Fredericksburg, VA Emotional Abuse Counseling

Meet with a local Thriveworks provider -- we accept insurance & provide personalized, high-quality care.

 

Many think of abuse as physical hitting, but there’s a more sinister type of ill-treatment that is purely emotional. The subtle type of mental abuse is not always obvious but it is always hurtful. Blatant abuse is more recognizable of course. It’s usually just plain verbal nastiness by the abuser to the victim. A lot of sufferers complain that home life becomes too sensitive. They often quote the phrase “It’s like walking on eggshells” and this will be one of the reasons emotional abuse therapy may be sought.

The Stereotypical Emotional Abuser

There is no stereotypical emotional abuser. It can be anyone; sometimes those who you would least expect. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always the man doing the abusing either. It’s not uncommon for women, both in their roles as a wife and a mother, to carry out the abuse.

An emotional abuser might use the following tactics to break down their victim:

  • Constant calling or texting
  • Relentless put-downs
  • Domination and controlling behavior
  • Extreme moodiness
  • Guilt trips
  • Humiliation or deliberate embarrassment tactics
  • Ignoring or excluding you from conversations and/or events
  • Isolating you from your friends and/or family
  • Blaming you for everything
  • Nasty jokes or persistent mocking
  • Saying things like “I love you” followed by … but…
  • Playing the “If you don’t _____, I will_____” card
  • Threatening extreme acts if you leave (suicide, burning the house down, etc.)
  • Never-ending sarcasm
  • Use money to control what you do, where you go, etc.
  • Refusal to show any signs of affection

As you can see, there are some pretty nasty strategies used by emotional abusers. When these things become constant, over a long period of time, then the psychological damage sets in.

Trapped and Alone

Mental abuse rarely just kicks in overnight. This is something that tends to build up over time, often to the unawares of the victim. The mid to long term consequence of this is that the victims struggle to feel and function normally. Many withdraw from life as they once knew it and become distant in their relationships. In short, they can become trapped and alone in the world.

Our Fredericksburg, VA emotional abuse therapy center has helped to counsel many victims of psychological abuse over the years. Call us today at 540-322-5424 and see how our treatments may help get your life back on track.

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Our providers help people make meaningful advances in their lives. We accept most insurances, and offer weekend and evening sessions.

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Where to find us

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Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Fredericksburg is located in the same building as FireSide Hearth & Home and Simply Home. Across Kenmore Ave and heading towards Charlotte Street is Union Bank Shares. Across the street where it intersects with Jackson Street is Atlantic Union Bank. Nearby is International Parking Institute, and Maury Stadium is also nearby at the intersection of Jackson Street and Hanover Street.

Phone number

(540) 413-0358

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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