This article was written by Lena Dicken, Psy.D and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan. Dr. Lena Dicken is a Clinical Psychologist based in Santa Monica, California. With over eight years of experience, Dr. Dicken specializes in therapy for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. She utilizes an integrative approach combining Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, and Mindfulness-based therapies. Dr. Dicken holds a BS in Integrative Medicine from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, an MA in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University Los Angeles, and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Westwood. Dr. Dicken’s work has been featured in GOOP, The Chalkboard Magazine, and in numerous other articles and podcasts. She is a licensed psychologist with the state of California.
There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Why does it feel so hard to stop thinking about an abusive ex? Even after you’ve made the decision to leave, the psychological trauma that comes with abuse can create deep attachment.[1]
Fortunately, you had the strength to leave, which means you have the strength to move on—but you don’t have to do it alone. We’ll show you how you can start to break free and stop thinking about an abusive ex.
This article is based on an interview with our clinical psychologist, Lena Dicken. Check out the full interview here.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/springer/vav/1999/00000014/00000001/art00004
- ↑ https://www.joinonelove.org/learn/why_leaving_abuse_is_hard/
- ↑ https://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/why-am-i-struggling-to-move-on-after-abuse/
- ↑ Lena Dicken, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
- ↑ https://twsh.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Stages-of-Leaving-an-Abusive-Relationship.pdf
- ↑ Samantha Fox, MS, LMFT. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 19 January 2021.
- ↑ Samantha Fox, MS, LMFT. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 19 January 2021.
- ↑ Samantha Fox, MS, LMFT. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 19 January 2021.
- ↑ Lena Dicken, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-heal-after-an-abusive-relationship#healing-tips
- ↑ https://www.genesisshelter.org/shame-domestic-violence/
- ↑ Lena Dicken, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/self-esteem
- ↑ https://twsh.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Stages-of-Leaving-an-Abusive-Relationship.pdf
- ↑ https://www.courts.ca.gov/1189.htm
- ↑ https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/ca/restraining-orders/domestic-violence-restraining-orders/steps-getting-dvro
- ↑ https://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/why-am-i-struggling-to-move-on-after-abuse/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/dealing-with-a-breakup-or-divorce.htm
- ↑ Lena Dicken, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/effects-of-emotional-abuse#next-steps
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6051550/
- ↑ Lena Dicken, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/how-do-you-know-when-you-are-ready-for-a-new-relationship/
- ↑ Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT. Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist. Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.