Domestic violence therapy is a specialized form of counseling that helps victims and their families heal from abusive relationships. It is a crucial component of the broader efforts to address and combat domestic violence, a pattern of abusive behaviors within intimate relationships that can encompass physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or economic abuse.
In domestic violence therapy, therapists create a safe and supportive environment. Domestic violence therapy is often part of a broader support network that includes legal assistance, shelters, and community resources. Its aim is to break the cycle of abuse, promote safety, and foster healthier relationships.
Thriveworks Woodbridge offers therapy and support for people facing domestic violence. Our professionals understand the challenges victims face and what it takes to find safety.
If you’re ready to break free from the patterns of abuse, call or go online to schedule with one of our therapists today.
A Pattern for Domestic Violence
The details may vary, but the same pattern of domestic violence is almost always present, which includes:
The Honeymoon Phase: Regardless of how extreme the violence is, almost every relationship has times of relative happiness and peace. These good times make it difficult for victims to understand what is happening to them.
The Tension Building Phase: Inevitably, the violent partner begins demanding more and more from the victim, and tensions rise. Victims often attempt to shield their partners from anything that may trigger violence. They may walk on eggshells, trying to appease their partner. Violent partners often lead their victims to believe that the violence is their fault—triggered by some flaw in them. However, violence is always a choice and never a victim’s fault.
The Abusive Phase: When a violent partner chooses to abuse, the harm may be emotional, physical, or sexual. In many circumstances, it incorporates all three.
One woman illustrated life in the pattern of domestic violence, “He would be alternately kind and then fly off the handle for no reason. I always lived in fear of his temper. It was very stressful.”
Domestic Abuse: Warning Signs
The warning signs do not guarantee that a relationship is abusive, but the listed behaviors are serious. If you or a loved one is experiencing these behaviors from an intimate partner, it may be time to seek out professional help.
- Subtly or overtly denigrating you
- Scaring, threatening, or intimidating you
- Hurting you, your pets, or your kids
- Trying to take away your agency (i.e., your ability to make decisions for yourself—such as what to wear, how to spend money, where to go, and more)
- Dissuading you from working or going to school
- Using degrading names for you (even as a “joke”)
- Blaming you or others for their behavior
- Coercing you into sex or sexual acts that make you feel uncomfortable or that you have said, “no” to
- Being annoyed when you spend time with family or friends
Counseling for Domestic Abuse
Counseling through Thriveworks Woodbridge has helped many people face the reality that their relationship is not healthy and take action to secure their safety. Our counselors have appointments available for domestic violence victims.
We offer weekend and evening sessions, and we work with most insurance companies. Call Thriveworks Woodbridge today or schedule online.
