Emotional abuse counseling with our Thriveworks therapists in Alpharetta 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 Alpharetta, GA can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, depending on the individual’s exact needs and preferences.
Counseling for Emotional Abuse in Alpharetta, GA
Emotional abuse can occur in any kind of relationship—between spouses, among friends, with a co-worker, from a parent to a child, within a religious community, and more. If you have been abused emotionally or if you are currently in an abusive relationship, know that resources are available for you. Many people need the support of friends and family, but emotional abuse is also a trauma that may need professional care.
Thriveworks Alpharetta offers counseling for emotional abuse because we understand how trauma wounds a person’s spirit. We see the wounds, even if others cannot. Our mental health professionals are committed to providing holistic care as our clients establish their safety and heal from emotional abuse. If you have experienced emotional abuse, reach out to schedule an appointment with Thriveworks.
Recognizing Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is harder to define than other forms of abuse, but if you have experienced emotional abuse, you know it when you see it. Examples may help to bring understanding. The following may be emotionally abusive:
- Destroying or harming another’s possessions (Disposing of a family heirloom, a favorite picture, a meaningful letter, et cetera).
- Gaslighting (Making people feel crazy).
- Denying access to important resources (Limiting another’s means to education, money, food, transportation, or health care).
- Demonstrating extreme and inappropriate jealousy and/or possessiveness (“I own you.”).
- Trying to get things through threats, guilt, or intimidation (“A good wife would…”).
- Objectifying others (“Man up” or “You are such a girl”).
- Exploding with anger (Storming over minor infractions).
- Falsely blaming (“You broke [forgot, stole, moved, et cetera]…” when they know you did not).
- Withholding love to achieve a certain end (“I won’t be your friend unless…”)
- Disregarding or minimizing another’s experiences, opinions, and/or emotions (“you are overreacting/too sensitive”).
- Cutting off someone from their family and friends or using guilt to isolate them (“You never spend time with me, but you going to see your mom again”).
- Openly humiliating, shaming, embarrassing, mocking, name-calling, or criticizing (“if you used your brain…”).
- Being defensive instead of accepting responsibility for their own actions (“Well, you’re not perfect!”).
How Does Emotional Abuse Counseling Help?
Counseling may help victims heal by…
- Naming the harm.
- Determining the right treatment for the wounds.
- Helping people understand that the abuse was not their fault.
- Making people’s safety a priority.
- Restoring people’s self-worth and voice.
- Learning how to love and trust again.
Healing from Emotional Abuse with Thriveworks Alpharetta
When you read through the examples of emotional abuse, did you recognize any? Is someone in your life engaging in those destructive behaviors? If you or someone you love is being emotionally abused, know that Thriveworks Alpharetta is ready to help. We have appointments for emotional abuse counseling available.
When you call our office, our aim is to provide holistic care from the moment you dial our number. Many new clients meet with a therapist within the same week of their call. We work with many insurance companies and accept many insurance plans. Our therapists offer weekend and evening appointments. Are you ready for a change? Call Thriveworks Alpharetta today to get started.
