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. 

Need help finding the right therapist?
Find Your Match

Meet the specialists

 

I have training in working in DV court for 5+ years with first time offenders.

— Alexandra Shauger, Clinical Social Worker in Midlothian, TX

I have extensive experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence, in both the hospital and emergency shelter settings. Whether you are still experiencing violence or have been out of the situation for many years, I would love to provide you with the support you are looking for. I believe that my clients are the experts of their own lives and should be in control of every aspect of their therapy experience.

— Kara Isbell, Therapist in Midlothian, VA
 

I have extensive experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence, in both the hospital and emergency shelter settings. Whether you are still experiencing violence or have been out of the situation for many years, I would love to provide you with the support you are looking for. I believe that my clients are the experts of their own lives and should be in control of every aspect of their therapy experience.

— Kara Isbell, Therapist in Midlothian, VA

I have expertise in supporting clients with traumatic responses and mood problems that come with abuse, including domestic violence. I worked in the non-profit sector providing advocacy and support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Wanting to broaden my helping skills is what led me to pursue training as a counselor. Often therapy can help to find your voice, heal trauma and develop healthy relationship goals.

— Jessica Johns-Green, Licensed Professional Counselor in Katy, TX
 

I am a certified domestic violence counselor for the state of Connecticut. I worked with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a safe house advocate for 10 years and have gone through extensive trainings to support survivors of domestic violence. I also have court experience and have been in roles as a state victim advocate helping victims/survivors of domestic violence navigate these difficult systems.

— Valerie Barrett-Noel, Clinical Social Worker

I have over a decade providing counseling to those who have engaged in controlling behaviors and intimate partner violence as well as those who have experienced it. I am trained in Domestic Violence Focused Couples Therapy with a focus on creating safety and breaking the cycle of harm.

— Kimberly Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
 

I've worked extensively with survivors of intimate partner violence as a community based advocate, including working with individuals and educating community partners on violence within relationships. I recognize the impact of ALL forms of abuse, including psychological and emotional abuse, and know that healing from these relationships (whether from an intimate partner, parents, siblings, or friends), can take many years and specialized therapeutic approaches.

— Emily Nayar, Clinical Social Worker

I’m a certified trauma specialist who has worked with survivors of domestic violence both as a counselor and as a volunteer on a rapid response team, meeting with survivors in the hospital and Washtenaw jail to offer resources and support

— Jenna Whitefoot, Licensed Professional Counselor in , MI
 

I have worked at a domestic violence agency for over seven years providing advocacy-based counseling, safety planning and crisis intervention, facilitating support groups and therapy processing groups and providing individual therapy to adult survivors of intimate partner violence. I use a survivor-driven and DV-informed approach, and have trained other mental health providers on how to use this approach.

— Georgiana Peters, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I have nearly two years of experience working with victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I come from a place of empathy and understanding to assist clients in exploring options in a nonjudgmental, person-centered manner. Issues of IPV and sexual assault are not always easily navigated and I take care and caution to ensure trauma informed practice to avoid further pain and hurt.

— Stephanie Puckett, Licensed Professional Counselor in Raleigh, NC
 

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

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
 

I have spent three years working at the YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley where I treat women dealing with sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and childhood trauma.

— Barb Bloom, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Gatos, CA

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
 

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

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 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