Emotional abuse counseling with our Thriveworks therapists in Newport News gives people the safe space they need to identify and understand the harm they’ve experienced and move forward. Through therapy, many victims have rebuilt their self-esteem and self-worth; recognized that they did not cause the abuse, but their perpetrator is responsible for the choice to harm; identified their wounds and found the treatment they need; healed from trauma; re-established their personal safety; grieved their losses; formed new, loving relationships; and learned to trust their experiences and emotions.
Counseling and Therapy for Emotional Abuse in Newport News, VA
Victims of emotional abuse may experience:
- An ever-present anxiety and fear.
- The feeling that whatever they do is wrong.
- Difficulty expressing their own needs, thoughts, and feelings.
- Walking on eggshells around their abuser, not knowing what will set off the next outburst.
- Low self-esteem.
- Being told they deserve the abusive treatment.
- Mental health challenges.
- The feeling that they are going crazy.
If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional abuse, know that Thriveworks Newport News offers therapy for emotional abuse. Call or go online to schedule your appointment today.
Defining and Illustrating Emotional Abuse
The following are examples of emotional abuse in action within a relationship:
- Criticizing, attacking, shaming, embarrassing, mocking, humiliating, or name-calling (“You are so dumb”).
- Devaluing or belittling other people’s experiences, opinions, or feelings (“This is not a big deal—you’re just sensitive”).
- Objectifying people (“what a girl” or “man up”).
- Utilizing intimidation, threats, or guilt to achieve a desired outcome (“If you were a good friend…”).
- Demonstrations of acute jealousy or possessiveness (“I own you.”).
- Gaslighting (making people feel crazy and lose trust in their own experiences).
- Outbursts of moodiness or anger (Seething over minor infractions).
- Trashing another’s valued possessions (Destroying a beloved picture, a cherished family heirloom, et cetera).
- Cutting off someone’s access to important resources (money, education, transportation, health care, or food).
- Blaming others falsely (“You lied [broke, stole, forgot, et cetera]…” when you did not, and they know it).
- Withholding affection or love (Ignoring people).
- Making other people feel guilty for spending time with their loved ones (“You never spend time with me! How could you go to your mom’s again?”).
- Shifting responsibility for their own choices onto others (“If you hadn’t…I wouldn’t have to..”).
Emotional abuse often begins slowly and then escalates as victims grow used to being treated poorly. Therefore, anyone can become entrapped in an emotionally abusive relationship: men and women, young and old, wealthy and poor, and anyone of any race or with any education level.
Counseling for Emotional Abuse with Thriveworks Newport News
f you are ready to see a mental health professional, Thriveworks Newport News has appointments available for emotional abuse recovery.
Psychoeducation: Provides information about emotional abuse, its effects, and healthy relationships to increase awareness and understanding.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and challenge distorted beliefs about themselves and their abusers, and develop coping strategies to manage negative emotions and behaviors.
Trauma therapy: Addresses the emotional and psychological impact of emotional abuse, including symptoms of trauma such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Focuses on building emotion regulation skills, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness to manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
Narrative therapy: Assists individuals in reframing their experiences of emotional abuse, exploring alternative narratives, and reclaiming their sense of identity and agency.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Targets traumatic memories associated with emotional abuse through bilateral stimulation to reduce distress and promote emotional healing and resolution.
Schema therapy: Addresses underlying maladaptive patterns or “schemas” developed as a result of emotional abuse, helping individuals challenge and modify these patterns to promote healthier relationships and self-concept.
Support groups: Offer a safe and validating space for survivors of emotional abuse to share experiences, receive validation and support, and learn from others facing similar challenges.
Art therapy: Utilizes creative expression as a therapeutic tool to process emotions, explore trauma-related themes, and facilitate healing and self-discovery.
Mindfulness-based approaches: Incorporate mindfulness practices to cultivate present-moment awareness, self-compassion, and acceptance, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with emotional abuse.
If you contact our office, you may be meeting with a therapist within 7 days of your first call. We also work with many insurance companies and offer weekend and evening hours.
Call Thriveworks Newport News today or book online.
