THERAPY FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE in San Francisco

Domestic violence or dating abuse is a pattern of behavior that is used to maintain control and power in an intimate relationship. In an abusive relationship, the abuse often starts out small, and initially it can be hard to distinguish whether a behavior is abusive or not. Dating abuse exists on a spectrum, and over time, you may find yourself feeling increasingly anxious, isolated, confused, and unsafe.

WARNING SIGNS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

  • Put-downs, name-calling, and blaming

  • Extreme jealousy or insecurity, coupled with retaliation against you

  • Controlling behavior: controlling what you say, what you wear, who you talk to

  • Threats: threats to your physical or emotional safety, or your partner threatening that they will hurt themselves “If you do/don’t do X, I will kill myself”

  • Physical intimidation, destroying of property, or any physical harm on you

  • Financial abuse: limiting or cutting off your resources, withholding financial support, or not contributing to household expenses

  • Going through your social media accounts, email, or personal belongings

  • Pressuring or forcing you to do things you do not want to do

If you have experienced, or are currently experiencing domestic violence, you may find yourself experiencing:

  • Isolation from your friends, family, and peers

  • Feelings of shame, unworthiness, or low self-esteem

  • Doubting your own thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or sanity

  • Constantly walking on eggshells, or living in fear of your partner retaliating

  • Changing your behaviors in order to keep your partner’s emotions at bay

  • Fear for your own safety and well-being

  • Feeling trapped and unable to leave

TOOLS IN THERAPY FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

  • Talk about what you are going through with empathy and non-judgment

  • Decrease stigma, shame, and confusion through education on dating abuse and the abusive mentality

  • Connect you to resources such as books and articles, hotlines, or shelters

  • Support you in making your own choices while prioritizing safety

  • Increasing knowledge of warning signs and toxic behaviors

  • Heal beliefs of self-blame or responsibility

  • Help you reestablish your support network

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out for support I offer a free 20-minute consultation, and will either provide you therapy services or refer you to another therapist if I think they would be a better fit.