Emotional abuse is a common term for psychological and mental maltreatment. The main aim of a perpetrator of emotional abuse is to control the victim. The way they get to do this is by reducing their confidence and self-esteem. Once they manage to do that, the abused one becomes ever more reliant on their abuser. Common tactics used to accomplish these aims include:
- Intimidation
- Bullying
- Constant criticism
- Keeping the victim isolated from family and friends
- Shouting
- Complaining
Emotional abuse is often about maintaining a strong psychosomatic hold over the victim. Unless the sufferer removes themselves from the situation, the abuse will never stop. And the longer it goes on, the longer the road to recovery can be. Emotional abuse therapists have been able to help tens of thousands of people take back control of their lives, but they only get to do this when:
- The victim admits there’s a problem
- Seeks professional help
- Keeps an open mind
Unnecessary Suffering
Once an emotional abuse victim gets into recovery they then get to reflect on the sheer hopelessness of their past situation. Many say that the impact of their abuse was worse even than any physical violence they had experienced. They also tell of how difficult it was to understand the gravity of their situation while they were living it.
There are certainly many challenges for emotional abuse sufferers. The biggest challenge is for those trapped in an abusive relationship, not in the recovery process. The hardest challenge victim’s face is getting out of the abusive relationship. For as long as they remain in it, their ability to function normally within society will only get worse. There are no victims of abusive relationships, only volunteers. After all, the majority of sufferers have the option to get out if they so choose to. Although this is easier to say than it is to do, it’s still an option nonetheless.
Treatment for Emotional Abuse Sufferers at Thriveworks Baltimore Counseling
If you’re hurting, consider getting in touch with our Thriveworks Baltimore emotional abuse therapy professionals. We can provide objective diagnoses and offer treatment programs that may help to deal with your psychological abuse problems and related symptoms.
