Divorcing and divorced families can add a layer of complexity when filing their tax returns.  Below outlines some of the major items to consider and/or are often overlooked when working with someone going through a divorce or after the divorce is finalized. Picking the Right Filing Status If you are still married, you may have three options of filing status – Married Filing joint (MFJ), Married Filing Separate (MFS), Head of Household (HOH).  You will need to see the requirements, reasons, and benefits relating to each to choose the most appropriate filing status. If you are divorc ..read more

This is a tough one. Firstly, this implies that you, the survivor of pathological abuse, have faith and believe that your abuser was born innocent.  As a spiritual of woman of faith this is my belief — they were born innocent. You don’t have to reconcile that he or she is a child of God, but certainly you need to find closure for yourself which requires some kind of understanding. I am personally offended with the severe bashing I hear and see on social media about the narcissist and Cluster B personalities. I am not soft to these souls, but I do see them as a soul.  Souls ..read more

Divorcing a narcissist is undeniably challenging, especially when it comes to handling reminders of the past. The question arises: what should you do with pictures of your ex and the kids? In the realm of memories and emotions, it’s a complex matter. Reflecting on my own experiences growing up in the 60s, where all family memories were contained in one computer-sized bag, All three daughters pictures of a lifetime in a little red suitcase. I wished there were more memories of my childhood. I hear this all the time. So we don’t want to put your children in a bad history of their lives place lik ..read more

As we bid farewell to the old and usher in the promise of a New Year, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the significance of breaking free from the shackles of a toxic relationship with a narcissist. The turning of the calendar signifies more than just a change in date; it’s an invitation to rewrite our stories, to step out of the shadows and embrace a life of authenticity and liberation. Leaving a relationship with a narcissist is an act of immense courage, and the New Year serves as a symbolic doorway to a fresh start. It’s a declaration that you are worthy of love, respect, and a life f ..read more

A trauma-informed lawyer is an attorney who is trained with an understanding of trauma and its potential impact on individuals involved in the legal system. This approach recognizes that these clients and legal cases, such as family law cases, criminal proceedings, immigration issues, or other legal disputes have experienced trauma and may have unique needs, vulnerabilities, and responses when dealing with legal matters. A trauma-informed lawyer takes into account the following principles: Safety: They create a safe and supportive environment for clients, minimizing the potential for re-traum ..read more

The stress of the holidays triggers sadness and depression for many people. This time of year is especially difficult because there’s an expectation of feeling merry and generous. People compare their emotions to what they assume others are experiencing or what they’re supposed to feel and then think that they alone fall short. They judge themselves and feel like an outsider. Some people have painful memories of unhappy holidays in their childhood due to abuse, addiction, or separation from a parent or other loved ones. Other people are living with an addict or someone unreliable or ..read more

Relationships with narcissists often go through a painful cycle that is a predictable outgrowth of narcissistic personality disorder. Central to understanding a narcissist’s behavior is that their relationships are transactional. Their impaired boundaries and lack of empathy prevent them from seeing other people as separate three-dimensional beings with needs and feelings of their own. Thus, more than most people, they’re motivated by self-interest without considering the impact on their partner. However, it’s important to remember that there are several types of narcissists with varying sympt ..read more

Unveiling the Therapeutic Magic of Pen and Paper In the fast-paced, often chaotic rhythm of modern life, finding a moment of stillness and self-reflection can be a rare and invaluable gift. Journaling, a practice that involves putting pen to paper and exploring the depths of our thoughts and emotions, has emerged as a powerful tool for healing. Beyond being a simple act of recording events, journaling serves as a therapeutic process that can aid in emotional release, self-discovery, and overall well-being in the following ways: Self-Reflection: A Mirror to the Soul Journaling serves as a m ..read more

The holiday season is often hailed as a time for joy, family gatherings, and celebration. However, for those dealing with narcissistic individuals in their lives, the holidays can become a daunting challenge. There are difficulties that arise when spending the festive season with narcissists but let me offer some practical tips for surviving the experience with your sanity intact. Understanding Narcissism: Before delving into the holiday chaos, let’s briefly understand what narcissism is. Narcissistic individuals have an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a ..read more

FEMALE NARCISSISTS They exhibit cruelty and even malice when dealing with their children and former partners. They poison their young minds with falsehoods, sowing seeds of insecurity, fear, shame, and guilt. Demanding unwavering loyalty becomes their norm. TracyAMalone Narcissistic Mother A narcissistic mother can cast a lingering shadow, constraining a child's self-love and confidence. Tracy AMalone SCREW THE NARCISSIST Don't let the narcissist's hurtful words convince you that you're not good enough, smart enough, or pretty enough. In reality, you were always more than good enough, in ..read more