Dr. Natalie Feinblatt answers the following questions in this Masterclass:

1. Physical abuse happens when someone deliberately hurts your body or takes away your control of your body. A simple example of this could be the abusive person in your life slapping you in the face or pushing you to the ground. How should someone who can cut the physically abusive person out of their life go about creating a safety and exit plan and how can someone who can’t cut the physically abusive person out of their life protect themselves? (00:06)

2. The phrase “physical intimidation” refers to when someone physically threatens you. For example, the abusive person in your life standing up, towering over you, and balling up their fist like they are about to punch you during an argument. How can someone deal with an abusive person who uses physical intimidation to manipulate them? (10:58)

3. An abuse of power is when someone uses their position of authority to put pressure on you to comply with their wishes. For example, the abusive person in your life using the emotional connection that they have with you to their advantage by manipulating you into doing things for them. How can someone protect themselves from an abuser who abuses the power that they have over them? (23:40)

4. When someone interacts with you in a way that implies that they are superior to you, they are being condescending. A simple example of this could be the abusive person in your life making you feel like you aren’t good enough to be around them. How can someone protect themselves from an abuser who is very condescending? (32:20)

5. Bringing up past contributions is a form of guilt tripping that occurs when someone reminds you of favors they performed for you in the past. For example, imagine that the abusive person in your life asked for $500. When you say no, they respond with, “C’mon. Don’t forget about that time I woke up at 4 a.m. to come get you when you had too much to drink at the bar. That is just what friends do for each other.” This would be considered bringing up past contributions. How can someone protect themselves when their abuser brings up past contributions? (36:55)

6. The phrase “You Too-Ing” refers to when someone suggests that you are just as guilty as they are. For example, imagine that the abusive person in your life said “How dare you accuse me of being selfish. You’re just trying to make yourself look good by making me look bad. It doesn’t get any more selfish than that.” This is You Too-Ing. How can someone protect themselves when their abuser uses You Too-Ing to avoid taking responsibility for their actions? (45:20)