Healing from the Trauma of Emotional Abuse in Therapy

Trauma of Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Emotional abuse can be defined as any behaviour designed to control, manipulate, or hurt another person emotionally. This type of abuse can occur in any relationship, including romantic, family, and work. Survivors of emotional abuse need to seek help and support to heal from the trauma they have experienced. Therapy can be a powerful tool for healing from emotional abuse.

The Effects of Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can have a range of physical, emotional, and mental effects on a person. Physical effects can include headaches, stomach problems, and sleep disturbances. Emotional effects can include feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and depression. Mental effects can include difficulty with memory and concentration and an increased risk of developing mental health conditions, including PTSD and borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Long-term consequences of emotional abuse can include an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships, and a decreased ability to trust others. These consequences can make it difficult for survivors of emotional abuse to feel safe and secure in their lives.

The Role of Therapy in Healing from Emotional Abuse

Therapy can be a valuable tool for survivors of emotional abuse. Several types of therapy can be helpful for healing from emotional abuse, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).

• Integrative Therapy can be helpful for survivors of emotional abuse, who may have developed negative beliefs about themselves due to the abuse they experienced.
• DBT is a therapy that focuses on developing skills and mindfulness methods. This can be helpful for survivors of emotional abuse who may have difficulty regulating their emotions.
• EMDR is a type of therapy that involves eye movements to help process traumatic experiences. This can be helpful for survivors of emotional abuse who may have experienced trauma due to the abuse they experienced.
• MBSR is a type of therapy focusing on mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This can be helpful for survivors of emotional abuse who may be experiencing high-stress levels due to the abuse they experienced.

What to Expect in Therapy for Emotional Abuse

Survivors of emotional abuse must find a therapist specialising in trauma and emotional abuse. This can help ensure that the therapist is equipped to help the survivor heal from the effects of the abuse they experienced. Building a trusting relationship with a therapist is also essential for survivors of emotional abuse, as it can be challenging to trust others.

In therapy for emotional abuse, the therapist will work with the survivor to address the effects of the abuse they experienced. This may involve exploring the survivor’s thoughts and feelings about the abuse and developing skills to help manage the emotional and physical effects of the abuse.

Self-Care and Healing from Emotional Abuse

Therapy and self-care can be helpful for survivors of emotional abuse. Self-care can help survivors feel more in control of their lives and promote healing from the trauma they experienced. Some self-care methods that may be helpful for survivors of emotional abuse include:

• Practising self-compassion: It can be easy for survivors of emotional abuse to blame themselves for the abuse they experienced. Practising self-compassion can help survivors develop a more positive self-image and reduce self-blame.
• Building a support system: It can be helpful for survivors of emotional abuse to build a support system of friends, family, or a support group. A support system can provide community, validation, and socialisation opportunities.
• Engaging in healthy habits: Survivors of emotional abuse may have developed unhealthy habits due to the abuse they experienced. Engaging in healthy habits, including exercise, meditation, or hobbies, can help promote healing and well-being.

Online Therapy

Online therapy, or teletherapy, is a form of therapy conducted over the internet using video, phone, or text chat platforms. Online therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, as it provides a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Online therapy can benefit individuals who live in remote areas, have limited mobility, or have difficulty attending in-person therapy sessions due to their schedule or other obligations. While online therapy can be convenient, it may only suit some. Ensuring the therapist is licensed and qualified to provide online therapy services is essential.

Conclusion

Healing from emotional abuse can be difficult, but survivors must seek help and support. Therapy can be a valuable tool for healing from emotional abuse, as it can help survivors develop skills and process the trauma they experienced. In addition to therapy, self-care can also help promote healing and well-being. With the proper support, survivors of emotional abuse can heal and regain a sense of control over their lives.