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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I began my career working as a Victim Advocate in the court system for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. I offered support throughout the court process and I understand how profoundly domestic violence affects our lives. I worked for years as a case manager in confidential shelters before working as a therapist. I am passionate about this work.

— Sara Fischer Sanford, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in SAN FRANCISCO, CA

My entire life people that I love have been harmed by people who "love" them. From early high school to the present I come up against bullies that use the blunt and cowardly weapon of violence to preserve their personal world order or to expel their own hurt onto others. I have worked as a domestic violence advocate in confidential shelter, and with trafficked girls in jail. The meaning of helping someone find the call to freedom and joy from incarcerations of this kind is unspeakable.

— Eli Hastings, Psychotherapist in Seattle, WA
 

I have received extensive training in treating the effects of domestic violence in adults, teens and children. I continue to work primarily with clients who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence in various capacities throughout their lives. I also work with adult survivors of domestic violence and their children together to help establish healthy healing dynamics after the family has left an abusive dynamic.

— Lena Monteverdi, Counselor in Beaverton, OR

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
 

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 Los Angeles, 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, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Los Gatos, CA
 

I have worked on both side of domestic violence and intimate partner violence. I have provided victim centered treatment in the forensic space, as well as trauma therapy for survivors in the private space. Domestic violence is not limited to behaviors deemed illegal by the criminal justice system, but also includes emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse.

— Suzanne Cooper, Addictions Counselor in Englewood, CO, CO

I have extensive experience working with survivors of domestic violence.

— Sarah McCune, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
 

I have 15 years working with survivors of domestic violence and IPV. I am very passionate about empowering individuals who are either in an abusive relationship or are trying to leave one. Abuse comes in all forms and does not discriminate based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. Everyone is entitled to be supported by a professional with the skills necessary to navigate such a delicate yet volatile situation.

— Saara Amri, Licensed Professional Counselor in Springfield, VA

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 used Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy successfully in working with victims of domestic violence.

— Sandra Nunez, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in , CA

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
 

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, Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern in Palm Harbor, FL

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
 

I have over ten (10) years of experience working with both survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence. I focus on domestic violence and intimate partner psychoeducation, self-acknowledgment and self-validation skill-building, safety planning and trauma exploration and reprocessing to help my clients understand themselves in the context of their relationships and as an individual.

— Vincent "V" Espinoza, Clinical Social Worker in Albuquerque, NM

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
 

I am an IPV/DV survivor. I went to support groups at a DV advocacy agency, and I loved the experience so much, that a few years later, I returned to the agency to run the groups as a volunteer. This inspired me to become a therapist, and now I counsel IPV/DV survivors and run counseling support groups. I help people understand what happened, and empower people to find their self-esteem to move forward. I wrote an educational memoir about my experience that is available on my website.

— Kate Mageau, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Seattle, WA

I am a qualified Domestic Violence Prevention group facilitator with eight months experience co-facilitating domestic violence prevention groups.

— Jess Callaway, Licensed Resident in Counseling in Norfolk, VA