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Emotional Abuse Therapy

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. Emotional abuse can cause individuals to feel unsafe and unable to communicate with others. Our emotional abuse therapy in NJ offers therapy for family, peers, or 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 and meaningful relationships with others.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE?

emotional abuse
emotional abuse

Harmony Bay patients affected by Emotional Abuse often struggle to seek help. Therefore, 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

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head mindfulness icon head mindfulness icon WHAT’S INVOLVED IN EMOTIONAL ABUSE THERAPY?

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN EMOTIONAL ABUSE THERAPY?

Both individual and group therapy services can treat emotional abuse. Group therapy can also be 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 treat individuals suffering from emotional abuse effectively 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 clients 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.

health cross icon health cross icon HOW DO MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS INFLUENCE EMOTIONAL ABUSE?

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 the abusive individual, the victim, or both.

In such situations, partners must seek solutions for the abusive behavior and 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 an excellent option for improving communication between partners, additional solutions such as individual talk therapy and medication management may also prove necessary.

icon app icon app CAN TELEHEALTH SERVICES HELP COUPLES DEALING WITH EMOTIONAL ABUSE?

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 is required is 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. In addition, 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.

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN EMOTIONAL ABUSE THERAPY?

Both individual and group therapy services can treat emotional abuse. Group therapy can also be 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 treat individuals suffering from emotional abuse effectively 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 clients 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 the abusive individual, the victim, or both.

In such situations, partners must seek solutions for the abusive behavior and 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 an excellent 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 is required is 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. In addition, 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.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE SUPPORT GROUPS?

Victims of emotional abuse often experience feelings of isolation. However, many find that their mental health improves drastically when they realize 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?

Partners dealing with emotional abuse should turn to targeted therapies when in doubt. 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.

 

Some individuals and couples can also benefit from integrated wellness services, such as yoga or art therapy. Integrated solutions consider the entire person rather than focusing on a specific diagnosis or behavior. If therapists believe these options might be helpful, they can provide referrals on a case-by-case basis.

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