Nearly 50% of Americans have experienced some form of emotional abuse and have been subjected to the psychological harm that comes with it.
Friendly and loving relationships are an uplifting, crucial part of the human existence. They can enhance life and give it meaning. But what happens when that love turns toxic, or turns into something else?
You deserve to have caring friendships and loving relationships in your life. If that’s not the case, the emotional abuse counselors at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY are here for you and are ready to help you heal from the emotional abuse you have suffered.
What Is Emotional Abuse?
“Emotional violence is another kind of abuse … it’s not about words because an emotionally abusive person doesn’t always resort to using the verbal club, but rather the verbal untraceable poison.” ~ Augusten Burroughs
What makes emotional abuse so pervasive in our culture, is that it doesn’t leave physical scars. There’s rarely evidence that can point to an emotional abuser. There’s only the deep emotional wounds of the victim that affect their day to day life, and that general sense of “This isn’t right.”
Emotional abuse doesn’t always start so obviously. Oftentimes an abuser may frame their words or actions as being helpful, and will slowly convince you that they are always right. The abuse can be passive, subtle, and blend into the background. The licensed counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY understand how hard it can be to face emotional abuse. If you think you or a loved one is being mistreated, look for the signs. An emotionally abusive partner may:
- Control money and spending
- Constantly belittle you or point out flaws
- Accuse you of things you never did (gaslighting)
- Use silent treatment as punishment
- Control who you see or where you go
- Make hurtful jokes
- Objectify you
- Use guilt as a weapon
These are only some of the examples of symptoms of an emotionally abusive relationship. They all share one thing in common: control. An emotionally abusive partner will seek control in all aspects of their relationship. This relationship doesn’t have to be romantic, either. It can be between friends, coworkers, a boss, a family member–any relationship that should be uplifting but is instead detrimental.
All relationships have fights and all people have their flaws. But when the relationship becomes one person controlling the other, there’s a problem. But it’s a problem that mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY can help you with. There’s hope for people struggling in or recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship.
What Are the Effects of Long-term Emotional Abuse?
Abuse is most detrimental when it happens long-term. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all possible results of continued emotional abuse. People subjected to abuse may:
- Blame the abuse on themselves
- Have low self-esteem
- Feel afraid of voicing their concerns and feelings
- Become hypervigilant and anxious
- Think nothing they do is ever enough
- Distrust their own memories and perceptions
No one deserves to be emotionally abused. It is a hard path back from a place of abuse, and one that may take some time. But you can do it. And the counselors at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY are here to help you every step of the way, empowering you to stand up for yourself in your relationships.
What Does Emotional Abuse Therapy Look Like?
Abuse is often a slow burn. It’s slow and incremental so that one day you wake up and find yourself completely ensnared. It can leave open wounds that may take a long time to heal.
But healing is possible.
The therapists at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY have helped many people suffering from emotional abuse, and we can help you, too. If you can find the courage to take that first step, we can walk with you to your freedom.
The first step you may need help with is removing yourself from the abusive relationship. This can be a terrifying step to take, but it may be crucial in the healing process. Our therapists and social workers will be there with the emotional support you need.
After that, therapy sessions are unique to the individual. We focus on processing the abuse and acknowledging the scars it has left. Coming to terms with what was done to you opens up the mind and allows it to heal. We will discuss coping methods and tips to build healthy relationships. Knowledge is vital in moving forward.
Find Your Power with an Emotional Abuse Therapist at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY
You’ve lived in the confines of another’s will for too long. This is your life and you can regain control. Call the Thriveworks office in Buffalo, NY today and meet with a licensed, empathetic, empowering counselor as early as tomorrow. Most new Thriveworks clients can be in their first in-person or online counseling session within 24-48 hours of their initial booking. Thriveworks providers accept most major forms of health insurance coverage, helping to make the sessions more affordable. It’s time to prioritize your own wellbeing. Call Thriveworks today.
