Is Hurtful Language Verbal Abuse?

In this episode Neil responds to a woman who wonders why Neil didn't identify verbal abuse in last week's podcast. She had been in an abusive relationship but didn't realize it until she read Patricia Evans' book, The Verbally Abusive Relationship and is concerned that if it isn't called out, that we're enabling it. Neil explains the many factors that can influence how derogatory words are used and felt and how the label of abuse can be used productively and why sometimes it is not. Neil recommends Patricia Evans' books and wants the listener to know that their emotional needs matter and that they always deserve respect, and adopting a personally empowered position and establishing healthy limits and boundaries is the best way to address issues and problems in a relationship and the best way to get great results in your life in general.