Manassas VA Domestic Violence Therapy

Domestic Violence in Manassas, VA—Counseling, Support, and Therapy

“I don’t know why I stay. I don’t know why I deserve this. I don’t know why you do this, why we do this, why this keeps happening.” –Celeste from Big Little Lies

Author Liane Moriarty has the world’s attention with her best-seller Big Little Lies and its HBO adaptation. The plotline has kept fans on the edge of their seats, but it is also making the way for an important social conversation about domestic violence.

(Small Spoiler Ahead!)

Celeste White is the mom all the other kindergarten moms want to be. She is smart, drop-dead gorgeous, and wealthy beyond measure. Celeste has beautiful children and a successful, doting husband. Her life, however, is not what it appears. Celeste’s husband hits her.

Celeste, like many other victims of domestic violence, knows that the private reality of a relationship can be drastically different than the public presentation. Escaping a violent relationship takes support from family, friends, and often, a professional who understands the dynamics of domestic abuse.

Thriveworks Manassas, VA has therapists and psychologists who know the dangers and pitfalls of domestic violence, and they have guided many clients as they find safety and heal from domestic abuse.

An Abusive Cycle

Domestic violence almost always follows the same cycle, even if particular circumstances vary from relationship to relationship:Î

The Honeymoon Phase: Relationships rarely begin with abuse. Even after abuse has occurred, there are often times of peace, possibly even happiness. Some victims describe the beginning of the relationship or these honeymoon phases as too good to be true. Victims often feel deep confusion because they genuinely love their violent partner and enjoy these good times.

The Tension Building Phase: The honeymoon phase rarely lasts as daily life fills with tension. Victims of domestic violence may try to appease their partners, taking responsibility to shield them from stress. Victims often hope that they can avoid the abuse through perfect behavior.

The Abusive Phase: Violent partners often try to blame their victims for triggering the abuse, but reality is, harming another person is always a choice. The harm may come in the form of physical, verbal, and/or sexual violence, and it is never the victim’s fault.

Each phase can take years, days, hours, or just minutes. It is a recurring cycle, and it rarely ends without substantial intervention. The cycle also escalates, with each repetition more violent than the previous.

Domestic Violence: Long- and Short-Term Effects

Home should be a safe place—in theory. However, far too many face the reality of a verbally, physically, or sexually violent home. Living in a violent environment has severe health effects because the brain’s natural flight-or-fight response repeatedly releases stress hormones, cortisol and adrenalin.

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris describes how these hormones are “wonderful if you’re in a forest and there’s a bear. But the problem is what happens when the bear comes home every night, and this system is activated over and over and over again, and it goes from being adaptive, or life-saving, to maladaptive, or health-damaging.”

Thus, victims of domestic violence have injuries from the violence itself, but they also incur long-term health problems from living with the constant threat of violence. One victim described the experience, saying, “He would be alternately kind and then fly off the handle for no reason. I always lived in fear of his temper. It was very stressful.”

Violent Relationships: Control as a Warning Sign

Because the abusive cycle escalates, a violent relationship may first show signs of trouble that are subtle. These behaviors usually attempt to control or dominate, and they may grow more controlling and then violent over time.

These are warning signs that a relationship is violent or may become violent:

  • Using demeaning names for you (even as a “joke”)
  • Discouraging you from spending time with family or friends
  • Subtly (or overtly) belittling you
  • Threatening or scaring you
  • Harming you, your kids, or your pets
  • Discouraging you from working or going to school
  • Attempting to take away agency—your ability to make decisions (For example, how you spend money, where you go, what you wear, and more)
  • Blaming you or other people for their behavior
  • Forcing you into sex or sexual acts where you feel uncomfortable or have said, “no.”

Prince William Counseling for Domestic Violence Victims at Thriveworks Manassas

The counselors and psychologists at Thriveworks Manassas in Prince William have helped many clients navigate the dangers of a violent relationship and reach safety. Our office is ready to support victims of domestic violence.

From the first time you call Thriveworks Manassas, VA we want to be your advocate. It’s why a person will answer your call and help you. It’s why you may be able to see your therapist the next day. It’s why we offer weekend and evening sessions and work with most insurance providers.

If you are not safe in your own home, seeking help may be the first step toward the safety you deserve. Call Thriveworks Manassas in Prince William County, VA. We want to help.

Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 17 5 1 17 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Depression

★★★★★
I believe my depression is coming from the lack of education, I have and the loss of so many jobs. It's finding but hard to keep a job. I'm embarrassed it has been hindering me for many years now I can't stand it I've been trying to get help for a while now and don't know where to go I am on suppression medication. I see a doctor every two weeks I have talked to him about this and until u was blacking the blue in the face. I think he sees it now. Thank good
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Great first experience

★★★★★
So far I’m having a great first experience with Therapy.
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Lisa

★★★★★
I started with Thriveworks and Lisa 3-4 months ago and I was nervous about telling a "stranger" my deepest issues and things I'm not always comfortable admitting myself. I have to say she has been amazing through an really tough relationship break and other things I was or am going through in life. She makes you feel comfortable and truly listens, providing support and options for situations which allow me to be able to look at situations differently. She has made an incredible improvement on my life and I always look forward to meeting with her. It has become a breath of fresh air for me. She is amazing and I consider her a friend. You can't go wrong.
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

So far I am liking my sessions and my counselor

★★★★★
So far I am liking my sessions and my counselor
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

My counselor is great

★★★★★
My counselor is great
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Lisa Cornelius- My wonderful experience with her.

★★★★★
I worked with Lisa Cornelius for more than 6 months and she really is amazing. She helped me through my struggles by giving me strategies that could help me involve my well being. She is honest and she will connect with your situation by putting herself in your shoes. I've never connected with a therapist like I have with her. She really knows what she is doing. I highly recommend her!
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Counseling appreciation

★★★★★
A note of thanks to my counselor Lisa Cornelius. I have seen her for 2 years now and through our sessions an finding that I am a good person who has needs and a future that I never knew at 72 I coukd look forward to. Our lives go full circle sometimes and after bad things happen we start to think we have no right to try to be anyone but who others think we should be....not true! Hopefully Lisa and I can continue this journey and I can learn to relax in the real me and be content and happy with myself...thank you Lisa ....
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Ms. Lisa

★★★★★
Ms. Lisa is a very amazing counselor. She helps you understand and can relate to you, which makes you feel better. Her way of counseling is different from past counselor. It was more dull with my past counselor, but with Ms. Lisa it is different. It is better to me. I definitely recommend Ms. Lisa because everytime I leave I feel lighter and a little bit better. 😊
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Shannon Oesch

★★★★★
Shannon Oesch is an excellent therapist and friend. I met Shannon years ago in Hawaii where I worked at a domestic violence shelter. Shannon came and facilitated a weekly support group and made a huge impact on many lives. Shannon is easy to talk to and a great listener!
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Shannon Oesch LCSW

★★★★★
Shannon was very supportive as a Clinical Supervisor and extremely knowledgeable and experienced in her field. She has helped me develop my clinical skills and competencies throughout my Social Work career.
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

It was an excellent experience.

★★★★★
It was an excellent experience. I have been suffering from high anxiety and was skeptical about talking with someone who didn’t know me. After my first session I could finally see light at the end of the tunnel. I cannot wait for my next appointments so that I can learn how to take my life back.
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

So far, so good!

★★★★★
So far, so good!
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Had a very pleasant conversation with Mary

★★★★☆
Had a very pleasant conversation with Mary. It’s difficult to tell if she’s the one for me. Went as inspected .
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Thriveworks is amazing.

★★★★★
Thriveworks is amazing. It is such a relief to feel you are connecting with someone who truly understands the root of your problems and gives you hope that you can work through them. I am very thankful for this place.
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Comfortable, compassionate and welcoming staff.

★★★★★
Comfortable, compassionate and welcoming staff. My daughter and I have been impressed with every aspect of our experience with Thriveworks. High five!
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Good sessions

★★★★☆
Good sessions
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Yes!

★★★★★
I've taken a tour of this counseling practice, and met some of the staff. This practice is way above par, for sure.
See fewer reviews

Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 10755 Ambassador Dr STE 201,
    Manassas, VA 20109

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

It’s Time to Start a Relationship with a Thriveworks Counselor

It’s not easy, but we’re extremely selective about the counselors, psychologists, and coaches that join our practice. Experience a provider with skill and passion for helping clients make meaningful advances in their lives, relationships, careers, and happiness.


Get Started Today!

Pin It on Pinterest