Domestic Violence or Intimate Partner Violence

Domestic, or intimate partner violence, can take many forms. It is often violence used in an effort to gain and/or maintain control. Some of the more common types of domestic violence include physical abuse (hitting, pushing, hair-pulling, forced substance use), emotional abuse (insults, blame, or other methods to diminish a person's self-esteem), psychological abuse (threats, including against family, pets, friends, or the abuser themselves, stopping a partner from attending activities, or other manipulation), sexual abuse (coerced or demeaning sex acts), and financial abuse (controlling a partner's finances or restriction of financial resources like an allowance). The emotional effects of these types of abuse can be long lasting, and may cause depression, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), insomnia, emotional distance, and more. If you or someone you know is experiencing (or has experienced) abuse, a qualified therapist can help. It is also important for children who witness or experience domestic abuse to see a professional who specializes in the age group to prevent the trauma affecting adulthood and possibly perpetuating the cycle of abuse. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s abuse specialists for support today. 

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Meet the specialists

 

I have a profound passion and connection to the area intimate partner violence and have provided supportive services on an individual basis to women who have been victimized as well as men in a group setting who have expressed aggression in their intimate relationships.

— Tasha Morrison, Clinical Social Worker

Research shows that both men and women can be victims of domestic violence or family violence, and both can be perpetrators as well. I have developed and published a domestic violence documentation format which also serves as an interview guide to thoroughly identify all forms of domestic or family violence. I perform domestic violence evaluations in immigration cases, and I also prepare extreme hardship evaluations in immigration cases.

— Stephen Finstein, Therapist in Dallas, TX
 

Getting hurt by someone you’ve cared for is especially painful. While the physical traumas can be scary as hell, the emotional traumas can take a lot more work to heal. When I work with domestic violence survivors certain themes come up over and over again. Survivors often wonder if something’s wrong with them, why this person hurt them and why they might still care for them. These are complex questions worthy of exploration. Through a multi-modal approach that infuses relational, experiential and body-oriented approaches I help clients overcome trauma, create healthy boundaries, increase resilience, reclaim their sense of self and create the lives they wish to lead.

— Natalia Amari, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Austin, TX

I have experience working with multiply marginalized persons who are experiencing Intimate Partner Violence and/or Domestic Violence.

— Sarah Dino, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Roswell, GA
 

As a therapist working with survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences with trauma, regain a sense of safety, and work toward empowerment. My approach centers on understanding the complex emotions of fear, shame, and loss that often accompany these experiences while fostering resilience, self-worth, and the courage to heal. Together, we navigate the path to recovery, focusing on reclaiming you

— Eric Meckel, Licensed Master of Social Work in Boulder, CO

I help clients recovering from all forms of domestic and partner violence including emotional, verbal, psychological, spiritual, financial, sexual, and physical abuse. It can be hard for clients to even identify abuse that has occurred in close personal relationships because of the confusing nature of these relationships. I help clients identify patterns of abuse, recover from the damage, and work towards finding and cultivating safe and healthy relationships in their lives.

— Jennifer Wood, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Jacksonville, FL
 

Survivors of intimate partner violence often experience deep, relational trauma. This can lead to significant anxiety and self doubt, making it hard to trust yourself and your gut/instincts. When this happens, attempts to protect ourselves can sometimes make us more vulnerable. I can help you understand your experiences, your responses, and learn to trust yourself again.

— Stacey Hannigan, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Domestic violence is often misunderstood as strictly physical violence against one's partner. But it is much more complicated than that. Emotional abuse, verbal abuse, financial abuse, gaslighting, control, and manipulation are too often not considered in domestic or intimate partner violence. I have experience with all of these forms of abuse and understand the complexity and difficulty of these relationships.

— Dana Williams, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Saint Petersburg, FL
 

Safety planning, resourcing, and coping strategies for individuals, children, and families who have undergone intimate partner violence.

— Adrianna McManus, Clinical Trainee in Livingston,

I have worked with adults and children who have experienced domestic or intimate partner violence. I take a compassionate, non-judgmental stance in order to support individuals with being able to talk about the impact of abuse and trauma in their lives, as well as provide them with concrete tools to feel more in control of their emotions. I have also worked with individuals on working towards having healthy dynamics in their current and future relationships.

— Gabriela Sposito, Clinical Social Worker
 

I have experience providing counseling services to women and children affected by intimate partner violence & understand how difficult it can be to leave an abusive relationship. The emotional, psychological, & sometimes financial barriers can feel overwhelming, and often, victims face immense fear & uncertainty about what life will look like after leaving. Throughout my work, I’ve seen how crucial it is to provide support, safety, & resources to help individuals break free & begin to heal.

— Alejandra Ramirez, Therapist

Domestic violence is also known as intimate partner violence, spousal abuse, and domestic abuse. Staying in an abusive situation can have negative long-term effects. But recovery is possible. Being Clinically Certified Therapist in Domestic Abuse, I work with woman in understanding the types & cycles of abuse, creating a safety plan, and how to stay safe. I also work with children. 1 in 3 women are impacted by domestic violence in their lifetime. If you need help right away, please call 911.

— Tammie Holt, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Maitland, FL
 

My journey in public/community mental health truly began when I started volunteering on the crisis line at W.O.M.A.N., Inc., an organization serving survivors of domestic violence. I found a calling there & developed skills in counseling, support group facilitation, crisis response, & safety planning. My value for client self-determination & empowerment blossomed here & I continue to bring these lessons to my work in supporting people who are recovering from unhealthy & abusive relationships.

— Lily Krutel, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Portland, OR

I have about a decade's experience in working with folks experiencing DV or partner violence. Beginning with my internship during my Master-level work, my experience in this area has ranged widely by gender and has been primarily community-based work. My understanding of DV is led by an anti-oppression lens and has deeply influenced the way I practice today.

— Celia Castro, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in CAMBRIDGE, MA
 

As a therapist, I address domestic violence by providing a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their experiences. I offer support through trauma-informed care, helping clients build coping strategies, and develop safety plans. I also work on empowering clients, enhancing self-esteem, and connecting them with resources for legal and social support. Collaborating closely with other professionals ensures a comprehensive approach to their healing and safety.

— Dr. Vanetta Williams, Therapist in Douglasville, GA

I have been supporting the survivors of violent acts since I was an undergrad in college. Since 2007 I have been an advocate for those who most often feel voiceless. It is so important to provide a safe place for survivors to share their story, find safety and work to rebuild their life. I use a variety of tools to help you combat trauma and increase safety.

— Alison Murphey, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
 

Many survivors find that, as time goes on, the impacts of specific traumatic events begin to affect them differently. As challenging as it may feel to share your story, it is so important to find a safe place to process and cope with trauma and abuse you have survived. I am able to provide a safe place for all survivors to process, share and navigate their story. Together we will work on rebuilding your sense of self and increasing your quality of life.

— Alison Murphey, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA

Throughout my education, I have focused on domestic violence and it's impact. I have dedicated a majority of my education researching and understanding the complexities of intimate partner abuse and its effects, as well as how to help victims become survivors. In order to help victims of abuse, it is important that we create a safe and nonjudgmental environment for them so they can feel comfortable in opening up about their situation.

— Katie Robey, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Los Gatos, CA