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.
Domestic violence therapy can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, dependent on the individual's exact needs and preferences.
You’ve survived domestic abuse but it may not be over yet. There are often long-term effects that a counselor can help you work through. Without this help, you may heal or you may not – but it’s likely you’ll heal faster with the help of a counselor trained to help you through this issue.
You could suffer from long-term effects
Many victims of domestic violence don’t realize how many side effects there can be. These conditions can last for decades without the proper help. They include anxiety, insomnia, suicidal ideation, an inability to trust, sexual issues, and fear of intimacy. There can be physical problems too, including chronic pain, bladder and kidney infections, unplanned pregnancies, GI issues, central nervous system issues, and migraines.
Do you understand the domestic violence cycle?
One of the most common feelings survivors feel is a loss of control. When they work with their counselor to better understand the cycles of abuse, and their own situation, they can begin to take back control of their life and feel in control again. A typical cycle of abuse looks like this:
- Arguments/threats/anger
- Violence – it can be physical, emotional, and/or sexual and generally gets worse as time goes on
- Honeymoon period in which the abuser apologies and swears it’ll never happen again
Do you understand what counseling can do?
If you feel like domestic abuse counseling can’t possibly help you, rest assured: You are not alone. Many people in your exact situation feel the same way. However, a counselor can help you understand the dynamics of abuse, can provide crisis intervention to help you out of your situation, can help you understand your feelings, and can help you find local support groups.
At Thriveworks Birmingham Counseling & Coaching in Oakland County, our goal is to help you heal but the first step in that process is to give you a sense of security. We don’t push our clients and we respect where you are right now. If you need help getting out of a relationships, assistance sorting out feelings for a new person, or even if you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help.