Vanessa Cardenas, Trusted Advisor for Betrayal & Transformation
Vanessa Cardenas, Trusted Advisor for Betrayal & Transformation
Am I in a Toxic Relationship?
By Vanessa Cardenas, Trusted Advisor for Betrayal & Transformation
Toxic relationships can be incredibly damaging to our emotional and mental well-being. They are often characterized by a pattern of behaviors that repeat themselves, known as the "cycle of a toxic relationship."
In this post, we'll take a closer look at each phase of this cycle, so you can recognize it and take steps to get help if you need it.
Grooming
The first phase of a toxic relationship is called the grooming phase. During this phase, your partner will appear to be incredibly attentive, kind, thoughtful, helpful, and understanding toward you. They may apologize frequently for any perceived missteps, and strive to make you feel loved and valued. This phase is often used to establish trust and emotional dependency in the relationship.
Tension
As the relationship progresses, you may start to notice a change in your partner's behavior. They may become increasingly irritable, frustrated, resentful, and avoidant toward you. This is the tension phase, and it may be marked by frequent arguments, emotional distance, and a general feeling of unease in the relationship.
Action
During the action phase, your partner may begin to engage in manipulative and hurtful behaviors such as lying, using pornography, and even infidelity. This phase may be characterized by a lack of accountability for their actions and a willingness to hurt you emotionally or physically.
Denial
The final phase of the cycle is denial. Your partner may engage in gaslighting, minimizing, and victim-blaming to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. This can be an especially damaging phase for you, as you may begin to doubt your own perceptions of reality and feel trapped in the relationship.
Recognizing the cycle of a toxic relationship is the first step in getting help. It's essential to seek help from a qualified therapist, support group, or other resources, if you're experiencing this cycle in your relationship.
Remember, you deserve to be treated with respect, kindness, and love, and you don't have to put up with toxic behavior.
Meet the Guide: Vanessa Cardenas, Your Trusted Advisor for Betrayal & Transformation
Vanessa Cardenas, Trusted Advisor for Betrayal & Transformation
Vanessa Cardenas, Trusted Advisor for Betrayal & Transformation
Vanessa Cardenas is a Trusted Advisor for Betrayal and Transformation who specializes in guiding clients through the difficult and isolating experiences of betrayal, loss, and heartbreak. Vanessa offers a safe and empathetic space for those feeling overwhelmed, devastated, or alone, with a commitment to helping clients transform their pain into lasting liberation and profound change.
Vanessa's own journey of growth and self-discovery began when her 20+ year marriage was shattered by betrayal, which prompted her to seek wisdom and guidance from renowned experts in the field. Drawing on insights from experts such as Esther Perel, Edith Eger, Debi Silber, Michelle Mays, Dennis Ortman, and Katherine Woodward Thomas, as well as her Industrial Psychology degree, a 20-year career in C-Suite Leadership and Mentoring, and her Evercoach Certification, recognized by the International Coaching Federation, Vanessa is well-equipped to help clients navigate their unique situations.
Vanessa warmly welcomes clients at any stage of their journey, whether they are grappling with the shock and grief of betrayal, seeking clarity about staying or leaving, navigating separation or divorce, or addressing unhealthy relationship dynamics. With her warmth, intuition, and insight, she brings wisdom and compassion to the healing process, enabling her clients to experience wholeness, well-being, and freedom they never thought possible, one powerful chat at a time.
"The most important things are the hardest to say…locked within, not for the want of a teller, but for the want of an Understanding Ear"– Stephen King, The Body
Empowering Books for Healing and Recovery: Discover Vanessa Cardenas' Insights as the Trusted Advisor for Betrayal & Transformation
