Abuse Counselling

Abuse counselling is a psychotherapy that is used to treat the effects of many different types of abuse. The different forms of abuse include domestic violence, child abuse, emotional abuse, or any kind of behaviour that is directed for a deliberate harm towards someone is considered abuse. Any abusive behaviour towards a person can have a significant impact on our physical and mental well being and online counselling can provide valuable support.

So, let us first understand the types of abuse that can come in many forms. It is to make sure that you are aware what to look out for by recognising the signs of abuse first:

Physical Abuse

This kind of abuse is causing intentional harm or injury to a person through violence or physical contact. The abuse can be your family members, partners or friends. But remember physical abuse can include but is not limited to pushing, scratching, burning, hitting, biting, choking, sexual assault or throwing objects.

It is often found out that victims of physical abuse often feel shame and fear and this can stop people from reaching out. Therefore, the victims are unable to communicate what’s happening.

Emotional Abuse

When it comes to abuse counselling for emotional abuse, it is rather difficult to identify because there are no visible marks or injuries on the victim. It is through demeaning words and gestures, the abuser tries to gain control over the victim. The main forms of emotional abuse are aggression that generally includes name-calling, blaming, accusing, threats; denial including manipulation, neglecting, withholding affection; and sometimes belittling the victim’s feelings or thoughts.

Sexual abuse

Your unwanted touching and being pressured to do sexual act without consent is sexual abuse and the abuser could be anyone – often be a relative, friend or partner (past or present). And, men and women both can be sexually abused. Both can suffer trauma because everyone’s reaction to abuse is different which may include intense fear, panic attacks, low-self esteem, body pains and depression.

Domestic violence

It is the most common form of abuse that is sometimes neglected. Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between two people who live as a family is considered domestic violence. And, domestic violence abuse counselling helps individuals to assess the violence in a relationship which sometimes you tend to ignore or start living with; learn how to take the next steps and reach out for help and support.

How can abuse counselling help?

There are also other forms of abuse like child abuse, substance abuse and more that anyone can suffer from. And, anyone who has experienced abuse required emotional support. Sometimes it becomes really difficult for the victim to talk freely about the abuse to the loved one, and therefore, it requires a professional counsellor to help them to find their way out.

Without the fears of being judged and the confidence that your therapist will listen to you with respect comes as a positive reinforcement to understand the options of moving forward. So, if you know of someone who is a victim or you yourself think that you are being victimised, ask a counsellor online.