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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a emotional abuse counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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All VA providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!

Starting Emotional abuse counseling

What is emotional abuse counseling?

Emotional abuse counseling helps victims heal from abusive relationships. Examples of emotional abuse may include:

  • Blaming others for their own behavior.
  • Publicly mocking, humiliating, name-calling, embarrassing, criticizing.
  • Separating someone from their family and friends.
  • Withholding affection or love.
  • Downplaying another person’s experiences, perspectives, emotions, or thoughts.
  • Using or objectifying people.
  • Denying access to money, medical care, food, transportation, or other crucial resources.
  • Using guilt, threats, or intimidation.

How does emotional abuse counseling work?

Emotional abuse counseling with our Thriveworks therapists in Newport News 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.

Is emotional abuse counseling conducted in person or online?

Emotional abuse counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does emotional abuse counseling last?

Emotional abuse counseling with one of our Thriveworks therapists in Newport News, VA can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, depending on the individual’s exact needs and preferences.

Need more help deciding?

Counseling and Therapy for Emotional Abuse in Newport News, VA

Victims of emotional abuse may experience:

  • An ever-present anxiety and fear.
  • The feeling that whatever they do is wrong.
  • Difficulty expressing their own needs, thoughts, and feelings.
  • Walking on eggshells around their abuser, not knowing what will set off the next outburst.
  • Low self-esteem.
  • Being told they deserve the abusive treatment.
  • Mental health challenges.
  • The feeling that they are going crazy.

If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional abuse, know that Thriveworks Newport News offers therapy for emotional abuse. Call or go online to schedule your appointment today.

Defining and Illustrating Emotional Abuse

The following are examples of emotional abuse in action within a relationship:

  1. Criticizing, attacking, shaming, embarrassing, mocking, humiliating, or name-calling (“You are so dumb”).
  2. Devaluing or belittling other people’s experiences, opinions, or feelings (“This is not a big deal—you’re just sensitive”).
  3. Objectifying people (“what a girl” or “man up”).
  4. Utilizing intimidation, threats, or guilt to achieve a desired outcome (“If you were a good friend…”).
  5. Demonstrations of acute jealousy or possessiveness (“I own you.”).
  6. Gaslighting (making people feel crazy and lose trust in their own experiences).
  7. Outbursts of moodiness or anger (Seething over minor infractions).
  8. Trashing another’s valued possessions (Destroying a beloved picture, a cherished family heirloom, et cetera).
  9. Cutting off someone’s access to important resources (money, education, transportation, health care, or food).
  10. Blaming others falsely (“You lied [broke, stole, forgot, et cetera]…” when you did not, and they know it).
  11. Withholding affection or love (Ignoring people).
  12. Making other people feel guilty for spending time with their loved ones (“You never spend time with me! How could you go to your mom’s again?”).
  13. Shifting responsibility for their own choices onto others (“If you hadn’t…I wouldn’t have to..”).

Emotional abuse often begins slowly and then escalates as victims grow used to being treated poorly. Therefore, anyone can become entrapped in an emotionally abusive relationship: men and women, young and old, wealthy and poor, and anyone of any race or with any education level.

Counseling for Emotional Abuse with Thriveworks Newport News

f you are ready to see a mental health professional, Thriveworks Newport News has appointments available for emotional abuse recovery.

Psychoeducation: Provides information about emotional abuse, its effects, and healthy relationships to increase awareness and understanding.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and challenge distorted beliefs about themselves and their abusers, and develop coping strategies to manage negative emotions and behaviors.
Trauma therapy: Addresses the emotional and psychological impact of emotional abuse, including symptoms of trauma such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Focuses on building emotion regulation skills, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness to manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
Narrative therapy: Assists individuals in reframing their experiences of emotional abuse, exploring alternative narratives, and reclaiming their sense of identity and agency.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Targets traumatic memories associated with emotional abuse through bilateral stimulation to reduce distress and promote emotional healing and resolution.
Schema therapy: Addresses underlying maladaptive patterns or “schemas” developed as a result of emotional abuse, helping individuals challenge and modify these patterns to promote healthier relationships and self-concept.
Support groups: Offer a safe and validating space for survivors of emotional abuse to share experiences, receive validation and support, and learn from others facing similar challenges.
Art therapy: Utilizes creative expression as a therapeutic tool to process emotions, explore trauma-related themes, and facilitate healing and self-discovery.
Mindfulness-based approaches: Incorporate mindfulness practices to cultivate present-moment awareness, self-compassion, and acceptance, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with emotional abuse.

