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 Abuse Counseling in Charleston, SC—Counselors and Therapists
The counselors at Thriveworks Charleston offer therapy for victims of domestic violence and abuse. We know the dangers of domestic violence and how to support clients in finding a place of safety. If you need domestic abuse counseling, reach out to Thriveworks Charleston today. We’ll provide you with the compassionate help and support you need.
The Cycle of Abuse: 3 Phases
The particular details of abuse may vary from situation to situation, but domestic violence almost always adheres to a predictable cycle:
- The Honeymoon Phase: This is a peaceful time in the relationship and one of the reasons domestic violence can be so disorienting. The honeymoon phase can be too good to be true with gifts and romance that can make anyone believe it is a perfect relationship.
- The Tension Building Phase: As violent partners show increasing irritation, their victims may begin to appease them—all in hopes of preventing the impending violence.
- The Abusive Phase: The abuse may come in the form of verbal, sexual, or physical violence. It is never the victim’s fault.
What Are the Effects of Domestic Abuse?
A person’s home should be the safest place in the world, but it often is not. Domestic abuse turns homes into war zone where sexual, physical, and/or emotional violence could break out at any time. Living in this war zone has immediate and long-term detrimental health effects.
When the body feels a threat, it engages its flight-or-fight response, and the brain releases stress hormones that allow people to either engage the threat or run away from it. However, living with domestic violence means this response, which is normally only used rarely, is engaged regularly, if not all the time. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris describes how the brain’s flight-or-fight response “is wonderful if you’re in a forest and there’s a bear. But the problem is what happens when the bear comes home every night, and this system is activated over and over and over again, and it goes from being adaptive, or life-saving, to maladaptive, or health-damaging.”
Schedule Domestic Abuse Counseling at Thriveworks Charleston
Do you recognize any of the listed behaviors? Has your partner made you feel uncomfortable, intimidated, or scared? Has your partner harmed you? If so, know that Thriveworks Charleston is ready to support you. We offer therapy for domestic violence victims and have helped many people escape the cycle of abuse.
We know that living with a violent partner creates enough difficulty, so reaching out for help should be easy. Our office has done our best to make the process of scheduling therapy as easy as possible. When you call, a person will answer and help you schedule your appointment. We work with many insurance companies, and we offer same-week appointments appointments.
Nothing should stand in the way of our clients receiving the help they need. Call Thriveworks Charleston today. We are ready to help!
