Victims of mental abuse can experience the same distress as physical abuse, yet often suffer more and feel isolated due to lack of evidence. Online therapy Calmerry helps mental health professionals reach clients faster while offering them the convenience of working from home and managing multiple clients simultaneously. Abuse therapy also offers financial rewards while creating a more balanced life balance.
What is emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse, also referred to as verbal abuse or mental abuse, occurs when one person causes another psychological harm through degrading, humiliating, belittling words and/or acts. Emotional abuse can result in years of emotional trauma as well as the development of mental disorders like anxiety disorder, depression or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Most emotional abuse occurs in adult and teen relationships. It can also take place within friendships, romantic connections and coworker/friend relationships; it could even happen with strangers or parent-child interactions. A person who has been bullied or abused by coworkers or friends may experience anxiety, depression, isolation and/or self-imposed loneliness; they may feel worthless, inept, hopeless, unimportant and worthless all at once.
What happens during emotional abuse therapy?
Therapists may introduce behavior modification techniques as part of the therapy process to help victims recognize and alter unhealthy behaviors and mindsets. Making excuses for the abuser, apologizing to them for their hurtful words, or keeping the abuse to yourself are all ways that victims can learn how to transform.
Therapists may also be treating the abuser. In such cases, they can assist them in understanding why their behavior is harmful, abusive, or damaging. Both cases will involve assigning “homework” to both clients and providing them with realistic goals with concrete steps for moving forward in their lives – together or separately.
What therapies are employed to combat emotional abuse?
If abuse is occurring within a romantic relationship, the therapist may suggest both parties attend one or more couples therapy sessions. These sessions aim to improve communication skills and assist with conflict resolution. Furthermore, this empowers the passive partner by giving them more power over what they will accept from an abusive or dominant partner.
Individual psychotherapy, group therapy and therapy support groups are all viable forms of therapy. Domestic violence support groups and survivors’ support groups exist as well, designed to assist victims in understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy behavior in relationships and friendships; as well as how to recognize warning signs and red flags when they appear.
Alternative therapies for emotional abuse victims may include music therapy and hypnosis. In some cases, however, abuse survivors may require medication to cope with their trauma.
Do I Need to Hire a Therapist?
Abusers of all types are unlikely to cease their abusive behavior on their own. If the abuse has been ongoing for some time, speaking with a relationship specialist (therapist) might be beneficial. They can assist the victim in dealing with their distressing, confused and conflicted emotions as well as pinpoint when and why the partner continues this pattern of behavior.
Psychotherapists provide critical support to victims, helping them communicate more effectively and set healthy boundaries. Couples therapists can also enable victims to remain strong in the face of emotional abuse from their partner.
Remember, personality disorders are quite common among abusers – about 80% of male abusers suffer from them. Without the assistance of psychotherapy, it’s unlikely these individuals will change on their own.
What Should I Look For in a Therapist?
Victims should search for a therapist that addresses multiple issues. Look out for mental health professionals trained in domestic violence, emotional abuse and relationship troubles who will provide services at reasonable fees with expertise. Compare each potential therapist’s fees and capabilities before making your decision.