Domestic Abuse Therapists in Northampton, PA
![Photo of Roz Birnbaum, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d27c4ed-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Roz Birnbaum
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Northampton, PA 18067
I help people who have depression, anxiety, self esteem, life transition issues; and substance abuse, addiction or codependency problems.
There are times in our lives when issues have surpassed just talking to a friend. I can offer you a professional empathetic ear in a private safe space. Our sessions will provide you with the understanding and the objective viewpoint you are seeking. Whether you are having problems with the stress of everyday life or you want to work on a long standing issue, I can help. From the start, we will build a relationship of trust and honesty. I provide a safe environment where you can explore your issues to gain insight and develop skills to make positive life changes. With every session, we are collaborators in helping you.
I help people who have depression, anxiety, self esteem, life transition issues; and substance abuse, addiction or codependency problems.
There are times in our lives when issues have surpassed just talking to a friend. I can offer you a professional empathetic ear in a private safe space. Our sessions will provide you with the understanding and the objective viewpoint you are seeking. Whether you are having problems with the stress of everyday life or you want to work on a long standing issue, I can help. From the start, we will build a relationship of trust and honesty. I provide a safe environment where you can explore your issues to gain insight and develop skills to make positive life changes. With every session, we are collaborators in helping you.
![Photo of Kimberly A Woodling, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d916af8-2e5d-4ebf-a1b5-2e56a3a5ea45/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly A Woodling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, PA 18067
She has experience working with victims of physical / sexual abuse, and with persons in unhealthy or toxic relationships.
Kimberly Woodling is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who utilizes insight and emotion-oriented approaches to assist patients experiencing various psychological and social challenges. Kim believes that breakthroughs and enhancements to overall relational, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning will occur as a person increases their self-awareness, and acquaints themselves with their full range emotions, contradictory feelings, interpersonal patterns, and defenses. She helps her patients scratch beneath their surface to explore unmet expectations, and unproductive patterns of behavior that keep them stuck and unsatisfied. Kim views the therapeutic process as a personal "journey" and places a strong emphasis on developing a trusting relationship with her patients, which she deems as vital to growth and symptom reduction. Kim believes in every person’s ability to live successful, fulfilling lives. Her sessions are laid back, relaxed, and she can assist patients in finding the humor or silver lining in difficult situations. She is passionate about empowering individuals, and helping them recognize their own strengths and abilities to cope with stress and challenges.
She has experience working with victims of physical / sexual abuse, and with persons in unhealthy or toxic relationships.
Kimberly Woodling is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who utilizes insight and emotion-oriented approaches to assist patients experiencing various psychological and social challenges. Kim believes that breakthroughs and enhancements to overall relational, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning will occur as a person increases their self-awareness, and acquaints themselves with their full range emotions, contradictory feelings, interpersonal patterns, and defenses. She helps her patients scratch beneath their surface to explore unmet expectations, and unproductive patterns of behavior that keep them stuck and unsatisfied. Kim views the therapeutic process as a personal "journey" and places a strong emphasis on developing a trusting relationship with her patients, which she deems as vital to growth and symptom reduction. Kim believes in every person’s ability to live successful, fulfilling lives. Her sessions are laid back, relaxed, and she can assist patients in finding the humor or silver lining in difficult situations. She is passionate about empowering individuals, and helping them recognize their own strengths and abilities to cope with stress and challenges.
![Photo of Jennifer Candelario, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3cab1bc-77e5-4a42-97ca-eae2bb56102d/2/320x400.png)
Are you struggling with difficult life transitions, depression, & anxiety? I enjoy working with clients who feel motivated to take that first step of exploring reasons why they are feeling unhappy or dissatisfied with their lives right now. I work with clients who want to gain insight & learn tangible skills that they can practice outside of the therapeutic sessions to change their lives for the better. My role as a Licensed Professional Counselor is to help individuals gain insight and feel empowered to create positive change in their lives. I offer a collaborative approach to create a unique treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Are you struggling with difficult life transitions, depression, & anxiety? I enjoy working with clients who feel motivated to take that first step of exploring reasons why they are feeling unhappy or dissatisfied with their lives right now. I work with clients who want to gain insight & learn tangible skills that they can practice outside of the therapeutic sessions to change their lives for the better. My role as a Licensed Professional Counselor is to help individuals gain insight and feel empowered to create positive change in their lives. I offer a collaborative approach to create a unique treatment plan tailored to your needs.
