Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

1,235 people sought domestic violence therapy help in Virginia in the last year

Discover how starting domestic violence therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 129 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Domestic violence therapy

What is Domestic violence therapy?

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.

How does Domestic violence therapy work?

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.

Is Domestic violence therapy conducted in person or online?

Domestic violence therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Domestic violence therapy last?

Domestic violence therapy can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, dependent on the individual's exact needs and preferences.

Need more help deciding?

The best-selling novel and HBO’s sensational adaptation, Big Little Lies, have kept both viewers and readers on the edge of their seats, trying to decipher this murder mystery. Laine Moriarty’s plot has accomplished more than excellent entertainment: it has highlighted the realities of domestic violence.

(Spoiler alert! Skip ahead if necessary.)

One of the main characters, Celeste White, appears to have it all—money, friends, children, romance, beauty, and comfort. Everyone envies her. However, a dark secret haunts Celeste, and her life is not as it appears. Celeste’s seemingly perfect husband is violent with her.

Survivors of domestic violence can explain how appearances are sometimes just that—appearances. What happens privately in a relationship can look very different from the couple’s public presentation. Domestic violence can happen in any relationship, in any socio-economic class, in any education level, and in any race. Escaping the violence is also much harder that it appears.

The counselors at Thriveworks Virginia Beach know the dangers of domestic violence and understand how to support their clients who are in a harmful relationship.

The Seriousness of Domestic Abuse

Home should be a place of safety, but many people experience the opposite. They would rather be anywhere but home. Domestic violence can transform a home into a warzone of physical, verbal, and/or sexual abuse.

Living in such an environment can have long-term, serious health effects. People who live in a violent home suffer with the direct injuries from the violence, but they also have long-term health problems. When people feel a threat, the brain releases stress hormones that allow people to respond to danger. These hormones were never intended to be released too often, and if they are released frequently because of a toxic environment, then people’s health will suffer.

One victim illustrates the feeling, “He would be alternately kind and then fly off the handle for no reason. I always lived in fear of his temper. It was very stressful.”

A Cycle of Violence

This victim’s experience is common and describes what therapist call the cycle of violence. The particular circumstances of each case of domestic violence are unique, but they all follow a general pattern. The cycle may take a few minutes, or it could take years. However, it almost always involves these stages:
The Honeymoon Phase: People are almost never violent all the time. Good behavior, romantic gestures, promises for the future, extravagant gifts, tearful apologies, and more can all be a part of domestic violence. These often confuse victims so that they never know which partner they are dealing with – the sweet one or the violent one.

The Tension Building Phase: Inevitably, the violent partner may feel they have atoned for their violence so the niceties get dropped. As the tension builds, victims may do everything in their power to prevent the impending harm: give into ridiculous demands, appeasing their partner, shielding their partner from anything that could trigger the violence. Victims, however, cannot pacify their partners out of the abuse.

The Abusive Phase: Domestic violence is never deserved or the victim’s fault. It is a choice a violent partner makes and sole responsibility for that choice rests on the perpetrator’s shoulders. The abuse may be sexual, physical, emotional, or a combination of all three. Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is illegal.

Red Flags of an Abusive Relationship

Because domestic violence follows a fairly predictable pattern, there are also fairly reliable warning signs that a relationship is abusive or that it will become abusive. Seemingly out-of-place behaviors that could easily be minimized and ignored could be the signs of domestic violence. Many of the red flags for an abusive relationship relate to control: a partner may want to control the other—what they wear, think, say, feel, do, and more.

If you are in a relationship with someone who displays these behaviors, it may be time to get help:

  • Prohibiting (or showing agitation when) you spend time with family or friends
  • Subtly putting you down or feeling threatened by your talents/abilities
  • Using derogatory names (even in “jest”)
  • Threatening you and/or other people
  • Blaming/criticizing you and/or other people for their behavior
  • Harming you, your kids, or your pets
  • Prohibiting you or discouraging you from going to school or working
  • Compelling you into sex or sexual acts when you have said, “no,” or where you feel uncomfortable
  • Trying to minimize or take away agency, the ability to make decisions—such as what to wear, how to spend money, where to go, and more

Counseling for Domestic Violence

Do you recognize any of the behaviors on the list of red flags? Has your partner behaved in those ways? If so, know that what you have experienced is not a normal or healthy relationship. The abuse is not your fault, but you are strong enough to make a change. And Thriveworks Virginia Beach can help you make those necessary changes to be safe.

When you call our office, we will prioritize your care. It’s why a person will help schedule your appointment. It’s why we offer weekend and evening sessions. It’s why we work with most insurance plans. We want to see our clients receive the care they need. Call today to get started.

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 Virginia Beach therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

Show more
Self-pay costs at Virginia Beach
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

4.7 Thriveworks Virginia Beach reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Read more I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Virginia Beach Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Read more I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Read more Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Virginia Beach Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Read more Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Virginia Beach Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great session,fair priced and mr. Costigan is very friendly and knowledgable. Great help
Virginia Beach May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Read more This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Virginia Beach Apr 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Read more I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Virginia Beach Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located off of S Independence Blvd, in a shopping center right by Lake Trashmore. As you enter this shopping center, you’ll pass Making a Difference Foundation, Inc. on your right. We currently share a building with Interm Healthcare of Virginia Beach, VA, and Bug-Masters.

Phone number

(757) 520-0827

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

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

4 photos