Silence -The Ultimate Control and Power Over Another

ByDorothy M. Neddermeyer Ph.D.

Silence a.k.a. Withholding is the most damaging and hurtful form of verbal abuse. One might think that in order for the behavior to be considered verbal abusive words need to be spoken. This misunderstanding of verbal abuse adds to the recipient’s confusion within the relationship. The recipient of silence/withholding may believe the relationship is functional because the abuser may communicate functional information, but refuses–through silence/withholding (non-responsive)–to communicate on an intimate level.

Wellness – What Is Wellness?

ByDorothy M. Neddermeyer Ph.D.

Is there a definition for wellness? The word wellness is in the news, social media, blogs, books, on billboards, and in conversations. Many people reference a ‘state of well-being,’ which is vague to say the least. The vague definition of well-being and wellness implies ‘a state of acceptance or satisfaction with one’s condition or conditioning – i.e. What one accepts, tolerates, ignores, pretends, copes with or struggles with.