![Photo of Josie Albrecht, LCP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ba1d0bc-c59c-4cb6-8554-54a281a38164/2/320x400.png)
I enjoy working with clients who want to get to the root of their struggles. These clients would like to gain insight into their symptoms, something difficult that has happened to them or to explore cycles and patterns that aren’t serving them. The clients I see often have attended therapy in the past. The clients I see also often present with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in their personal and work relationships.
I enjoy working with clients who want to get to the root of their struggles. These clients would like to gain insight into their symptoms, something difficult that has happened to them or to explore cycles and patterns that aren’t serving them. The clients I see often have attended therapy in the past. The clients I see also often present with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in their personal and work relationships.
![Photo of Mengyuan Wang, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7666f577-bcbc-4ebf-a3cf-37ded20bae0a/2/320x400.png)
Mengyuan Wang is a Resident Clinician who has 2 years of experience interning and working in the mental health field. She is experienced in cultivating self-compassion and increasing psychological flexibility in her clients. Mengyuan specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, anger issues, and major life transitions.
Mengyuan Wang is a Resident Clinician who has 2 years of experience interning and working in the mental health field. She is experienced in cultivating self-compassion and increasing psychological flexibility in her clients. Mengyuan specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, anger issues, and major life transitions.
![Photo of Numra Yaqub, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/748c8ec1-704f-42aa-8b99-0fe99c41e4d5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Numra Yaqub
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton, PA 18067
At some point in their life, an individual may struggle to cope with overwhelming challenges, ranging from depression, anxiety, grief and loss, intrusive thoughts, to trauma or emotional dysregulation. My goal is to equip individuals with a plethora of tools in order to help them manage these life-changing struggles. These tools may include coping strategies, improving social skills, managing intrusive thoughts, or anger management strategies. I am passionate about helping individuals live up to their full potential. I provide individual, couples, family therapy, and I also provide child custody evaluation services.
At some point in their life, an individual may struggle to cope with overwhelming challenges, ranging from depression, anxiety, grief and loss, intrusive thoughts, to trauma or emotional dysregulation. My goal is to equip individuals with a plethora of tools in order to help them manage these life-changing struggles. These tools may include coping strategies, improving social skills, managing intrusive thoughts, or anger management strategies. I am passionate about helping individuals live up to their full potential. I provide individual, couples, family therapy, and I also provide child custody evaluation services.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Melissa M Parsons, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/770afb29-a1df-45c1-9e13-447c2d2c8be2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa M Parsons
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18015
I have 20 years experience with almost all disorders and severity levels. My strengths in practice are with domestic abuse victims and complex attachment trauma. I seek to free you of guilt, shame and emotional build up in the nervous system. Together we develop stability of self esteem and confidence. I have extensive experience with PTSD and healing symptoms of fear, dissociation and hypervigilance through EMDR and brainspotting. I also work with couples and families. Dreamwork may be used to uncover sub/unconscious messages. All age groups and issues welcome, we can get through this together!
I have 20 years experience with almost all disorders and severity levels. My strengths in practice are with domestic abuse victims and complex attachment trauma. I seek to free you of guilt, shame and emotional build up in the nervous system. Together we develop stability of self esteem and confidence. I have extensive experience with PTSD and healing symptoms of fear, dissociation and hypervigilance through EMDR and brainspotting. I also work with couples and families. Dreamwork may be used to uncover sub/unconscious messages. All age groups and issues welcome, we can get through this together!
![Photo of Chris Santos, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dac84cb1-b1df-4adf-8877-5d8781f06b8f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chris Santos
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18020 (Online Only)
I have worked many years with those who have suffered loss, struggle with violence, are in crisis, have depression, anxiety, and spiritual needs.
I approach therapy as an explorer. You have come to my office and we will learn what health can look like for you. My approach is to walk with you to your better understandings.
I have worked many years with those who have suffered loss, struggle with violence, are in crisis, have depression, anxiety, and spiritual needs.
I approach therapy as an explorer. You have come to my office and we will learn what health can look like for you. My approach is to walk with you to your better understandings.
