Episode at a Glance

On this episode of Melody and Friends, I sit down with my friend Sandra Brown to talk about pathology and more specifically dangerous, pathologic partners in relationships. Sandra explains her history in studying pathology and why it is such an important field of study when it comes to abuse in relationships. She tells us what pathology is, how to identify the signs of pathologic partners, and what we can do to help women heal from these extremely traumatic situations. She also walks through her development of Pathological Love Relationship training for other professionals, and how she has developed survivor-based support services for women who experienced psychopathic partners.

Sandra then talks about personality disorders, from Narcissism to Anti-Social Behavior to Psychopathy, and how each of these types can cause significant damage to a woman emotionally. However, she also provides warning signs to look out for and multiple resources to begin the process of healing from these potent forms of abuse.

Who is Sandra Brown?

Sandra L. Brown, MA, has spent over 30 years working in the psychology field related to psychopathology. Her earlier years were spent developing a dual-focused treatment center for persons with personality disorders who also had trauma disorders. During this time, she also began working, in individual and group sessions, with the partners and children of those with personality disorders. She eventually established one of the country’s first prototype long-term residential treatment centers for women with Multiple Personality Disorder/Dissociative Identity Disorder. Sandra accomplished this while also providing treatment in a women’s inpatient hospital trauma program.

Things We Talk About In This Episode:

What is pathology and why can it often impact victims in a relationship so much more deeply then other forms of abuse?
Why isn't pathology as well studied or understood compared to things like depression or anxiety?
What methods of treatment are available for victims? What should they be looking out for in relationships to spot warning signs of this behavior?
What are personality disorders? How can this affect partners in a relationship?

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Sandra's Training, speaking engagements, and get in contact with Sandra by visiting her website: www.sandralbrownma.com

You can also find all of her books, including How To Spot A Dangerous Man, by visiting her Amazon Page here: www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-L.-Brown

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Differentiating Pathologic Partners in a Relationship from Other Forms of Abuse with Sandra Brown