Find an Abuse Therapist

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024
Written by the MiResource team

Experiencing abuse can shake your sense of safety, trust, and even identity. Whether the abuse was emotional, physical, verbal, or sexual, healing is possible. The first step often starts with finding the right support—someone who understands what you’ve been through and can walk with you through recovery.

  • Carla Weismantel, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Carla Weismantel

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    342 N Water St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

    Carla Weismantel is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They treat Abuse, Burnout, Suicidal Ideation.

    The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.

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  • Ada Wang, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Ada Wang

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    486 W Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440

    Ada Wang is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Bolingbrook, Illinois. They treat Abuse, Burnout, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

    The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.

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  • Sandra Tursini, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Sandra Tursini

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    2409 South Rural Road, STE C, Tempe, Arizona 85282

    Sandra Tursini is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Abuse, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Compulsive Exercise.

    Caring LPC with 30+ years’ expertise in diverse counseling areas, committed to recognizing individual worth and guiding clients through life's challenges

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  • Stephen Barlow, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Stephen Barlow

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    5540 Falmouth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230

    Stephen Barlow is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Richmond, Virginia. They treat Abuse, Grief and Loss, Bullying.

    I help people overcome anxiety, depression, and stress stemming from relationships or past experiences, in individual or couples counseling.

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  • Ayeh Darvishzadeh, Psychiatrist

    Ayeh Darvishzadeh

    Psychiatrist

    Remote only

    Ayeh Darvishzadeh is a Psychiatrist in undefined, undefined. They treat Abuse, Sleep Concerns, Panic.

    I am a psychiatric physician welcoming people seeking to improve their mental health with medications and therapy options.

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  • Laura Gualdoni, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    Laura Gualdoni

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW)

    8240 Embury Road, Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439

    Laura Gualdoni is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Grand Blanc, Michigan and has been in practice for 35 years. They treat Abuse, Grief and Loss, Disability.

    If you are struggling to cope with life challenges/difficulties both past & present, I can help you develop the skills and strategies to move forward.

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What is abuse?

Abuse is a pattern of behavior used to exert power and control over another person. It can happen in any type of relationship—romantic, familial, professional, or platonic—and often leaves deep emotional, psychological, and physical scars.

Abuse is not limited to physical violence. It may include:

  • Emotional manipulation or intimidation
  • Controlling behavior
  • Financial restriction
  • Threats or coercion
  • Sexual coercion or assault
  • Verbal degradation or humiliation

It’s not always obvious. Many people minimize or excuse abuse because it’s subtle, frequent, or comes from someone they care about. But abuse, in any form, is never acceptable—and therapy for abuse survivors can help you recognize it, process it, and heal from it.


What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse—also called intimate partner violence (IPV)—is a specific form of abuse that occurs within a romantic or cohabiting relationship. It can include emotional, physical, sexual, verbal, and financial abuse. While it’s often associated with physical violence, emotional abuse is the most common and frequently overlooked form.

Some hallmarks of domestic abuse include:

  • Controlling who you see, where you go, or how you spend money
  • Name-calling, shaming, or gaslighting
  • Isolating you from family and friends
  • Threatening harm to you, children, pets, or themselves
  • Blaming you for their behavior

Domestic abuse is about control—not love. A domestic abuse therapist can help you safely assess your relationship, process your experiences, and explore next steps.


What is the difference between emotional, physical, verbal, and sexual abuse?

Abuse can take many forms, and understanding the differences is key to identifying it:

  • Emotional abuse includes manipulation, threats, gaslighting, guilt-tripping, and constant criticism. It erodes self-worth and creates confusion and fear.
  • Physical abuse involves bodily harm—hitting, slapping, grabbing, choking, or restraining. It may also include threats of violence or destruction of property.
  • Verbal abuse includes yelling, insults, belittling, name-calling, and sarcastic put-downs. It’s often used to shame or silence the victim.
  • Sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual contact or coercion, even within a committed relationship. It also includes situations where consent is manipulated, pressured, or absent.

While these types can occur separately, they often overlap. Many survivors experience multiple forms of abuse simultaneously. Therapy for emotional abuse and other targeted treatment approaches can help survivors of all types process their experiences in a safe, validating environment.


How do I know if I am being abused?

It’s not always easy to recognize abuse, especially when it doesn’t involve physical violence. Here are some signs that may suggest you're in an abusive relationship:

  • You feel afraid of your partner’s reactions
  • You walk on eggshells to avoid conflict
  • You’ve been isolated from your friends, family, or finances
  • You’re constantly blamed for things that aren’t your fault
  • You feel confused, anxious, or worthless around them
  • They dismiss or downplay your emotions
  • They control your appearance, activities, or choices
  • You second-guess your memories or reality (a tactic called gaslighting)

If you recognize these signs, know that you’re not overreacting. Abuse is never your fault, and a trained emotional abuse therapist can help you rebuild clarity and self-trust.


What mental health conditions are you at risk of developing after experiencing abuse?

Abuse doesn’t just hurt in the moment—it can leave lasting psychological effects. Survivors of abuse are at increased risk for:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), often from long-term or childhood abuse
  • Anxiety and panic disorders
  • Depression
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Substance use disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Low self-esteem and self-blame

These responses are not weaknesses—they are survival strategies your mind and body used to cope. With the help of a compassionate therapy for abuse survivors professional, you can begin to unwind these patterns and rediscover your strength.

Find care for Abuse

Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Abuse and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.

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