Newton Emotional Abuse Counseling

Emotional Abuse Counseling in Newton, MA—Counselors and Therapists at Thriveworks

When you hear the word abuse, you probably think of the physical acts—the ones that leave a victim visibly battered and hurt. Your mind probably skips right over another serious, scarring form of abuse: emotional abuse. Emotional abuse is rooted in the manipulation of another’s emotions to control them. It is far more common than physical abuse, and it, too, leaves one battered and hurt—just on the inside.

“Emotional abuse is like brainwashing in that is systematically wears away at the victim’s self-confidence, sense of self, trust in her perceptions and self-concept.” –Beverly Engel

It’s often difficult to detect emotional abuse. The victims feel shame or guilt and so they don’t open up about their experience; they don’t seek help. Common beliefs include: “I deserved it,” “I’m overreacting,” “Nobody wants to hear my pity story,” and “They wouldn’t believe me if I told them.” That said, it’s important these individuals do open up about their experience and seek help, as emotional abuse can hurt one for years to come. Here at Thriveworks Counseling in Newton, MA, we believe that you can heal from abuse and live a happy life again. And emotional abuse counseling can play an instrumental role in accomplishing that mission.

What Constitutes Emotional Abuse?

Emotional abusers use various tactics to control their victim(s), like shaming and intimidation. Here are a few of these techniques explored, with examples:

  • Criticism: Abusers will criticize the victim on a regular basis and convince them that they deserve this criticism. Here’s an example: Sam throws all of the dirty laundry into the washing machine. Later, when he switches the clothes over to the dryer, he forgets to take out Sarah’s new blouse. He sees that it shrank to half its previous size and kicks himself for it. When Sarah finds out, she criticizes him for it and calls him “worthless.” He agrees, declaring he can’t do anything right.
  • Humiliation: Emotional abusers also often use humiliation to their benefit; they relentlessly tear their victim down in front of others. Here’s an example: Elina and Jack are celebrating Elina’s job promotion over a nice dinner at their favorite restaurant. When the waiter brings the check, Elina snatches it and teases Jack for making less money than her. “Don’t put the check in front of him, he couldn’t possibly afford this dinner on his salary,” she tells the waiter.

Other tactics of emotional abuse include isolation, mind games, bullying, insults, and excuses for the abuser’s unacceptable behavior. They’ll use whatever techniques allow them to gain more and more control over their victim.

How Can Emotional Abuse Counseling Help?

The first step in healing from emotional abuse is removing yourself from the abusive relationship or situation. This might mean breaking up with your abusive boyfriend or girlfriend, moving out to separate yourself from an abusive parent, or cutting ties with an abusive friend. The next step is to process the abuse and do your best to understand how it affected/is affecting you. An emotional abuse counselor at Thriveworks in Newton can help you make these strides toward healing and moving past the damage of emotional abuse.

Start Emotional Abuse Counseling at Thriveworks in Newton Today

If you are a victim of emotional abuse, consider partnering up with a counselor at Thriveworks in Newton. Our providers are qualified and trained to help you heal from this traumatic experience. They can help you understand, process, and move forward from the abuse. Ultimately, their mission is to assist you in living the happy, healthy life that you deserve. To schedule a session or learn more about our services, call (617) 992-2827.

Thriveworks Counseling Newton

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 7 5 1 7 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Newton

Emily Kossowsky is great!

★★★★★
My husband and I worked with Emily for a few months and her guidance had really made a difference in our marriage. In fact, my husband was skeptical about couples counseling initially, but really came to value it after a few sessions; the only reason we stopped was because our insurance changed. Both of us found Emily to be a compassionate and fair listener who recommended concrete tools and practices for us that turned out to be quite helpful.
Thriveworks Counseling Newton

Maureen is grounded

★★★★★
I admire her integrity, honesty and work ethic. She is easy to talk to and is a great listener. She has consistently demonstrated emotional fortitude and sound Judgement, and will add great value to your organization.
Thriveworks Counseling Newton

Maureen Sullivan

★★★★★
Maureen is a competent, warm, and caring counselor.
Thriveworks Counseling Newton

Kelly Wolberg McCab

★★★★★
Kelly is very caring and understanding towards others. I would definitely recommend her for therapy!
Thriveworks Counseling Newton

Maureen Sullivan

★★★★★
Maureen is compassionate, empathic and an excellent listener. She poses questions and scenarios to truly help the individual reflect. This method of helping allows each person to define their own answers and gain their own success. Maureenʻs years of experience and intellect has prepared her to truly help others. Kudos to anyone lucky enough to work with her.
Thriveworks Counseling Newton

Wonderful!

★★★★★
Maureen is wonderful and caring. I would recommend her services to anyone.
Thriveworks Counseling Newton

Experienced therapy at its best

★★★★★
I have had the opportunity to work alongside Maureen Sullivan, and I am so grateful she is a provider in the therapeutic world. She brings the highest level of experience, creativity, patience, and grit, while remaining open and resourceful. She is truly a gem who is trustworthy; the quintessential dynamic therapist.
See fewer reviews

Thriveworks Counseling

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

  • 345 Boylston St #201,
    Newton, MA 02459

  • 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