Emotional Abuse Therapy in Buffalo, NY
Nearly 50% of Americans have experienced some form of emotional abuse and have been subjected to the psychological harm that comes with it.
Friendly and loving relationships are an uplifting, crucial part of the human existence. They can enhance life and give it meaning. But what happens when that love turns poisonous, or turns into something else?
You deserve to have caring friendships and loving relationships in your life. If that’s not the case, the emotional abuse counselors at Thriveworks Buffalo are here for you and are ready to help you heal from the emotional abuse you have suffered.
What is emotional abuse?
“Emotional violence is another kind of abuse … it’s not about words because an emotionally abusive person doesn’t always resort to using the verbal club, but rather the verbal untraceable poison.” ~ Augusten Burroughs
What makes emotional abuse so pervasive in our culture, is that it doesn’t leave physical scars. There’s rarely evidence that can point to an emotional abuser. There’s only the deep emotional wounds of the victim that affect their day to day life, and that general sense of “this isn’t right.”
Emotional abuse doesn’t always start so obviously. Often times an abuser may frame their words or actions as being helpful, and will slowly convince you that they are always right. It can be passive, subtle, and blend into the background. Thriveworks Buffalo understands how hard it can be to face emotional abuse. If you think you or a loved one is being mistreated, look for the signs. An emotionally abusive partner will:
- Control money and spending
- Constantly belittle you or point out flaws
- Accuse you of things you never did
- Use silent treatment as punishment
- Control who you see or where you go
- Make hurtful jokes
- Objectify you
- Use guilt as a weapon
These are only some of the examples seen in an emotionally abusive relationship. They all share one thing in common: control. An emotionally abusive partner will seek control in all aspects of their relationship. This relationship doesn’t have to be romantic, either. It can be between friends, coworkers, a boss, a family member, any relationship that should be uplifting but is instead detrimental.
All relationships have fights and all people have their flaws. But when the relationship becomes one person controlling the other, there’s a problem. It’s a problem Thriveworks Buffalo can help you with. There’s hope for people struggling in or recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship.
Long-term abuse
Abuse is most detrimental when it happens long-term. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are all possible results of continued emotional abuse. People subjected to abuse may:
- Blame the abuse on themselves
- Have low self-esteem
- Feel afraid of voicing their concerns and feelings
- Become hyper-vigilant and anxious
- Think nothing they do is ever enough
- Distrust their own memories and perceptions
No one deserves to be emotionally abused. It is a hard path back from a place of abuse, and one that may take some time. But you can do it. And the counselors at Thriveworks Buffalo are here to help you every step of the way.
What Does Emotional Abuse Therapy Look Like?
Abuse is often a slow-burn. It’s slow and incremental so that one day you wake up and find yourself completely ensnared. It can leave open wounds that may take a long time to heal.
But healing is possible.
Thriveworks Buffalo counselors have helped many people suffering from emotional abuse, and we can help you, too. If you can find the courage to take that first step, we can walk with you to your freedom.
The first step we will help you through is to remove yourself from the abusive relationship. This can be a terrifying step to take, but it is crucial in the healing process. Our therapists will be there with the emotional support you need.
After that, therapy sessions are unique to the individual. We focus on processing the abuse and acknowledging the scars it has left. Coming to terms with what was done to you opens up the mind and allows it to heal. We will discuss coping methods and tips to build healthy relationships. Knowledge is vital in moving forward.
You’ve lived in the confines of another’s will for too long. This is your life and you can regain control.
