Emotional abuse counseling with our Thriveworks therapists in Woodbridge 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.
Emotional abuse counseling with one of our Thriveworks therapists in Woodbridge, VA can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, depending on the individual’s exact needs and preferences.
Emotional Abuse Counseling—Therapists and Counselors in Woodbridge, VA
There are many forms of this type of abuse, three of the most common being:
- Deliberately trying to scare or worry the victim
- Persistent humiliation and bullying
- Isolating or ignoring
Quite often the abuser is also a victim of emotional abuse and may have suffered other types of abuse or neglect too.
Harmful Effects and Symptoms of Emotional Abuse
Unlike physical abuse, there are no obvious symptoms associated with emotional maltreatment or neglect. There are often signs of unnatural actions or emotions, though, if you know what to look for. However, this can be harder to detect in children than adults because emotional changes are a natural part of growing up. Some of the symptoms in youngsters might include:
- Overly affectionate toward people they barely know
- Sudden lack of confidence
- Signs of anxiousness
- Distant (unaffectionate) relationship with a parent
- Aggressive behavior toward other kids and pets
Older children and adults may show signs in the following areas:
- Use language or act in inappropriate ways
- Seeming inability to control strong emotions
- Sudden and extreme outbursts
- Isolated from their parents
- Lack socialization skills
- Don’t have many or any friends
These things can affect a person’s life and as much as they try to improve, it’s often a futile task until they get professional help. One of the problems with emotional and mental issues is that people can’t always identify in themselves what others see in them.
Can Emotional Abuse Counseling Help?
In most cases, counseling can help but it does depend on how the patient responds to treatment. There are also different types of treatment available.
Thriveworks Woodbridge emotional abuse counselors have experience working with patients in this area. Give us a call today to evaluate what solutions we might be able to suggest.
