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1,235 people sought domestic violence therapy help in Virginia in the last year

Discover how starting domestic violence therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Carelon, +18 more
Domestic Abuse, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, +11 more

129 more therapist available in Virginia

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Starting Domestic violence therapy

What is Domestic violence therapy?

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.

How does Domestic violence therapy work?

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.

Is Domestic violence therapy conducted in person or online?

Domestic violence therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Domestic violence therapy last?

Domestic violence therapy can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, dependent on the individual's exact needs and preferences.

Need more help deciding?

The murder-mystery, Big Little Lies, has kept audiences in suspense and constantly guessing who died and who-dun-it? Liane Moriarty’s best-seller and its HBO adaptation have become a phenomenon because of their rich characters, witty banter, and intriguing plot. But there is another reason people have deeply connected with this storyline: it sheds light on the common but hidden reality of domestic violence.

(Small Spoiler Ahead!)

Celeste White is a mother to kindergarten-age twin boys, and she is the envy of the school. Smart, beautiful, and rich, Celeste appears to have it all. She has a gorgeous home, beautiful children, and a perfect husband. But Celeste’s life is not enviable, and as she admits at the end of the novel, domestic violence can happen to anyone. Celeste’s husband is violent toward her.

People who have come out of a violent relationship know how domestic violence occurs in every socio-economic status, race, and education level. They also know how a relationship appears may be drastically different than how it really is. The confusion victims face is overwhelming, as Celeste admits, “I don’t know why I stay. I don’t know why I deserve this. I don’t know why you do this, why we do this, why this keeps happening.”

Leaving a violent relationship is also harder than it seems. Escaping often takes the support of family, friends, and a professional therapist.

Thriveworks Richmond provides therapy for victims of domestic violence. Our therapists have helped many people find safety and heal from the abuse.

The Pattern of Domestic Abuse

In almost every case of domestic abuse, the details vary but a similar pattern emerges:
The Honeymoon Phase: Times of peace and maybe even happiness often account for what makes domestic violence so disorienting. Victims genuinely love their violent partner and feel like this time is the real relationship. Violent partners often use the honeymoon phase to promise that the violence will never happen again. However, the pattern rarely stops without significant intervention.

The Tension Building Phase: Tension almost always returns to the relationship and builds until the violent partner chooses to abuse. Many victims describe this time as walking through a mine field. They may try to appease the violent partner, give into absurd demands, or shield their partner from anything that may trigger the violence. However, these attempts are almost never successful.

The Abusive Phase: Harming another person is always a choice, and at some point, the violent partner will choose to harm. The abuse may be physical, emotional, and/or sexual. It is never the fault of the victim, but responsibility lies solely with the violent partner. Most forms of domestic violence are also illegal.

One women outlines her experiences living in this pattern of domestic abuse, “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.” This stress has long-term and detrimental effects upon a victim’s health.

Possible Warning Signs for Violent Relationships

This pattern for domestic abuse is usually escalated over time—each cycle is more caustic than the one before. Thus, at the beginning of a relationship, concerning behavior may seem not that bad. People often dismiss possible warning signs for violence because they are subtle. However, it is important to remember that these behaviors may intensify with time.

The red flags that follow center on control. When one partner dominates or wants to dominate what the other says, thinks, wears, feels, does, buys, and on and on, these are signs that the relationship is at best unhealthy and at worst may be or become violent.

Think about how your significant other behaves. Do you recognize anything from the list in your partner’s behavior?

  • Blaming you or others for their behavior
  • Using derogatory names for you or other people
  • Showing irritation that you spend time with family or family
  • Belittle you (even as a “joke”)
  • Harming you, your kids, or your pets
  • Coercing you into sexual acts that make you uncomfortable.
  • Intimidating, scaring, or threatening you or others
  • Limiting your agency (i.e., your ability to make decisions—such as how to spend money, where to go, what to wear, and more)
  • Discouraging you from working or going to school

Victims of Domestic Violence: Counseling and Support

As you read through the list, did you recognize any behaviors? If your partner exhibits these or similar behaviors, it may be time to reach out for counseling and support. The counselors at Thriveworks understand the dangerous dynamics of domestic violence and what it takes to be safe.

Living in a violent environment is chaotic, so finding support should be easy. When you call our office, a person will answer and help you. First-time clients may even see their counselor the next day. We work with many insurance providers, and we offer weekend and evening appointments.

We want our clients to receive the support they need. Call Thriveworks Richmond today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Richmond therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

Show more
Self-pay costs at Richmond
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.7 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Read more I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Michelle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★☆☆☆
My experience has been somewhat less desiring. My ongoing sessions with the counselor is not as expected. It’s not engaging and oftentimes we are sitting in silence. I even asked if there was an ending game plan so we know where we are working towards and I didn’t get an answer.
Read more My experience has been somewhat less desiring. My ongoing sessions with the counselor is not as expected. It’s not engaging and oftentimes we are sitting in silence. I even asked if there was an ending game plan so we know where we are working towards and I didn’t get an answer.
Chris Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have known Scott Beach personally and professionally for almost 15 years. He is a caring and compassionate individual and an outstanding clinician. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking to engage with an ethical and skilled counselor who will meet you where you are without judgment and work with you to achieve your counseling goals!
Read more I have known Scott Beach personally and professionally for almost 15 years. He is a caring and compassionate individual and an outstanding clinician. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking to engage with an ethical and skilled counselor who will meet you where you are without judgment and work with you to achieve your counseling goals!
Richmond Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ashley Crouch has been been a blessing to me over the past year. I cannot begin to thank her enough for how she has impacted my life. She is very effective, professional, and respectful. My quality of life has improved by leaps and bounds and I'm forever grateful. I live in a rural area with few counseling options, so online counseling was a Godsend, and so was Ashley!
Read more Ashley Crouch has been been a blessing to me over the past year. I cannot begin to thank her enough for how she has impacted my life. She is very effective, professional, and respectful. My quality of life has improved by leaps and bounds and I'm forever grateful. I live in a rural area with few counseling options, so online counseling was a Godsend, and so was Ashley!
Richmond Dec 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Exceptional service.
Richmond Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve been seeing Ashley for about a month now at Thriveworks and I couldn’t be happier. She really helped me get back to person I use to be. I’ve had a rough couple years and she has me well on my way to a better me.
Read more I’ve been seeing Ashley for about a month now at Thriveworks and I couldn’t be happier. She really helped me get back to person I use to be. I’ve had a rough couple years and she has me well on my way to a better me.
Richmond Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great scheduling service. Emma Denat is fantastic as a counselor. Highly recommend this practice.
Read more Great scheduling service. Emma Denat is fantastic as a counselor. Highly recommend this practice.
Richmond Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
So far, everything with Thriveworks has been great - easy to schedule, easy to meet, and really finding great help all around.
Read more So far, everything with Thriveworks has been great - easy to schedule, easy to meet, and really finding great help all around.
Richmond Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Richmond is located off of Markel Rd, just south of Libbie Place Shopping Center. Our building is across the street from the Faison Center and next to Pandora’s Lashes and Coates and Davenport, P.C. Our office is in the Enterprise Center, which we share with Liquid Talent Agency and SIL Insurance, among other businesses.

Phone number

(804) 312-5498

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Polish
  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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