Thinking back, Peter was charming. He literally swept you off your feet. Gathering you up in his arms as he carried you, laughing, across the hot sand to the towel he’d set up for a beach date. Back when you first started seeing each other, it was incredible. So perfect, you couldn’t help but wonder, is this too good to be true?
He’ll be home from work soon, and your stomach clenches at the thought. You’ve got cleaning to attend to, and haven’t even started dinner. He hates coming home to a mess.
Last time it looked like this, he accused you of cheating. He’d said something like, “you’re obviously sleeping with someone else, or else you’d have time to clean… surprising anyone would want you, you look like a skeleton.”
What is Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse.
The scars and bruises worn by victims are internal. They manifest in the form of depression, anxiety, isolation, and low self-esteem.
Emotional abuse tends to start slowly, and escalates over time. According to WebMD, signs of emotional abuse are:
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Aggressive verbal communication
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Verbal threats
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Manipulative and controlling behavior
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Humiliation in front of friends or family
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Name-calling, insults, and put-downs
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Silent treatment
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Gaslighting
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Isolating you from others
Those who have endured emotional abuse for a long time may have a hard time trusting themselves and deciphering what’s real.
Because many abusers tend to isolate, gaslight, and control their victims, someone who’s experienced verbal and emotional abuse over an extended period of time may no longer have access to anyone outside the relationship that they can talk to or trust.
People who have a low self-image or come from overly controlling and verbally abusive families may be used to abusive behavior. Consider it normal, and some may even go as far as to believe the insults and put downs. Believe they somehow deserve to be treated badly.
It’s tricky too, when their partner has loveable qualities. Things that almost redeem the unacceptable behavior.
Emotional abuse is not okay. No one deserves to be treated with disrespect and contempt. True love does not include pain, does not include someone who oppresses, controls, and calls you names.
What Can You Do If You’re Experiencing Emotional Abuse?
If you feel as though you may be experiencing emotional abuse, seek help. Hotlines, such as Day One, offer round the clock assistance and support.
People who haven’t experienced this type of abuse often say, “why don’t you just leave?” As if it were that simple.
Obviously, the answer to any abusive relationship is to remove yourself from the situation, but regardless of whether or not you’re ready to, you should still reach out for support.
If you think you may be in an emotionally abusive relationship, some of the best ways to get help is through therapy.
A therapist will be able to guide you as you untangle the impact of what you’ve been through, and support you as you recover your footing.
At the Relationship Therapy Center, we help victims of trauma and abuse recover and regain control of their life. For convenience, we offer both in person and remote therapy sessions. Give us a call. You deserve real love and healing, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Begin Relationship Therapy for One in Roseville, CA or Fair Oaks, CA:
If you are ready to make lasting changes in your life to strengthen your relationships with others, we can help! Our therapists are trained to provide relationship therapy for one for adults living in the Sacramento Area or online in the state of California. You can begin relationship therapy for one in Fair Oaks, CA or Roseville, CA by following these easy steps:
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Contact the Relationship Therapy Center to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation and learn more about relationship therapy for one
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Meet with one of our relationship therapists
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Begin relationship therapy for one and work on the skills you need to have meaningful and healthy relationships.
Other Services offered at The Relationship Therapy Center:
In addition to relationship therapy for one, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.