Deborah Vinall, PsyD
banner
dvinall.bsky.social
Deborah Vinall, PsyD
@dvinall.bsky.social
Author, psychotherapist, lover, fighter, survivor

Books:
- Gaslighting: A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide to Heal from Emotional Abuse
- Trauma Recovery Guide for Teens
On Vicarious and Collective Trauma in the wake of ICE raids, and how to take care of yourself and others.

open.substack.com/pub/dvinall/...

#vicarioustrauma
June 30, 2025 at 12:29 AM
I'm not willing to sit scared when homophobia exhales its odious breath, calling out impotent protests. I won't wait while trauma is instilled, so to pick up the pieces in an avoidable aftermath. I stand proud and defiant in allyship.
SHARE if you’re an ally too.
open.substack.com/pub/dvinall/...
June 9, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Trauma bonding begins with the abuser serving up a toxic mix of abuse and possessiveness with feigned or shallow affection and manufactured heroism.
#canada
March 16, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Debunking misconceptions about trauma:
You are not weak.
Time does not magically heal all wounds.
Talking isn't enough, but:
Healing IS possible.
#trauma
March 13, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Lessons in sociopathy:

Re-stack if you think we deserve better!
March 4, 2025 at 3:40 AM
13 abuse tactics displayed during the #Zelensky Oval Office meeting, and what to do if seeing it was hard for you to watch.

open.substack.com/pub/dvinall/...
March 4, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Resilience is foundational to resistance. Through art, movement, and a defiant choice to embrace joy we foster our own resilience against darkness and oppression.

Let's dance!

open.substack.com/pub/dvinall/...
February 24, 2025 at 1:43 AM
A key behavioral feature of abusers is to separate you from your support systems.

It is critical to remember that the supports are still out there, able to help you. And there are people who are eager and able to connect you to the help you need and deserve, even when it's harder to find. 💜
February 16, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Got my copy of the Russian translation of my book, Gaslighting: A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide. If you need to find your way out of the confusion & madness of a gaslighting relationship - w/ partner, parent, or politician - you can grab it in English, Mandarin, Korean, Hungarian, Turkish, or Russian!
February 16, 2025 at 1:07 AM
How do you practice self-love and self-care?
February 15, 2025 at 6:54 PM
No matter your feelings on Valentine's Day, I hope you know how truly worthy you are of love. Embracing this truth is foundational to resilience. Join me for a discussion on 7 keys to cultivating self-love and its foundational role in all relationships.
dvinall.substack.com/p/cultivatin...
February 15, 2025 at 1:48 AM
February 9, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Never.
February 7, 2025 at 1:49 AM
February 1, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Heartbreaking.
February 1, 2025 at 3:35 AM
So maybe we *don't* have too many federal employees and*shouldn't* be going on a downsizing spree? 🤔
January 31, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Words to the wise, or the wising-up...
January 30, 2025 at 9:35 PM
This is what happens when you defund federal agencies. And to blame it on the FAA’s openness to hire people with dwarfism & other disabilities is beyond the pale. Friends with disabilities: you are precious and valuable and such an important part of our society.

You deserve better

We all do.
January 30, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Resilience is resistance.
Here's 9 practical tips to protect your mental health in these times.
open.substack.com/pub/dvinall/...
January 25, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Don't let them gaslight you. You're right to be alarmed.
January 25, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Hell is empty and all the devils are here. - William Shakespeare, time-traveling to 2025 Washington DC
January 21, 2025 at 11:28 PM
This doesn't feel easy today, but it is important. I will try every day.
January 21, 2025 at 6:03 AM
A dark day
January 21, 2025 at 1:12 AM
This #tiktokban is a classic abuse cycle to create trauma bonds:
The abuser creates a threat. Then abruptly he pivots. The threatened freedoms are benevolently restored.
The villain becomes the hero.
But he’s only rescued you from the tyranny he created.
open.substack.com/pub/dvinall/...
January 20, 2025 at 2:08 AM
2 things happened today, both of which the next admin is sure to claim credit for. So mark the date.
1. Carcinogenic red dye banned by FDA. To take effect in 2027.
2. Ceasefire agreement in Gaza!
January 16, 2025 at 1:17 AM