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.
Whether you had a big blowup, or your relationship got destructive over time, navigating an unhealthy or abusive relationship can leave you feeling afraid and confused. With gentle compassion, I can help you gain clarity and a sense of empowerment, whether you choose to stay or leave. You can learn how to effectively respond to your partner's controlling behavior with integrity. It is possible to gain a sense of safety and identity again, and you don't have to do it alone.
— Rebecca Lomeland, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Vancouver, WAI 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 Associate in Seattle, WAI am a qualified domestic violence prevention group facilitator with eight months experience co-facilitating domestic violence prevention groups.
— Jess Callaway, Licensed Resident in Counseling in Norfolk, VADomestic Violence is unfortunately very common. It has its own psychological effects and patterns. If you are a Survivor of DV, it's crucial that your therapist not blame you for the abuse. It's imperative that your counselor be able to Safety Plan with you and to support you in your choices. As someone who specializes in treating victims/Survivors of Domestic Violence, I honor my clients' narratives and respect that they know their situation better than anyone else does.
— Alia Cross, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Buffalo, NYI have been the Domestic Violence counselor for the local Women's Shelter for over five years. My approach is from a trauma informed, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral foundation.
— Delzora M. Clark - VoicedMania, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in New Bern, NCI began my work at Peace Over Violence, a non profit organization that offered free services including therapy, crisis intervention, legal services, and more to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. My training there educated me on the legal aspects of both, and how to best emotionally support populations who are hoping to escape, have escaped, or have long been out of abusive dynamics.
— Hannah Schollhammer, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CAI have extensive experience working with survivors of domestic violence.
— Sarah McCune, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, COI have received extensive training in treating the effects of domestic violence in adults, teens and children. I continue to work primarily with clients who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence in various capacities throughout their lives. I also work with adult survivors of domestic violence and their children together to help establish healthy healing dynamics after the family has left an abusive dynamic.
— Lena Monteverdi, Counselor in Beaverton, ORMany 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 Los Angeles, CAIntimate Partner violence can be confusing, like a fog, or a swirling merry go round you can't quite get off. It can be hard to know if what you are experiencing is abuse, and even more complicated to figure out what to do. This isn't a stranger. It is someone you have loved and may still love. It is someone you may have built a life with. No one has the right answer. It isn't simple. I offer space to sit and talk. To lift the fog for a bit so you can see and decide what is right for you.
— Sarah Valrejean, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Poulsbo, WAI began my career working as a Victim Advocate in the court system for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. I offered support throughout the court process and I understand how profoundly domestic violence affects our lives. I worked for years as a case manager in confidential shelters before working as a therapist. I am passionate about this work.
— Sara Fischer Sanford, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in SAN FRANCISCO, CAI have nearly two years of experience working with victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I come from a place of empathy and understanding to assist clients in exploring options in a nonjudgmental, person-centered manner. Issues of IPV and sexual assault are not always easily navigated and I take care and caution to ensure trauma informed practice to avoid further pain and hurt.
— Stephanie Puckett, Licensed Professional Counselor in Raleigh, NCI have been supporting the survivors of violent acts since I was an undergrad in college. Since 2007 I have been an advocate for those who most often feel voiceless. It is so important to provide a safe place for survivors to share their story, find safety and work to rebuild their life. I use a variety of tools to help you combat trauma and increase safety.
— Alison Murphey, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CAI have been the Domestic Violence counselor for the local Women's Shelter for over five years. My approach is from a trauma informed, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral foundation.
— Delzora M. Clark - VoicedMania, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in New Bern, NCI am a qualified Domestic Violence Prevention group facilitator with eight months experience co-facilitating domestic violence prevention groups.
— Jess Callaway, Licensed Resident in Counseling in Norfolk, VAI have used Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy successfully in working with victims of domestic violence.
— Sandra Nunez, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in , CABefore choosing to become a therapist, I volunteered at a local DV agency, but always wanted to do more. I completed the 40-hour DV advocate training, provided childcare at the DV shelter, and volunteered on a DV hotline. As a therapist, I have worked in a DV agency, facilitating groups and counseling individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence. I also facilitate community outreach efforts of a DV agency as a volunteer.
— Mark Myran, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Irvine, CA