Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Living through domestic abuse—whether emotional, physical, or psychological—can leave invisible wounds that linger long after the relationship ends. You may feel broken, confused, ashamed, or afraid. But healing is possible. Whether you’re still in the relationship or have already left, domestic abuse therapy provides a safe, confidential space to process your experiences, rebuild self-worth, and move forward with strength.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
3081 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Laura Yassky is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Coral Gables, Florida. They treat Domestic Abuse, Social Anxiety, Pregnancy/Loss of Pregnancy.
I can help you navigate anxiety, life transitions, career stress, and trauma with compassion and clarity.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
1626 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear, Arizona 85395
Cooper Buranen is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Goodyear, Arizona. They treat Domestic Abuse, Academic Concerns, Peer Difficulties.
I am passionate about working with both individuals and partners to achieve realistic goals. I'm here to help you figure out your next step.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA), Psychotherapist, Counselor, Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
211 East Six Forks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
SoCorro Miles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Raleigh, North Carolina and has been in practice for 13 years. They treat Domestic Abuse, Relationship(s) with Friends/Roommates, Life Transitions.
At Solace we think therapy truly works when you are truly Seen and Heard. Stop the suffering and give us a try.
Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Remote only
Lisa Bonta Sumii is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 23 years. They treat Domestic Abuse, Performance Anxiety, Athletic/Sports performance.
Train your mind like you train your body - Where mental strength meets performance.
Psychotherapist, Certified Trauma Professional, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Remote only
Shayda Ewalt is a Psychotherapist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Domestic Abuse, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma.
Trauma-informed therapist specializing in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing for complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, or depression.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Remote only
Morgan Rudd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Domestic Abuse, Depression, Life Transitions.
Morgan works from a strengths-based perspective and believes that when given the proper tools, everyone has the ability to grow, to change and to succeed.
You deserve to feel safe in your own life. Therapy can help you find your voice and reclaim your power.
— Gabriela Asturias, MD
Domestic abuse—also referred to as domestic violence—is a pattern of behavior used by one person to control or harm another within an intimate or family relationship. Abuse can be physical, but it also includes emotional, psychological, verbal, sexual, and financial forms of control.
Common signs you may be experiencing abuse include:
If you’re questioning whether your relationship is abusive, that in itself is a red flag. A domestic abuse therapist can help you sort through your experiences in a nonjudgmental space and validate what you’re going through.
Yes. Therapy for domestic violence is beneficial whether you're:
A domestic abuse therapist can help with:
Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about regaining control over your story, and making choices that are safe, empowering, and informed.
Several therapeutic approaches are especially effective for survivors of abuse. These include:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Helps survivors recognize and change harmful thought patterns developed during or after abuse. Focuses on emotional regulation, safety, and resilience.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Supports reprocessing of traumatic memories so they become less emotionally distressing. Many survivors of domestic violence find EMDR especially helpful for reducing PTSD symptoms.
Somatic Therapy
Focuses on how trauma lives in the body. Techniques may include grounding, breathwork, and movement to release physical tension and reconnect with safety.
Narrative Therapy
Helps survivors reframe their story from one of victimhood to one of survival and empowerment.
Psychoeducation
Empowers clients with knowledge about trauma, abuse cycles, and healing processes so they can understand and normalize their reactions.
The best domestic violence therapy often integrates several of these approaches, tailored to the client’s specific needs and history.
Safety is the top priority. If you're living with an abuser, seeking therapy can be difficult—but it’s still possible.
Steps to consider:
Therapists trained in domestic abuse therapy understand the risks and will work with you to keep you safe while offering emotional support.
Abuse is not just about bruises or broken bones. In fact, many survivors say the emotional and verbal abuse left deeper wounds than the physical violence.
Types of abuse include:
If you feel controlled, unsafe, or afraid in your relationship—even without physical violence—it’s abuse. Therapy can help you trust that feeling, understand your worth, and explore your options.
The first session in domestic abuse therapy is about building safety and trust. You don’t have to share everything. You don’t even have to call it abuse if that word doesn’t feel right yet.
Your therapist may ask:
You are always in control of what you share. The goal is not to push or fix you, but to walk beside you in a way that feels supportive and empowering.
Yes. One of the cruelest effects of abuse is how it erodes your sense of identity and worth. You may question your judgment, feel ashamed of staying, or wonder if you’ll ever trust again.
In therapy for domestic violence, you’ll work to:
Reclaiming your voice, your body, and your inner strength is possible—and therapy offers the tools to help you do it.
When searching for a domestic abuse therapist, look for someone who:
You can search directories like MiResource.com, ask local women’s shelters for referrals, or reach out to national hotlines for guidance. Many therapists now offer online domestic abuse therapy for added privacy and flexibility.
Yes. Children don’t have to be directly abused to be deeply affected by witnessing violence, fear, or chaos at home. Even very young kids can internalize trauma, leading to emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges.
Therapy for children who’ve witnessed domestic abuse can:
A trauma-informed child therapist can also help you, as a parent or caregiver, support your child’s healing while navigating your own.
Domestic abuse therapy often connects clients with vital outside resources, including:
Your therapist can help you build a comprehensive safety plan, whether you're planning to leave or staying for the time being. You don’t have to figure it all out alone—help is available.
Generally, no. Couples therapy is not appropriate in situations where abuse is present or suspected. That’s because:
Instead, each person should receive individual therapy. If the abusive partner is willing to seek help, they should work with a therapist trained in abusive behavior intervention—not relationship repair.
Domestic violence therapy focuses on survivor safety, empowerment, and trauma recovery—not restoring a dangerous dynamic.
Yes. Many survivors feel ashamed, afraid, or unsure if what they experienced “counts” as abuse. You don’t have to share everything at once—or ever—if you’re not ready.
Your domestic abuse therapist will:
Sometimes, the most important part of therapy isn’t the words—it’s being believed, supported, and slowly reconnecting with your own truth.
Abuse thrives in silence—but healing begins with support. Whether you’re still in the relationship or are taking your first steps toward recovery, therapy for domestic violence can help you reclaim your power, your voice, and your future.
Reach out to a qualified domestic abuse therapist near you—or start with online domestic abuse therapy if privacy or flexibility is a concern. You are not alone. You are not to blame. And you are never beyond healing.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
