Domestic Violence or Intimate Partner Violence

Domestic, or intimate partner violence, can take many forms. It is often violence used in an effort to gain and/or maintain control. Some of the more common types of domestic violence include physical abuse (hitting, pushing, hair-pulling, forced substance use), emotional abuse (insults, blame, or other methods to diminish a person's self-esteem), psychological abuse (threats, including against family, pets, friends, or the abuser themselves, stopping a partner from attending activities, or other manipulation), sexual abuse (coerced or demeaning sex acts), and financial abuse (controlling a partner's finances or restriction of financial resources like an allowance). The emotional effects of these types of abuse can be long lasting, and may cause depression, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), insomnia, emotional distance, and more. If you or someone you know is experiencing (or has experienced) abuse, a qualified therapist can help. It is also important for children who witness or experience domestic abuse to see a professional who specializes in the age group to prevent the trauma affecting adulthood and possibly perpetuating the cycle of abuse. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s abuse specialists for support today. 

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Meet the specialists

 

I have training in working in DV court for 5+ years with first time offenders.

— Alexandra Shauger, Clinical Social Worker in Midlothian, TX

Many survivors find that, as time goes on, the impacts of specific traumatic events begin to affect them differently. As challenging as it may feel to share your story, it is so important to find a safe place to process and cope with trauma and abuse you have survived. I am able to provide a safe place for all survivors to process, share and navigate their story. Together we will work on rebuilding your sense of self and increasing your quality of life.

— Alison Murphey, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
 

I have worked with adults and children who have experienced domestic or intimate partner violence. I take a compassionate, non-judgmental stance in order to support individuals with being able to talk about the impact of abuse and trauma in their lives, as well as provide them with concrete tools to feel more in control of their emotions. I have also worked with individuals on working towards having healthy dynamics in their current and future relationships.

— Gabriela Sposito, Clinical Social Worker

Domestic violence is often misunderstood as strictly physical violence against one's partner. But it is much more complicated than that. Emotional abuse, verbal abuse, financial abuse, gaslighting, control, and manipulation are too often not considered in domestic or intimate partner violence. I have experience with all of these forms of abuse and understand the complexity and difficulty of these relationships.

— Dana Williams, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Saint Petersburg, FL
 

Getting hurt by someone you’ve cared for is especially painful. While the physical traumas can be scary as hell, the emotional traumas can take a lot more work to heal. When I work with domestic violence survivors certain themes come up over and over again. Survivors often wonder if something’s wrong with them, why this person hurt them and why they might still care for them. These are complex questions worthy of exploration. Through a multi-modal approach that infuses relational, experiential and body-oriented approaches I help clients overcome trauma, create healthy boundaries, increase resilience, reclaim their sense of self and create the lives they wish to lead.

— Natalia Amari, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Austin, TX

I have experience providing counseling services to women and children affected by intimate partner violence & understand how difficult it can be to leave an abusive relationship. The emotional, psychological, & sometimes financial barriers can feel overwhelming, and often, victims face immense fear & uncertainty about what life will look like after leaving. Throughout my work, I’ve seen how crucial it is to provide support, safety, & resources to help individuals break free & begin to heal.

— Alejandra Ramirez, Therapist
 

My entire life people that I love have been harmed by people who "love" them. From early high school to the present I come up against bullies that use the blunt and cowardly weapon of violence to preserve their personal world order or to expel their own hurt onto others. I have worked as a domestic violence advocate in confidential shelter, and with trafficked girls in jail. The meaning of helping someone find the call to freedom and joy from incarcerations of this kind is unspeakable.

— Eli Hastings, Psychotherapist in Seattle, WA

As a therapist, I address domestic violence by providing a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their experiences. I offer support through trauma-informed care, helping clients build coping strategies, and develop safety plans. I also work on empowering clients, enhancing self-esteem, and connecting them with resources for legal and social support. Collaborating closely with other professionals ensures a comprehensive approach to their healing and safety.

— Dr. Vanetta Williams, Therapist in Douglasville, GA
 

I have about a decade's experience in working with folks experiencing DV or partner violence. Beginning with my internship during my Master-level work, my experience in this area has ranged widely by gender and has been primarily community-based work. My understanding of DV is led by an anti-oppression lens and has deeply influenced the way I practice today.

— Celia Castro, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in CAMBRIDGE, MA

I help clients recovering from all forms of domestic and partner violence including emotional, verbal, psychological, spiritual, financial, sexual, and physical abuse. It can be hard for clients to even identify abuse that has occurred in close personal relationships because of the confusing nature of these relationships. I help clients identify patterns of abuse, recover from the damage, and work towards finding and cultivating safe and healthy relationships in their lives.

— Jennifer Wood, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Jacksonville, FL
 

I worked for over 24 years with a local domestic violence response program as counselor and CEO. I provided individual and group counseling to adult and child survivors.

— Patty Conner, Psychotherapist in Round Rock, TX

As a therapist working with survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences with trauma, regain a sense of safety, and work toward empowerment. My approach centers on understanding the complex emotions of fear, shame, and loss that often accompany these experiences while fostering resilience, self-worth, and the courage to heal. Together, we navigate the path to recovery, focusing on reclaiming you

— Eric Meckel, Licensed Master of Social Work in Boulder, CO
 

Violence takes many forms. Some adults have experienced violence in their childhood home, within romantic relationships, or have experienced some form of assault in their lives. My path into mental health began 20 years ago supporting survivors navigate the court system. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional I use a Trauma Informed approach with all of my clients, ensuring that I don't trigger or re-traumatize as we process the past and allow you to leave the pain behind.

— Sara Fischer Sanford, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Survivors of intimate partner violence often experience deep, relational trauma. This can lead to significant anxiety and self doubt, making it hard to trust yourself and your gut/instincts. When this happens, attempts to protect ourselves can sometimes make us more vulnerable. I can help you understand your experiences, your responses, and learn to trust yourself again.

— Stacey Hannigan, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
 

Survivors of intimate partner violence often experience deep, relational trauma. This can lead to significant anxiety and self doubt, making it hard to trust yourself and your gut/instincts. When this happens, attempts to protect ourselves can sometimes make us more vulnerable. I can help you understand your experiences, your responses, and learn to trust yourself again.

— Stacey Hannigan, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I have experience working with multiply marginalized persons who are experiencing Intimate Partner Violence and/or Domestic Violence.

— Sarah Dino, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Roswell, GA
 

I have 15 years working with survivors of domestic violence and IPV. I am very passionate about empowering individuals who are either in an abusive relationship or are trying to leave one. Abuse comes in all forms and does not discriminate based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. Everyone is entitled to be supported by a professional with the skills necessary to navigate such a delicate yet volatile situation.

— Saara Amri, Licensed Professional Counselor in Springfield, VA

I am an IPV/DV survivor. I went to support groups at a DV advocacy agency, and I loved the experience so much, that a few years later, I returned to the agency to run the groups as a volunteer. This inspired me to become a therapist, and now I counsel IPV/DV survivors and run counseling support groups. I help people understand what happened, and empower people to find their self-esteem to move forward. I wrote an educational memoir about my experience that is available on my website.

— Kate Mageau, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

Research shows that both men and women can be victims of domestic violence or family violence, and both can be perpetrators as well. I have developed and published a domestic violence documentation format which also serves as an interview guide to thoroughly identify all forms of domestic or family violence. I perform domestic violence evaluations in immigration cases, and I also prepare extreme hardship evaluations in immigration cases.

— Stephen Finstein, Therapist in Dallas, TX