Our therapists offer emotional abuse therapy in Reston, VA

Emotional Abuse Recovery in Reston, VA—Therapists and Counselors

Normal, healthy relationships have disagreements. People are different, and when those differences are respected, people experience freedom. In contrast, emotional abuse is about controlling another person. Perpetrators use emotional manipulation to dominate.

Far from a one-time occurrence, emotional abuse is an intentional, established pattern. It often begins subtly, and victims usually have a hard time recognizing its early stages. As victims become desensitized to it, perpetrators escalate the manipulation.

Naming every possible behavior that is emotionally abusive would be impossible, but at the same time, giving examples is often helpful because emotional abuse can be more difficult to define and recognize than other forms of abuse. Examples of emotional abuse may include:

1. Blaming others for one’s behavior.
2. Publicly mocking, humiliating, name-calling, embarrassing, criticizing, et cetera.
3. Separating someone from their family and friends.
4. Withholding affection or love.
5. Downplaying another person’s experiences, perspective, emotions, or thoughts (e.g., “It’s not that bad.”).
6. Distracting others from one’s own responsibility by falsely accusing others.
7. Using or objectifying people.
8. Denying access to money, medical care, food, transportation, or other crucial resources.
9. Using guilt, threats, or intimidation.
10. Without permission, harming someone’s personal possessions, especially valuables (financially or personally).
11. Keeping people on edge with moodiness or anger.
12. Behavior that is jealous or possessive.
13. Gaslighting.

Healing from Emotional Abuse

Many people have found hope and healing after a toxic relationship where they experienced emotional abuse. Counseling has given many people the safe space they need to identify the harm, heal, 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 the trauma.
• Re-established their personal safety.
• Grieved their losses.
• Formed new, loving relationships.
• Learned to trust their experiences and emotions.

Thriveworks Reston

The counselors at Thriveworks Reston understand the personal nightmare that victims of emotional abuse face, and know that every person deserves kindness, love, and respect. If you are in an emotionally abusive relationship or have been in one, you are not alone.

If you call Thriveworks Reston, know that you may be meeting with your therapist the following week. Our counselors offer weekend and evening session. We also work with many insurance providers.
No relationship should not undermine your self-worth. Call Thriveworks Reston today. We want to help.