Emotional Abuse Counseling

Emotional abuse is one of the most common types of abuse, yet extremely difficult to recognize. Let me help you recover from this abuse by identifying abusive behaviors and developing a strong sense of self.

What Is Emotional Abuse?

Emotional abuse is a destructive pattern of behavior in which one individual seeks to control and undermine another person’s emotional wellbeing. This type of abuse can occur in any relationship between parent and child, siblings, relatives, spouses or partners, friends, or co-workers.

While emotional abuse does not always involve overly violent or threatening behavior, it can be just as damaging to its victims. Emotional abusers may use tactics such as manipulation, criticism, gaslighting, intimidation, and isolation to control and degrade their victims.

Over time, this constant emotional abuse can take a serious toll on the victim’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you are in an emotionally abusive relationship, it is essential to reach out for help. You deserve to be in a safe, healthy relationship free from emotional abuse.

Signs of Emotional Abuse

Avoiding family and friends
Loss of interest in things and activities that make you happy
Feeling isolated or alone
Sadness or depression
Anxiety or panic attacks
Anger or irritability
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to reach out for help. Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, and it’s important to get help if you’re experiencing it. Many resources are available to help you heal from emotional abuse, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Emotional Abuse Counseling in Sarasota, Florida

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to listen, understand, and provide ways to extricate yourself from an abusive relationship that interferes with you actualizing your life goals.

Red Flags of an Emotional Abuser in a Relationship

It can be challenging to identify the red flags of an emotional abuser. Often, emotional abuse is subtle and can be easily denied or rationalized. If you’re unsure whether you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship or not, here are some red flags you should look out for:

1.

Your partner is constantly critical of you.

Does he/she regularly point out your flaws and shortcomings, even in front of other people? Does he/she make cutting remarks that leave you feeling hurt and inferior? If you feel that your partner has lost respect for you by calling you out, even in front of your friends, then you may be a victim of emotional abuse.

2.

Your partner tries to control you.

Does he/she tell you what to do or behave? Does he/she try to control your finances or who you see and talk to? If so, it is likely you are in an abusive relationship.

3.

Your partner is verbally abusive.

Does he/she shout at you or call you names? Does he/she put you down in front of other people? If your partner is continuously saying derogatory words to you, then you may be in an abusive relationship.

4.

Your partner threatens or intimidates you.

Does he/she threaten to hurt you or harm himself? If you don’t do what he/she wants, does he/she try to control you through fear? This behavior can be dangerous, especially if he/she has a substance abuse problem. If this happens, it’s important to get help.

5.

Your partner isolates you from your friends and family.

Does he/she try to stop you from seeing or talking to your friends and family? Does he/she make it hard for you to go out and socialize? It is a common behavior that is often perceived as possessiveness or jealousy. Unfortunately, it will impact your life negatively in the long run if you allow it to continue.

If your partner, your parent, or any person is exhibiting these behaviors towards you, he/she is likely engaging in emotional abuse. If you suspect that you are a victim of emotional abuse, feel free to contact me, and let’s talk about your current situation.

Need Help with Emotional Abuse Situations? I’m Here for You.

Dealing with emotionally abusive relationships can be difficult without professional help. I am here to ease your worries while helping you develop the ability to leave destructive relationships. We’ll work together to structure boundaries so that you don’t experience emotional abuse in the future. If you need someone who listens, I’m always here for you. Call me today.

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