Emotional Abuse Counseling – Therapists and Counselors in Austin
Emotional abuse is something that allows the abuser to gain power and control over the victim. They usually do this by using negative language and gestures over a prolonged period of time. It’s a form of mental torment that gradually undermines the victim’s self-worth. When allowed to go on for too long, emotional abuse therapy may be the solution to the problem. In a lot of cases, psychotherapy helps to restore emotional balance back into the life of the injured party.
Challenges of the Abused
Emotional abuse is also referred to as psychological violence or mental abuse. It all means the same thing. The abused person can often face many challenges in life if their condition is not treated. The problem with psychological violence is that there are no physical scars or marks. Because of this, the condition can be latent and difficult to identify in others.
Patterns of Mental Abuse
There are three basic patterns to look out for when it comes to Emotional abuse. Sometimes these can be quite subtle, other times they’re blatantly obvious. The consequences, however, can be equal either way. These three patterns are:
- Aggressive
- Denying
- Minimizing
Aggressive abuse is usually in the form of name-calling, belittling, blaming and accusing. It can also be yelling, making verbal threats, negative criticisms and degrading insults.
Denying abuse includes such things as sulking, manipulation and blatant neglecting. Two other denying tactics are not listening or withholding affection.
Minimizing abuse might be belittling the effect of something or isolating. Another is to accuse the victim of exaggerating or making things up when it’s not the case.
If emotional abuse goes on for a long time the effects can damage the victim’s quality of life. Typical consequences of emotional abuse may include:
- Addictions to food, alcohol or drugs
- Chronic anxiety or depression
- Declining self-confidence and self-esteem
- Escapist type behavior
- Fearful or distressed behavioral patterns
- Increased isolation from others.
It can often be difficult for the victim to identify certain negative behaviors on their own. The main reason for this is a denial that there is anything wrong with then. If you think you might have a problem, call our Austin emotional abuse therapy hotline today and schedule an appointment.