![Photo of Peggy Schuele - Calm The Storm, BS, MA, CRT, MAPC, MACC, Pastoral Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b445ceaa-c904-4372-a8ba-d95a16f2835f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you suffer from trauma related memories? Was your childhood filled with physical, emotional, or sexual abuse? Are you starting to notice behaviors showing signs of the damage caused of abuse? Do you carry the daily chains of depression, anxiety, shame, insecurity, or the fear of your next panic attack? Do you feel your life is out of control and you’re ready to give up? Hold on….there is hope. Calm The Storm Counseling located in Bethlehem and Saylorsburg, provides an integration of both spiritual and clinical counseling. I am trauma certified, and work with adolescents, children 5 and up, and do marriage counseling.
Do you suffer from trauma related memories? Was your childhood filled with physical, emotional, or sexual abuse? Are you starting to notice behaviors showing signs of the damage caused of abuse? Do you carry the daily chains of depression, anxiety, shame, insecurity, or the fear of your next panic attack? Do you feel your life is out of control and you’re ready to give up? Hold on….there is hope. Calm The Storm Counseling located in Bethlehem and Saylorsburg, provides an integration of both spiritual and clinical counseling. I am trauma certified, and work with adolescents, children 5 and up, and do marriage counseling.
![Photo of Stephen Sell, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c90ff06-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Specializing in evidence-based treatment for trauma/PTSD and substance use. Tired of just trying to get through the day? Feeling overwhelmed? Treatment from a highly qualified, licensed psychologist can help you get back on track and live life to the fullest. Whether you have anxiety or mood problems, have experienced trauma or have concerns about your alcohol or drug use, treatment can help you figure out the direction that’s right for you and how to get there. Experienced with first responders (EMS, EMT, Paramedics, Police, Firefighters) and survivors of domestic violence.
Specializing in evidence-based treatment for trauma/PTSD and substance use. Tired of just trying to get through the day? Feeling overwhelmed? Treatment from a highly qualified, licensed psychologist can help you get back on track and live life to the fullest. Whether you have anxiety or mood problems, have experienced trauma or have concerns about your alcohol or drug use, treatment can help you figure out the direction that’s right for you and how to get there. Experienced with first responders (EMS, EMT, Paramedics, Police, Firefighters) and survivors of domestic violence.
![Photo of Lauren Stutts, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bcb9a5e-2096-4f02-9f35-2976143f6adf/2/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma, including sexual assault and abuse.
It is my belief that we all deserve the opportunity to create a space to identify and share who we are and how we feel. Through a relational approach, my aim is to meet people where they are and work towards greater clarity and freedom from the pain and fear we have experienced. I believe in the power of relationship, especially the one we have with ourselves, to help us heal, grow, and discover how to be intentional about the kind of life we want to live. I approach the work with compassion and an open heart, inviting all parts of ourselves to be known and understood.
My areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma, including sexual assault and abuse.
It is my belief that we all deserve the opportunity to create a space to identify and share who we are and how we feel. Through a relational approach, my aim is to meet people where they are and work towards greater clarity and freedom from the pain and fear we have experienced. I believe in the power of relationship, especially the one we have with ourselves, to help us heal, grow, and discover how to be intentional about the kind of life we want to live. I approach the work with compassion and an open heart, inviting all parts of ourselves to be known and understood.
![Photo of Patti Hoyt, LPC, CAADC, CSAT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0663eff1-cad0-4d14-9959-ae6c3c2e6993/1/320x400.jpeg)
I also specialize in working with addiction and trauma including those struggling with religious and spiritual abuse.
You are not alone, even if you feel like you are. We don’t need to journey through life alone. It is important to embrace your own unique journey with support from the community, including a trusted therapist. I’m here to journey with you as you navigate your unique pathways. I encourage people to be their best authentic self, mind, body and spirit. I’ve enjoyed working with adults on all walks of life as they work through their addictions, traumas, and their families. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space for clients to be free to work on their unique goals using techniques that fosters understanding, empathy, and encouragement.
I also specialize in working with addiction and trauma including those struggling with religious and spiritual abuse.
