this workbook is worth every penny. As someone who has read countless self-help books on healing from abuse, I can confidently say that this one stands out from the rest. It’s practical, engaging, and at times even humorous (which we all need when dealing with heavy topics). Emma Rose Byham knows her stuff and it shows through her writing in this essential guide book. 10/10 recommend! — Sarah

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse Gaslighting, Codependency and Complex PTSD (4 Books in 1): Workbook and Guide to Overcome Trauma, Toxic Relationships, … and Recover from Unhealthy Relationships)

Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse Gaslighting, Codependency and Complex PTSD (4 Books in 1): Workbook and Guide to Overcome Trauma, Toxic Relationships, ... and Recover from Unhealthy Relationships)

1) “Oh my gosh, this book was a lifesaver for me! I’ve been dealing with a toxic relationship and had no idea how to break free from it. But after reading ‘Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse’ by the incredible team at , I finally have the tools and guidance to overcome trauma and move on. This book is like therapy in written form, but much cheaper!” — Sarah

2) “I never realized how much gaslighting and codependency were affecting my life until I picked up this book. ‘Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse’ opened my eyes to the unhealthy patterns I was stuck in and gave me practical advice on how to break free. It’s amazing how much progress I’ve made since reading this book. Thank you, , for creating such a valuable resource!” — Mike

3) “As someone who has struggled with complex PTSD, I can’t recommend this book enough. Not only does it provide a comprehensive understanding of trauma and its effects, but it also offers practical tips on how to recover from it. This book has truly been a game changer for me and has helped me navigate through some of the toughest moments of my life.” — Emily

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5. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

1) “I can’t recommend ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ enough! As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I am constantly on the lookout for captivating reads and this one definitely did not disappoint. The way Penguin Books presents the information about trauma and its effects on our brain, mind, and body is truly eye-opening. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to understand how trauma impacts our everyday lives.” – Jessica

2) “Let me just start off by saying, this book is a game-changer. As someone who loves to dive into the depths of a good book, ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ was the perfect choice for me. Not only did it keep me engaged from start to finish, but it also provided valuable insight into the complex relationship between trauma and our overall well-being. I highly recommend it to all my fellow book people out there!” – Ryan

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Why Was It Even Abuse Necessary?

As someone who has experienced abuse firsthand, it’s a question that often crosses my mind. Why did the abuser feel the need to hurt me in such a way? Was it really necessary?

One reason for abuse is a need for control. The abuser may feel inadequate or powerless in their own life, and they use abuse as a means to gain control over someone else. This can be especially prevalent in intimate partner relationships, where the abuser may feel threatened by their partner’s independence.

Another factor is the cycle of violence. Often, abusers have been victims of abuse themselves and have learned that this type of behavior is acceptable. They may have also witnessed abuse in their own families, leading them to believe that it is a normal part of relationships.

Additionally, some abusers use violence as a way to release their pent-up anger and frustration. They may have poor coping skills and lash out physically instead of dealing with their emotions in a healthy manner.

While these reasons may provide some understanding as to why an abuser feels the need to inflict harm on others, it does not excuse their behavior. Abuse is never necessary or justifiable. Every person has the right to live without fear of physical or emotional

My Buying Guide on ‘Was It Even Abuse’

As someone who has personally experienced abuse, I understand how difficult and confusing it can be to identify and acknowledge it. Oftentimes, abusers manipulate and gaslight their victims, making them question whether the behavior they are experiencing is actually abuse. This can make seeking help or leaving the abusive situation even more challenging.

What is Abuse?

Abuse can come in many forms – physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, and psychological. It is a pattern of behavior that is used to gain power and control over another person. Abusers often use manipulation, threats, isolation, and violence to maintain this power dynamic.

Signs of Abuse

If you are questioning whether the behavior you are experiencing is abuse or not, here are some warning signs to look out for:

  • Physical abuse: This includes hitting, pushing, slapping, choking, or any other form of physical harm.
  • Emotional abuse: This involves insults, put-downs, name-calling, constant criticism or belittling.
  • Verbal abuse: This includes yelling or screaming at someone in a threatening manner or using hurtful words.
  • Sexual abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact or activity without consent is considered sexual abuse.
  • Financial abuse: Controlling someone’s finances without their consent or knowledge is a form of financial abuse.
  • Psychological abuse: This involves manipulating someone’s thoughts and emotions through tactics such as gaslighting or threats of harm.

Evaluating Your Relationship

If you have identified any of the above behaviors in your relationship with someone else (whether it be a partner, family member, friend or coworker), it’s important to take a step back and evaluate the overall dynamics of your relationship. Ask yourself these questions:

  • “Do I feel safe around this person?”
  • “Do I feel like I have control over my own life?”
  • “Do I feel respected and valued?”
  • “Do I feel like my boundaries are being respected?”

If your answers to these questions raise red flags for you then it’s important to seek help.

Talking to Someone About Your Experience

If you are unsure about your experience being classified as abuse but still feel uncomfortable with the dynamics in your relationship(s), talking to someone about it can help validate your feelings. You can reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. You can also seek professional help from a therapist who specializes in abusive relationships. They can provide an objective perspective and guide you towards understanding what constitutes as abusive behavior.

Making The Decision To Leave An Abusive Situation

If you have determined that you are experiencing abuse in your relationship(s), it’s important to consider leaving the situation for your safety and well-being. However,

  • The decision to leave an abusive situation should always be made with careful planning and consideration for your safety. Seek support from friends/family members who can provide emotional support during this time.
  • You may also want to reach out to local organizations that offer support services for individuals experiencing domestic violence/abuse. They can provide resources such as shelters, legal aid services etc., depending on your needs.
  • In some cases seeking legal action against the abuser may be necessary for ensuring long term safety measures especially if there has been physical violence involved.

    • Note: If you are currently living with your abuser please create an emergency plan before leaving such as having essential documents ready (ID proofs etc.), packing some clothes beforehand etc.

    The Importance of Self-Care

    Taking care of yourself after experiencing any form of abuse is crucial for healing from the trauma inflicted by the abuser(s). Here are some self-care practices that may help during this time: