Leading expert in Psychological Abuse
Author, Researcher & Award-Winning Psychotherapist
As seen in
Psychological Abuse and Its Effects
on Physical and Mental Health
50%
Half of Americans report experiencing psychological abuse by a partner during their lifetime.
57.6 million
Women in the U.S. have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner.
1 in 3
1 in 3 women, roughly 840 million women globally, have experienced partner or sexual violence in their lifetime.
Equally Harmful
The effects of psychological abuse are just as detrimental as the effects of physical abuse.
Health conditions associated with psychological abuse and intimate partner violence include:
- Cardiovascular disease and cardiac events
- Neurological conditions and cognitive decline
- Gynecological and urinary health problems
- Endocrine disorders and diabetes
- Autoimmune disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Respiratory disease and asthma
- Chronic Pain
- Premature aging and mortality
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal thoughts
- Childhood intellectual functioning impairment
International Author
Nearly half of all women—and men—in the United States experience psychological abuse without realizing it. Manipulation, deception, and disrespect are hard to detect because they leave no physical scars, but they can be just as traumatic.
Dr. Avery Neal has many years of experience speaking, writing, and practicing psychotherapy to create resources to explore issues around psychological abuse.
Dr. Avery Neal, PhD, LPC
Chris Gillett Photography
Her first book, If He’s So Great, Why Do I Feel So Bad?: Recognizing and Overcoming Subtle Abuse, gave readers the language to recognize subtle abuse and it has been published in twelve languages. More than 20,000 people worldwide have taken her courses, which are also used by clinicians, universities, and organizations. Her writing and interviews have appeared on Oprah.com, Counseling Today, and Best Self Magazine, and she has spoken at conferences alongside some of the world’s leading experts in psychology.
Her second book, Loving You Shouldn’t Be Hurting Me: Psychological Abuse and Its Effects on Physical and Mental Health, deepens that work. Drawing on current research and findings from her clinical practice, it examines how psychological abuse harms the nervous system, the body, and the mind. It also introduces the Neal Method and her CLEAR Framework for recovery.
Through partnerships with hospitals, health systems, and health plans, she is bringing her psychoeducational programs directly to patients so that recognizing psychological abuse and supporting recovery become part of care.
Speaking & Events
Give your audience the gift of knowledge from the leading expert on relationships, wellness, and psychological abuse.
Dr. Avery Neal, PhD, LPC, is a respected international researcher and thought leader on relationships, mental wellness, and psychological abuse. Known for her compassionate and engaging style, Dr. Neal delivers impactful, research-based talks that empower audiences to build healthier personal and professional relationships.
Her presentations offer transformative insights into emotional well-being, subtle abuse, and the power of self-awareness, inspiring lasting change and deeper connection. Whether speaking at corporate events, nonprofits, or international conferences, Dr. Neal brings clarity, warmth, and expertise to every stage.
She is available for keynotes, conferences, corporate trainings, leadership summits, and fundraising events, locally and worldwide.
Is It Subtle Abuse? Recognizing Hidden Harm in Relationships
Sometimes what hurts in a relationship isn’t obvious.
This quick, gentle quiz helps you reflect on subtle patterns that may leave you feeling confused, drained, or emotionally unsafe.
Through simple questions, you’ll explore how you feel, communicate, and show up in your relationship without judgment.
Take a moment to check in with yourself and see what your feelings may be trying to tell you.
Loving You Shouldn't Be Hurting Me:
Psychological Abuse and Its Effects on
Physical and Mental Health
by Dr. Avery Neal
Moreover, clinical research indicates that subtle psychological abuse inflicts the most devastating damage. This book addresses the global crisis head-on. Anyone trapped in an unhealthy, toxic, or controlling relationship will find a clear path forward in this book, whether the relationship is ongoing, long over, or rooted in childhood trauma. Those who have experienced physical or mental health symptoms as a result of this chronic manipulation will find immediate validation and a comprehensive roadmap on how to truly heal the mind, body, and spirit. While statistics show women are more likely to experience the adverse physical and emotional effects of abuse—and are historically more likely to seek out self-help resources—this work is inclusive of all kinds of trauma. Drawing on a career that has been devoted to helping all survivors heal, Dr. Neal also explicitly addresses how men and children are impacted by the sweeping devastation of psychological abuse.
If He's So Great,
Why Do I Feel So Bad?
by Dr. Avery Neal
In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Avery Neal, psychotherapist and founder of the Women’s Therapy Clinic, helps you recognize the warning signs of what she terms “subtle abuse.” As you are able to accurately identify patterns that have never made sense before, you are better equipped to make changes to free yourself from ongoing aggression and control.
As an expert in the field, Dr. Avery Neal has guided countless individuals to regain their self-esteem, their joy, and their lives, in the wake of this type of unhealthy relationship.
Testimonials
If you're looking for help
If you’re here because something in your relationship doesn’t feel right, or you’re still making sense of what happened, please visit PsychologicalAbuse.com. My books, research, and resources, specifically for survivors, can all be found there.