If you contact our office, you may be meeting with a therapist within 7 days of your first call. We also work with many insurance companies and offer weekend and evening hours.

Call Thriveworks Newport News today or book online.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Newport News therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Newport News
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
Read more Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
ROBERT Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Pennie Hurta has been a great therapist for me. I also love that she is always doing continuing education. She is on it! Highly recommended!
Read more Pennie Hurta has been a great therapist for me. I also love that she is always doing continuing education. She is on it! Highly recommended!
Hedi Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Thank you Thrive Works fdor your servicesw. The therapy,counseling and Coaching I received from DR.Patrical Jone Psy was excellent all the material and coaching was so much beneficial to me>The first day i was fearful that i would not be able to get through my grieving of loss of my wife of 52 years but after going through the affirmation of self-esteem gave me a new outlook that i could put my life together aqgain.With hope and prayer along with support group iam on the road aqgain. I feel better about now and iam optimistic about life.. so thank you Dr. Jones again for your coaching. It is not what happened to me but how I handle it that determines my emotional well-being Donnell
Read more Thank you Thrive Works fdor your servicesw. The therapy,counseling and Coaching I received from DR.Patrical Jone Psy was excellent all the material and coaching was so much beneficial to me>The first day i was fearful that i would not be able to get through my grieving of loss of my wife of 52 years but after going through the affirmation of self-esteem gave me a new outlook that i could put my life together aqgain.With hope and prayer along with support group iam on the road aqgain. I feel better about now and iam optimistic about life.. so thank you Dr. Jones again for your coaching. It is not what happened to me but how I handle it that determines my emotional well-being Donnell
Newport News Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I decided to seek counseling for the first time 3 months ago and I’m glad I did! It’s been a huge blessing for me, and my counselor James Martin is so wonderful! I look forward to our sessions and find myself feeling so good after them. Coming to counseling gives me an opportunity to talk about everything that has happened in the last two weeks and really process it. James has taught me a very important lesson of learning to accept things that happen in life & I’m really happy with Thriveworks. I tell people about you guys all the time!
Read more I decided to seek counseling for the first time 3 months ago and I’m glad I did! It’s been a huge blessing for me, and my counselor James Martin is so wonderful! I look forward to our sessions and find myself feeling so good after them. Coming to counseling gives me an opportunity to talk about everything that has happened in the last two weeks and really process it. James has taught me a very important lesson of learning to accept things that happen in life & I’m really happy with Thriveworks. I tell people about you guys all the time!
Newport News Apr 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I had the pleasure of working with patrica jones .a very caring and thoughtful counselor ,but due to her leaving the newport news office i chose to stay on this side to get future help.
Read more I had the pleasure of working with patrica jones .a very caring and thoughtful counselor ,but due to her leaving the newport news office i chose to stay on this side to get future help.
Newport News Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I highly recommend Dr. Patty! She is amazing and very professional. From the first call to the last session, I was always treated with respect and kindness.
Read more I highly recommend Dr. Patty! She is amazing and very professional. From the first call to the last session, I was always treated with respect and kindness.
Newport News Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My daughter really enjoys her appointments.
Newport News Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I love the gentle treatment im shown whether its on the phone or in person. Its been easier to see hope in my future just from the two visits ive had so far.
Read more I love the gentle treatment im shown whether its on the phone or in person. Its been easier to see hope in my future just from the two visits ive had so far.
Newport News Nov 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We are located off of Loftis Blvd, directly across the street from the Sentara Medical Campus. Once you reach the parking lot, you'll see our office (with our logo on the door) at the front of the building parallel to Loftis Blvd.

Phone number

(757) 418-8127

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

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Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

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