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.
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
In my journey, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible women, many of whom suffered from some form of depression and/or anxiety. An outsider would look at most of these women and say that their lives looked perfect; that they had it all. But that’s not how they felt. As I listened to many of my client’s stories, there was often a common theme: a sense powerlessness and a disconnection from their core selves. These were commonly shared experiences.
These feelings are not unique to my clients. In fact, they are not unique at all. My greatest hope is for people to know that they are not alone, and that it is often through suffering that we grow and increase our capacity to connect with others as well as ourselves.
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
Nearly half of women in the United States have experienced psychological aggression from a partner. It’s the invisible cruelty underneath almost every other form of mistreatment, and clinically, it’s often the hardest to recover from.
I wrote this book for anyone still trying to make sense of a relationship that hurt them, whether it’s ongoing, long over, or rooted in something from childhood. If you’ve carried physical or mental health symptoms you couldn’t quite explain, you’ll find both validation here and a real roadmap back to yourself.
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.