Emotional Abuse Therapy

Mental abuse is a growing trend among people with its effect similar to those of physical abuse. It only gets worse for patients with mental abuse as it lasts longer with severe impacts on the patient. Physical abuse is unacceptable in any relationship. But there is a more insidious form of violence that friends, family members, and even the victims themselves may not immediately notice. It is about emotional abuse, or abuse. Unlike physical and sexual abuse, emotional abuse is a subtle instrument. With its help, the manipulator gains almost limitless control in the relationship.

Defining Emotional Abuse

Different terms can be used in substitute for emotional abuse. Some professions refer to it as mental abuse, verbal abuse, or psychological abuse. It usually refers to the action where one attacks the other with verbal assaults that are derogatory and degrading in nature. Once a person gets used to emotional abuse, it can lead to severe emotional trauma or mental health disorders. It includes the likes of depression, anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Adult relationships usually form the root cause of all emotional abuse cases relating to friendships, cordial relationships, encounters with a stranger, and co-worker relationships. Parent to child relationships can also cause such abuse. Victims of a bully or emotional abuse tend to develop feelings of unwontedness, devalued, not important and isolated, among others. Furthermore, the victim of the bully becomes prone to going through depression and anxiety all alone.

A significant downside in highlighting victims of emotional abuse is that it does not leave behind visible scars. You cannot tell by looking physically at the scars, wounds or other damages. However, it can occur, but the effects of emotional abuse are similar to having physical scars but deeper within you. Recent research reveals that the mindset of a victim of such abuse is very similar compared to that of one from physical abuse.

Unfortunately, victims of emotional abuse usually do not get help since they lack any visible scars to prove the matter. Most cases that occur of emotional abuse often go undetected or ignored when present. It is common for victims of the abuse to suffer in silence without any help. The abuser usually looks like a lovable character when presenting themselves to the outside world. In most cases, the abuser relates to people in the outside while showing the character of a loving, humble, funny, and considerate person. However, it can occur that the person portrays there true colors of a vengeful, mean, and hurtful person when in private.

According to a recent study, it has proven that men have a high tendency to be aggressive when in a relationship compared to women. The same study, however, notes that gender is an unreliable factor when it comes to predicting emotionally abusive relationships. The study also reveals that both men and women tend to display the same frequency when exposed to emotionally abusive relationships. A common denominator physically shown by people exposed to such abuse tends to lie in the area of showing jealousy, suspicion, mood swings, and poor judgment.

Basing on the research, it reveals that the male study respondents tended to display two types of emotional abuse in their relationships. The first type of emotionally abusive trait shown by men abusers includes some form of interpersonal aggression directly straight to strangers. The second type of abuse relates closely to emotional abuse in the form of aggression directly to a female.

In terms of female abusers, the research reveals that they have a high tendency to emotionally show signs of aggression towards their partners or even children. A common denominator that unites both male and female abusers emotionally is their portrayal of personality disorders. Both parties showcase a list of personality disorders, ranging from anti-social personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, paranoid personality, borderline personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.

Therapy for Emotional Abuse

The treatment process for emotional abuse victim starts when the victim distances themselves from their emotional abuser. It can also begin when the abuser can acknowledge that their behaviors are causing pain to their partners, and they need help with the treatment process. The process of acknowledging one’s fault as a source of pain for their partners can be hard to find. However, when the abuser can start with a word to acknowledge it, it holds the first step towards the healing process.

Process of Emotional Abuse Therapy for Patients

The primary goal of the treatment process is to get word of the root cause of the maltreatment for the patient. Here are essential questions that a victim must be able to answer.

• What was the first experience to occur with abuse?
• What is the name of an abuser?
• What is the period of abuse?
• Have you confided with anyone else?
• What is the impact of this issue on yourself?
• Do you engage the abuser when it happens?
• What is their response?
• What makes the abuse start?
• Is there any action after a verbal assault?
• Do you experience violent spells?
• What necessitates the violent episodes?

The therapy process happens when the therapist suggesting the use of different behavioral modification approaches for the patient. It involves using techniques that help in evaluating the current head state and behavior of the patient. The therapist will happen to try figuring out where the abuser is amid the abuse. The therapist attempts to figure out whether they are entertaining during the abuse, apologizing for the mean behaviors, or maintain the emotional torture.

When treating the abuse in the same event, the therapist tries to identify abusive patterns that necessitate the abuse. The therapist looks out for a string of unhealthy behaviors that could lead to a damaging effect. It is integral for the abuser to admit their need for therapy. After that, the abuser must be willing to commit to the therapy process. The therapist can happen to help by giving homework assignments to improve the relationship. While working together, both parties can set a feasible goal for the partners. Moving on, the survivor can agree on different steps to take with the relationship. It can mean either to stay together to work on it or part their separate ways.

Therapy Techniques Used in Treatment of Emotional Abuse

Emotion abuse within a romantic relationship calls for a high power that involves both partners. In this case, the therapist will call both partners and set an appointment for a couple of therapy sessions. A couple of therapy sessions play an integral role in the relationship while improving communication. It also helps develop conflict resolution skills. The therapy sessions help empower the abused partner and survivor to express themselves on what they need in the course of their relationship.

The therapist might opt for other techniques to be used during a couple of therapy sessions. Psychotherapy is a recommended technique for such couples. Different approaches that might come in handy include group therapy or support groups. A support group consists of other victims of abuse or domestic violence. The therapy helps in educating the survivor of what forms part of healthy and unhealthy behaviors within a relationship. A support group helps in strengthening the partners to signal red flags within a relationship that necessitates the emotional abuse.

In other cases, the trauma of abuse might be too severe to lave in the hands of therapy. It is where medication prescriptions come in handy to ease the trauma. If the case is not painful, the counselor can suggest massage therapy, hypnosis, art therapist, dance therapy and acupuncture.

Do I Need a Therapist?

It can prove challenging for a victim of emotional abuse to break away from the shackles of abusive behaviors. When such abuse has been going on for a while, it becomes hard for the victim to recover. It is recommended to consult with a therapist to help you through the process. The therapist will help the victim work through different issues they face regularly. Furthermore, they will be able to identify the various problems that necessitate that start of the abuse. After that, they can prevent recurring episodes of emotional abuse.

Working with the therapist helps in forming your support system while working through personal issues. The counselor will help improve your communication with your partner. Furthermore, you will receive insight on how to stand up for yourself and refuse any form of abusive behavior.

A common trait for emotional abusers is their high tendency to have personality disorders. A man abuser is known to have a high rate of personality disorders. Therefore, it is nearly impossible for the man to change their traits out of their own volition.

A common trend for an individual recovering from episodes of emotional abuse is there clinging on friends and families with abusive relationships. It is important to note what attracts them to the abuser to prevent falling for similar patterns.

Factors When Searching for a Therapist

Different factors come into play when an individual is searching for a preferred therapist to work on your case. First, it is advisable to countercheck that the therapist is a professional in the field of emotional abuse, relationship struggles, or domestic violence. Before subscribing to any therapy, read a review from other clients.

• What does the review say?

• How was the experience of previous patients?
• Can you manage the therapy costs?
• What do you feel about counseling?
• Are there any successful outcomes for the therapist?

The individual can rest assured that there is a multitude of expert emotional abuse therapists in the field who are ready to assist you in reaching your goal. PrimeTherapist service is a recommended means to keep you in touch with online therapists in your line of duty. Trust between a therapist and patient is of the utmost importance for a successful therapy session. The therapist’s service must keep space in a safe environment where the patient can feel free to express their beliefs and sentiments freely.