Harassment, abuse, and relationships with toxic people can occur in romantic, friendship, family, professional, or social contexts. These situations can be repetitive and create the feeling of repeatedly encountering the same behaviours, despite wanting to protect oneself from them or respond differently.
In my psychoanalytic consultations in Lyon, both in person and online, the work involves exploring what is repeated in these relationships, what these situations bring into play for the individual, and how to regain a position that makes it possible to step away from these patterns.
How can you recognise a situation involving harassment, abuse, or coercive control?
When certain behaviours gradually become established, it can become difficult to understand what is happening and to trust your own perceptions.
Psychoanalysis can provide an opportunity to put the situation into words, examine what is being experienced, and explore the effects of the relationship on the way a person perceives themselves.
Why do I remain attached to someone who is nevertheless causing me pain?
Attachment does not simply disappear because a relationship has become painful.
Fear of losing the other person, guilt, emotional dependency, hope that things will change, or a loss of self-confidence can make separation difficult.
Understanding this attachment does not mean justifying the other person's behaviour. It can provide an opportunity to explore what maintains the bond.
Why do I feel guilty when it is the other person who is hurting me?
Guilt can arise even when a person is experiencing unfair or abusive behaviour.
Repeated accusations, manipulation, or the habit of constantly questioning oneself can contribute to these feelings of guilt.
It is important to be able to regain a sense of perspective and, when the situation involves danger, to also seek appropriate protection and support.
How can I rebuild myself and understand what happened to me after experiencing harassment or abuse?
Following an experience of harassment or abuse, fear, shame, anger, or a loss of confidence may remain.
The work may focus on what happened within the relationship, the emotions that were experienced, the consequences for one's self-image, and any patterns that may be repeated.
The aim is not to place blame on someone who has experienced harassment or abuse.
In cases of ongoing violence or danger, the priority remains ensuring safety and seeking appropriate support and assistance.
Psychological work can provide an opportunity to put into words what has been experienced, understand its effects, and gradually develop a sense of self that is less defined by the experience.
Why do I doubt myself so much after being harassed or abused?
When a person's perceptions, decisions, or emotions are constantly questioned, their self-image can become fragile.
After such an experience, self-doubt may persist.
Psychoanalytic work can provide an opportunity to work through this experience and explore what it has changed in one's relationship with oneself and with others.
I offer psychoanalytic consultations in Lyon, both in person and online, to provide a space in which to put into words the effects of these situations on the individual.
An initial meeting provides an opportunity to get to know one another, clarify what brings you to therapy, and consider whether a psychoanalytic approach is suited to your situation and expectations.
Harassment, Abuse and Toxic People: Finding Freedom Through Psychoanalysis