Our therapists offer emotional abuse therapy in Westborough, MA

Counseling and Therapy for Emotional Abuse in Westborough, MA

Emotional abuse can occur within a marriage, between friends, among intimate partners, from a parent to a child, at work, within a spiritual setting, and more. Although abusers frequently claim to love their victims, emotional abuse is not loving, and in certain cases, it may be illegal.

If you think that you may be in an emotionally abusive relationship, know that many resources are available to you. One of the best is counseling. Skilled therapists have helped many victims of emotional abuse find safety and restore their self-worth. The emotional abuse counselors at Thriveworks Counseling in Westborough understand what it takes to recover from emotional abuse. We love seeing our clients empowered to pursue their own safety and healing. Reach out today to get the help that you need.

Defining Emotional Abuse

The patterns that emotional abuse can take are endless. The following are examples of emotionally abusive behaviors that can be used to control another person…

1. Denying any personal responsibility for their behaviors.
2. Humiliating, embarrassing, mocking, criticizing, or name-calling, especially when done in public.
3. Separating a person from their loved ones.
4. Denying affection or love to control another (When you… I will…)
5. Disregarding or minimizing another person’s feelings and thoughts. (“You’re just sensitive.”)
6. Intentionally and falsely blaming.
7. Objectifying people.
8. Blocking someone’s access to money, food, transportation, medical care, or other vital resources.
9. Intimidating, guilting, or threatening people.
10. Destroying, Harming or disposing of someone’s personal possessions without authorization.
11. Outbursts of anger and unforeseeable moodiness.
12. Engaging in extreme jealous or possessive behaviors.
13. Gaslighting.

What Does Emotional Abuse Feel Like?

Toxic relationships center around control, whereas people who are in healthy relationships respect each other’s autonomy. Emotional abuse erodes a person’s sense of self and can cause severe harm. Victims often struggle with fear, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, depression, psychosomatic pain, suicidal idealization, substance abuse, and more.

A victim of emotional abuse may feel…

• Scared of the perpetrator.
• As if nothing they do is good or right.
• Helpless.
• As if their life does not matter.
• Anxiety about expressing their true thoughts and feelings.
• Depressed.
• As if they deserve the emotional abuse.
• Like they are walking on egg shells.
• Crazy.

Recovering from Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse collects a severe toll, but people can recover from its toxic effects. Healing takes time and usually the help of a mental health professional. Therapy may help people who have experienced emotional abuse see how…

• No one deserves to be abused.
• The abuser is responsible for his/her decision to harm.
• The hurt is real.
• Trauma recovery is a difficult but possible path.
• It is important to prioritize one’s emotional and physical safety.
• Grief is a normal part of healing.
• Relationships can be built on love and trust.

Emotional Abuse Counseling at Thriveworks in Westborough

If you are in or are coming out of an emotionally abusive relationship, the therapists at Thriveworks Westborough want you to know that you deserve respect, kindness, and love. We understand the personal hell you are living in or have survived, and we want each of our clients to reclaim their dreams, value, and identity.

If you call our office for therapy, know that most new clients are able to see their therapist within the same week. Weekend and evening appointments are available, and we work with most insurance providers. We want each client to feel supported throughout their care. Call Thriveworks Counseling in Westborough today to get started.