Therapy for Abuse

Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include abuse which could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.

Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Clinically Reviewed By: Corey Pitts, MA, LCMHC

What is Abuse?

Abuse is a repeated pattern of aggression, unkindness, and cruelty to another person, involving unfair power and control dynamics. Abuse can be verbal, sexual, emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, or psychological and often has lasting impacts. Anyone of any age, race, ethnicity, ability, class, sexuality, gender, or background can experience abuse, and it is never the survivor’s fault.  

What types of abuse can therapy help with?

Abuse therapy may assist people in recovering from all types of abuse and its impact, including the survivors of domestic and interpersonal harm.

Physical and sexual abuse

Physical and sexual abuse involve unwanted and often violent physical interactions. Both forms of abuse have a lasting psychological impact, often leading to mental health issues such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With physical and sexual abuse counseling, survivors may process their trauma in a safe space while building a strong therapeutic relationship with their therapist.

Domestic violence and domestic abuse

Domestic violence is a common manifestation of domestic abuse, which stems from a harmful pattern of power, control, and abusive behavior. Domestic abusers often have a tight psychological, physical, and financial hold over their survivors, making it feel difficult or impossible to leave, especially when a loved one is involved.

If you're struggling with an abusive situation, you don't have to break things off before getting help. Domestic abuse therapists may help before, during, and after the separation, even if you don't feel ready to leave yet.

Emotional and psychological abuse

This may be the most difficult type of abuse to identify and acknowledge, as abusers' tactics are often dangerously subtle. They may manipulate, gaslight, constantly criticize, or isolate the survivor.

Emotional and psychological abuse may occur in any relationship, from the family home to the workplace. Therapy may help survivors understand and process the harm that occurred while working toward new, healthy relationships with themselves and others.

How does abuse therapy support the healing process?

Abuse therapy is different for every person. A licensed therapist will work with you to help you in a way that meets your needs.

Addressing trauma and PTSD

Many abuse and trauma survivors develop PTSD, a long-term condition that may severely disrupt daily life. Trained therapists use evidence-based approaches such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to guide users through difficult memories. 

By maintaining a sense of emotional safety during memory processing, therapists help users reconnect to themselves and move forward healthily.

Rebuilding safety, trust, and self-worth

Abuse may change how you show up in the world, impacting self-esteem and self-confidence. Working with a therapist may help survivors recognize patterns that aren't serving them and address mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

A therapist may guide, support, and empathize. Healing from trauma is not linear, and it's common for certain experiences to trigger old patterns. A skilled therapist meets the users where they are and works from there.

Online abuse therapy with BetterHelp

Every abuse survivor deserves to heal in a way that feels comfortable. Online therapy lets you access counseling whenever and wherever you choose, a particularly important benefit if you're in or have recently left an abusive situation and need a supportive space.

Many users attend online therapy sessions via video chat, but we know that format isn't safe for everyone. We also allow users to chat with their therapist via voice call, live chat, or text messaging.

The first step is to match with a licensed therapist experienced in trauma and abuse. Your therapist may then discuss next steps, which may include support groups or external resources.

Start your healing journey

If you're experiencing abuse or its lasting effects, you don't have to go through it alone. Help is available, and the matching process may be straightforward. Take the first step with BetterHelp. 

FAQs 

Can online therapy help with abuse recovery?

Working with a licensed therapist with experienceabuse therapist online may be as effective as in-person therapy for processing traumatic experiences and working toward recovery.

Is BetterHelp therapy confidential?

Yes. Licensed therapists on the BetterHelp platform are bound by their professional and ethical obligations as mental health practitioners.

Can therapy help if I'm still in an abusive relationship?

Absolutely. A therapist may help you safely navigate your situation and understand your options. Your therapist may work with you to build a plan that respects your needs.

Does BetterHelp have therapists who specialize in domestic abuse and trauma?

Yes. BetterHelp's professional network includes licensed domestic abuse therapists and therapists with experience in trauma, PTSD, and abusive relationship recovery.

Is abuse therapy only for survivors of physical abuse?

No. Abuse therapy supports survivors of all types of abuse, including emotional, psychological, domestic, and sexual abuse.