You are not alone, even if you feel like you are. We don’t need to journey through life alone. It is important to embrace your own unique journey with support from the community, including a trusted therapist. I’m here to journey with you as you navigate your unique pathways. I encourage people to be their best authentic self, mind, body and spirit. I’ve enjoyed working with adults on all walks of life as they work through their addictions, traumas, and their families. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space for clients to be free to work on their unique goals using techniques that fosters understanding, empathy, and encouragement.
![Photo of Andrea Lynn Nation - Counseling Services for Women and Children, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e4ac6de-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling Services for Women and Children
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18104
I have helped individuals with depression, anxiety, ADD,ODD, parenting concerns, self-harm, victims of abuse and domestic violence.
I know that life gets challenging and when you are discouraged it can be difficult to trust someone and reach out for help. At Counseling Services for Women and Children you will receive a personalized, individualized experience that will make you feel acknowledged, accepted, respected and affirmed. I am a compassionate and empathic person. I can show you there is still HOPE for your situation and assist you in discovering that with the right tools you can navigate your own life. I have provided services to women and children primarily for the last 25 years. My background is extensive.
I have helped individuals with depression, anxiety, ADD,ODD, parenting concerns, self-harm, victims of abuse and domestic violence.
I know that life gets challenging and when you are discouraged it can be difficult to trust someone and reach out for help. At Counseling Services for Women and Children you will receive a personalized, individualized experience that will make you feel acknowledged, accepted, respected and affirmed. I am a compassionate and empathic person. I can show you there is still HOPE for your situation and assist you in discovering that with the right tools you can navigate your own life. I have provided services to women and children primarily for the last 25 years. My background is extensive.
![Photo of Jackie L Gower, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3d1ddaa-b6aa-4330-9035-bf4e5215c831/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie L Gower
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18018 (Online Only)
including post-traumatic stress, sexual abuse / assault recovery, sexual orientation, alternative life styles, guided imagery and dream interpretation, parenting issues, personality disorders, depression, anxiety and life transitions.
Sometimes life can seem overwhelming. My goal is to listen, understand and assist you on your journey through life. Together we will decide your direction ... creating boundaries, building bridges, and experiencing all life has to offer, while laying to rest negative and painful habits.
including post-traumatic stress, sexual abuse / assault recovery, sexual orientation, alternative life styles, guided imagery and dream interpretation, parenting issues, personality disorders, depression, anxiety and life transitions.
Sometimes life can seem overwhelming. My goal is to listen, understand and assist you on your journey through life. Together we will decide your direction ... creating boundaries, building bridges, and experiencing all life has to offer, while laying to rest negative and painful habits.
![Photo of Katie Graziano, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8391864f-c623-4e12-8b51-2ae57f6b69bc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Graziano
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18020 (Online Only)
I am especially passionate working with to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Welcome! Finding a counselor with whom you can feel safe and vulnerable is so important, so let me share a bit about myself. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor serving clients in PA via telehealth. My counseling style is empathetic, caring, genuine, strengths-based, and holistic. My work includes the use of evidence-base approaches, as well as mindfulness and respect of clients’ diverse backgrounds. I strive to help clients grow by working with them in a collaborative, validating, supportive manner. My aim is to help clients feel centered, comfortable being their authentic selves, and empowered to cope with life’s challenges.
I am especially passionate working with to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Welcome! Finding a counselor with whom you can feel safe and vulnerable is so important, so let me share a bit about myself. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor serving clients in PA via telehealth. My counseling style is empathetic, caring, genuine, strengths-based, and holistic. My work includes the use of evidence-base approaches, as well as mindfulness and respect of clients’ diverse backgrounds. I strive to help clients grow by working with them in a collaborative, validating, supportive manner. My aim is to help clients feel centered, comfortable being their authentic selves, and empowered to cope with life’s challenges.
![Photo of Anthony Silvio Campolo, LPC, LCMHCS, LPCMH, LCADC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ea1e6f5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Anthony Silvio Campolo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCMHCS, LPCMH, LCADC, ACS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18020
I also provide evaluations for substance abuse and mental health.
Are you seeking treatment, but finding it very difficult? The decision to seek treatment is often very difficult, yet a necessary choice. For the last 30 years I have been providing a non-judgmental arena to work on a variety of issues to include but not limited to addiction, anger, gambling, co-occurring disorders, behavioral concerns, depression and anxiety.
