Emotional Abuse can be defined as any symbolic or verbal act of isolation, assault, humiliation, or intimidation that imposes harm or intended harm to another person. In fact, emotional abuse can cause individuals to feel unsafe and unable to communicate with others. Our emotional abuse therapy in NJ offers therapy for family, peer, or also work relationships.

For example, forms of Emotional Abuse include:

  • Abandonment or threats of violence
  • Unpredictable reactions
  • Terrorizing
  • Verbal humiliation
  • Refusing attention, love or touch
  • Belittling, labeling, or criticizing

Over time, people who have experienced emotional abuse may struggle to form positive self-worth as well as meaningful relationships with others.

What are Common Symptoms of Emotional Abuse?

Woman getting help from an emotional abuse treatment center in NJOftentimes, Harmony Bay patients affected by Emotional Abuse may struggle to reach out for help. It is imperative to seek treatment if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Mood disturbances
  • Loss of pleasure in activities
  • Chronic substance use
  • Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

What’s Involved in Emotional Abuse Therapy?

Emotional Abuse can be treated by both individual and group therapy services. Group therapy can also serve as a safe platform to process one’s experiences, feelings, and emotions. Group therapy will prioritize emotional safety, cognitive reframing, relational-skill building, as well as practicing mindfulness techniques. Different interventions used to effectively treat individuals suffering from emotional abuse can include the following:

  • Cognitive-behavioral Therapy: This therapy examines the client’s negative thought patterns that lead to negative emotional and behavioral responses.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy: This therapy examines how client’s respond to external events through building mindfulness techniques and emotional regulation strategies.

These treatments for those who have experienced or witnessed Emotional Abuse can also help develop self-awareness, safety, and connection in relationships with others as an adult.

How Do Mental Health Concerns Influence Emotional Abuse?

Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and drug abuse often accompany or contribute to emotional abuse. These conditions may be experienced by either the abusive individual, the victim, or both.

In such situations, it’s crucial that partners seek solutions not only for the abusive behavior, but also, for any underlying mental health concerns. Without addressing these issues, it may be difficult or downright impossible to bring abusive behaviors and problematic communication patterns to an end.

Ideally, therapy for emotional abuse will be tailored based on current mental health or drug abuse concerns. While couples therapy can be a great option for improving communication between partners, additional solutions such as individual talk therapy and medication management may also prove necessary.

Can Telehealth Services Help Couples Dealing with Emotional Abuse?

Both individuals and couples can benefit from telehealth solutions, which make talk therapy more accessible. Telehealth is particularly valuable for those who live in rural areas or otherwise struggle to access therapy providers in person. All that’s required: a computer or a smartphone — and a small amount of free time to complete each talk therapy session.

Individual telehealth sessions can help victims of emotional abuse learn coping mechanisms and treat related concerns such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Emotional therapy for couples can be a particularly valuable option for improving communication skills. While emotionally abusive partners may not be willing to attend in-person sessions, some may take a chance on telehealth services if they’re convenient enough.

What are the Benefits of Emotional Abuse Support Groups?

Victims of emotional abuse often experience feelings of isolation. Many find that their mental health improves dramatically when they realize that they aren’t alone. Emotional abuse support groups allow them to commiserate with people facing similar problems. The insight they gain from these sessions can produce significant breakthroughs. Regular participation also leads to greater accountability, as group members are more likely to take positive action if they feel supported by their peers.

Can Integrative Wellness Be Helpful for Partners in Emotionally Abusive Relationships?

When in doubt, partners dealing with emotional abuse should turn to targeted therapies first. While treatment plans may vary considerably based on the nature of the relationship and the presence of mental health concerns, talk therapy and support groups are nearly always preferred modalities.

That being said, some individuals and couples can also benefit from integrated wellness services, such as yoga or art therapy. Integrated solutions take the entire person into account, rather than focusing on a specific diagnosis or behavior. If therapists believe that these options might prove helpful, they can provide referrals on a case-by-case basis.

What Are My Next Steps in Getting Help for Emotional Abuse?

When you’re looking for the best emotional abuse treatment center in NJ, look no further than Harmony Bay Wellness. Our professionals are dedicated to not only helping all clients live productive lives, but they’re also advocates for reversing the stigma of mental illness in the country. We are proud to provide a variety of mental health treatment services in South Jersey to give our patients the care and support they need and deserve.

Our diverse mental health therapies include:

Let us help you through your journey to recovery from Emotional Abuse. Call Harmony Bay Wellness today at 855.765.6399. We look forward to helping you.