Therapy for Survivors of Domestic Violence — Trauma-Informed & Compassionate Support
Domestic violence (continues trauma), also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), refers to a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. It can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender, and it can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse.
Reclaim safety, self-worth, and empowerment after abuse
You may experience symptoms & sensations like...
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Emotional & Psychological Symptoms:
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Anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
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Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness, shame & guilt
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Fearfulness and hypervigilance
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Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
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Withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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Dissociation:
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Feeling disconnected from oneself or reality, often as a defense mechanism against the abuse.
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Interpersonal Difficulties:
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Struggles with forming and maintaining healthy relationships, issues with trust, and patterns of re-victimization.
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Physical Symptoms:
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Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures
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Frequent injuries that are often explained away as "accidents"
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Wearing clothing that covers injuries, even in hot weather
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Signs of strangulation, such as neck bruises or difficulty breathing
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Behavioral Symptoms:
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Appearing nervous or fearful around their partner
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Frequently checking in with their partner and overly concerned about their partner’s reactions
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Missing work, school, or social events frequently and without explanation
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Changes in behavior or personality, such as becoming more reserved or submissive
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Financial Hardships
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Lack of access to money or financial resources
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Sudden changes in financial situation, such as unpaid bills or debt
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Inability to account for or access financial resources
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What do expect in a therapy session...
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Different possibilities of working with you:
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Combination Therapy from
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Somatic Experiencing (SE)
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mind based approaches ("classic western talk therapy"; like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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TRE (if wanted)
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Trauma-Focused Therapy:
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Specifically designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma. Examples include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Experiencing (SE).
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Psychoeducation
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Offers information about the dynamics of domestic violence, the impact of abuse, and strategies for safety and recovery
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Explains the influence of stress on the body and the mind
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Systemic Work
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Working with your trusted family and friends to create a support system
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Couples Therapy
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Generally not recommended if there is ongoing abuse, as it can potentially escalate the danger to the victim. However, in situations where the abuse has ceased, and both parties are committed to change, it may be considered under careful guidance.
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Group Therapy
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Support Groups: Provide a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and receive support from others who have gone through similar situations. This can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community.
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Together we use the tools/ techniques that feel the most supportive for YOU
How you feel after therapy ...
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Empowerment
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Survivors often feel a renewed sense of control over their lives.
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They may gain confidence in their ability to make decisions and set boundaries.
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Improved Self-Esteem
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Therapy can help rebuild self-worth that was eroded by abuse.
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Survivors often report feeling more positive about themselves and their capabilities.
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Emotional Relief
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Processing trauma in a safe environment can lead to significant emotional release.
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Survivors often feel a sense of relief from the burden of unprocessed emotions.
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Healthier Relationships:
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Learning to identify and establish healthy relationship patterns.
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Improved communication skills and the ability to set and respect boundaries.
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Reduced Anxiety and Depression:
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Therapy can help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
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Survivors often experience a decrease in these symptoms over time.
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Coping Skills:
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Developing effective strategies to handle stress and triggers.
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Enhanced problem-solving skills and emotional regulation.
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Overall, while therapy for domestic violence can be a complex and sometimes difficult process, it often leads to significant positive changes and healing. Each survivor's experience is unique, and ongoing support and self-care are essential components of the recovery journey.
Further down the page you find more information on potential struggles on your healing journey and long-term benefits.
Types of Domestic Violence
Physical Abuse
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Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, or using weapons to inflict harm
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Strangulation or choking
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Denying medical care or forcing substance abuse
Emotional & Psychological Abuse
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Intimidation, threats, and coercion
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Insults, name-calling, and constant criticism
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Isolation from family, friends, and social activities
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Gaslighting (making the victim doubt their own reality or sanity)
Sexual Abuse
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Forcing or coercing sexual acts without consent
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Marital rape
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Using sex as a weapon or form of manipulation
Financial Abuse
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Controlling all the finances and withholding access to money
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Preventing the victim from working or attending school
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Running up debts in the victim's name
Stalking
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Repeated, unwanted attention and contact that causes fear
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Following, monitoring, or harassing the victim
To Consider
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Therapy for individuals still in violent relationships focuses primarily on stabilization and providing support. The goal is to help individuals regain a sense of safety and control in their lives, often through emotional grounding, coping strategies, and empowerment.
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It's important to understand that domestic violence can manifest in various forms—physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial—and can fluctuate in intensity. Different types of abuse may occur at different phases of the relationship, with some becoming more prominent at certain times. Therapy helps individuals navigate these complex dynamics while building the resilience to eventually seek a safer path forward.