I also provide evaluations for substance abuse and mental health.
Are you seeking treatment, but finding it very difficult? The decision to seek treatment is often very difficult, yet a necessary choice. For the last 30 years I have been providing a non-judgmental arena to work on a variety of issues to include but not limited to addiction, anger, gambling, co-occurring disorders, behavioral concerns, depression and anxiety.
![Photo of Christina S Buss - Christina Buss, MA, LPC, CADC, LLC, MA, LPC, CADC, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5520219f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Buss, MA, LPC, CADC, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CADC, LLC
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Specializing in the treatment and recovery of Eating Disorders & Substance Abuse since 2000. I work in collaboration with a treatment team to treat the psychological, emotional, physical, social & spiritual realms of the individual. Treatment also consists of addressing co-occurring disorders/diagnosis including depression, anxiety, trauma, women's issues, Codependency, adjustment disorders, relationship & family struggles. I am an active, dedicated & passionate therapist who believes we are all wounded to varying degrees, but all deserve and have the basic human right of wellness and happiness.
Specializing in the treatment and recovery of Eating Disorders & Substance Abuse since 2000. I work in collaboration with a treatment team to treat the psychological, emotional, physical, social & spiritual realms of the individual. Treatment also consists of addressing co-occurring disorders/diagnosis including depression, anxiety, trauma, women's issues, Codependency, adjustment disorders, relationship & family struggles. I am an active, dedicated & passionate therapist who believes we are all wounded to varying degrees, but all deserve and have the basic human right of wellness and happiness.
![Photo of Lauren Falgout - Hope and Healing Wellness Center,LLC, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e126b584-a538-4100-bbea-7464fa6578d9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hope and Healing Wellness Center,LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Life can get stressful and overwhelming, but your mental health treatment does not have to be . We believe that where there is hope there can be healing. Having been trained in both mental health and substance abuse therapy, we can assist you in meeting both your personal and therapeutic goals, so that you can live the life you wish to lead. We are equipped to work with people of all races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, ages, and sexual orientations.
Life can get stressful and overwhelming, but your mental health treatment does not have to be . We believe that where there is hope there can be healing. Having been trained in both mental health and substance abuse therapy, we can assist you in meeting both your personal and therapeutic goals, so that you can live the life you wish to lead. We are equipped to work with people of all races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, ages, and sexual orientations.
![Photo of Magehn Newell, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/810fc233-66d8-4fc5-9132-132783db3c64/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life is a journey filled with both joyous moments and challenges. At times, we all need support to navigate the complexities of our experiences. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, family issues, or other concerns, know that help is available. My mission is to provide you with the guidance and tools you need to foster positive change and lead a fulfilling life in all aspects—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Life is a journey filled with both joyous moments and challenges. At times, we all need support to navigate the complexities of our experiences. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, family issues, or other concerns, know that help is available. My mission is to provide you with the guidance and tools you need to foster positive change and lead a fulfilling life in all aspects—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
![Photo of Jeremy Falgout - Hope and Healing Wellness Center,LLC, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a2acaa0-c6e1-4145-a4b9-29e4270ace2f/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hope and Healing Wellness Center,LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Orefield, PA 18069
At times things can get super stressful and very overwhelming and sometimes we all need someone to be there to pick us up and help us out when we are at our absolute worst . Having been trained in both mental health and substance abuse therapy we can assist you in meeting both your personal and therapeutic goals, so that you can live the life you wish to lead. We are equipped to work with people of all races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, ages, and sexual orientations.
At times things can get super stressful and very overwhelming and sometimes we all need someone to be there to pick us up and help us out when we are at our absolute worst . Having been trained in both mental health and substance abuse therapy we can assist you in meeting both your personal and therapeutic goals, so that you can live the life you wish to lead. We are equipped to work with people of all races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, ages, and sexual orientations.
See more therapy options for Northampton
Nearby Domestic Abuse Therapists Searches for Northampton
- Allentown
- Bethlehem
- Center Valley
- Easton
- Emmaus
- Fogelsville
- Hellertown
- Lehigh Valley
- Macungie
- Orefield
- Schnecksville
- Whitehall
Domestic Abuse Therapists
What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?
Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognize that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.
When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?
Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.
What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?
Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.
How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?
It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.