Domestic Violence Therapy
Are you ready to heal from abuse?
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If you have experienced abuse within your current or past relationship(s), you may find yourself asking questions such as:
“How can someone I love hurt me?”
“Do I deserve to be treated this way?”
“Will I ever feel happy or safe again?”
“Is this really abuse or am I overreacting?”
Someone experiencing abuse often wrestles with questions that reflect their confusion, fear, and desire for clarity or solutions. These questions often center around their safety, the behavior of their partner, and their options for their future.
Whether you are currently experiencing abuse within your relationship(s), or have experienced abuse in past relationships, navigating the impacts of an abusive relationship is challenging. At Valid Love Therapy Collective, we acknowledge and understand the impacts of abusive relationships. We are here to help you feel safe and build effective relationships going forward.
What is domestic violence?
More than 10 million people are impacted by domestic violence each year. Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to gain and maintain power and control over a partner. It can manifest in various forms, including emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, and financial abuse. Abuse can occur in any relationship, regardless of gender, age, financial status, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
People in abusive relationships often experience a complex mix of emotions. These feelings are shaped by the abuse they endure, the dynamics of their relationship, and societal or cultural pressures. Common feelings include: fear, hopelessness, low self-esteem or self-worth, shame, guilt, confusion, overwhelm, and/or isolation. The impacts of an abusive relationship can last after the relationship has ended and filter into other relationships. Many people fear that they may repeat past patterns, have difficulty trusting new partners, or are reluctant to engage in new relationships.
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Domestic violence and mental health
Experiencing domestic violence can have profound effects on mental and emotional well-being. Abuse leaves deep emotional and psychological scars, often affecting self-esteem, decision-making abilities, and overall mental health. People who have been in an abusive relationship often experience one or more of the following mental health concerns:
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, fear, hypervigilance, and heightened anxiety
Anxiety and Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fear
Low Self-Esteem and/or Feelings of Worthlessness: Feeling unworthy or incapable of making independent decisions
Isolation and Difficulty Trusting Others: Struggles in forming or maintaining healthy relationships
Physical Health Issues: Chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and other stress-related conditions
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the complexities of abuse, process their experiences, regain their confidence, and overcome the emotional and psychological damage caused by abusive relationships. At Valid Love Therapy Collective, we use a variety of trauma-informed approaches to help you process your experiences. Therapy is always tailored to your unique needs. Here is an idea of what you can expect in your therapy sessions, depending on what your needs are.
One of the first, and most important steps in therapy is having a space where you can feel validated. Many people who have experienced abuse struggle with self-blame or minimize their experiences. They may also suppress painful memories or emotions to cope with what they have experienced. Therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental place to explore these emotions, understand their impact, and develop more effective coping skills.
People who have experienced abuse may worry about getting into another abusive relationship. Therapy helps you to identify red flags, set boundaries, and develop more effective relationship dynamics. Therapists teach communication skills and boundary setting skills and help you to understand your needs in a relationship. This helps to empower you to advocate for your needs in future relationships.
Therapy can help individuals manage mental health symptoms and concerns. Many people who have experienced abuse also experience symptoms of PTSD such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. Therapists use trauma informed, evidence-based approaches to help individuals process trauma and reduce distressing symptoms.
Partners who are abusive often isolate their partners from loved ones, making it difficult to maintain outside relationships. Therapy can help you to rebuild connections with friends and family, develop support networks, and re-establish trust with friends and family.
One of the ultimate goals of therapy is to help people who have experienced abuse regain autonomy and control of their lives. By learning emotional regulation skills, setting personal goals, and developing resilience, you can move forward with confidence and independence.
You Can Have Relationship(s) Where You Are Happy and Safe
Healing from relationship abuse takes time, but with the right support, healing is possible. Therapy provides you with the tools you need to process your experiences, rebuild your self-esteem, create and rebuild effective relationships, and create a life free from abuse. Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward healing, empowerment, and a fulfilling future.
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