Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse therapy and counselling – taking the first step in seeking help for abuse can often be the most difficult.
We will work with you to explore and address the experiences you have endured, working towards healing the negative consequences of domestic abuse. Let us help you through this traumatic time.
We will work with you to explore and address the experiences you have endured, working towards healing the negative consequences of domestic abuse. Let us help you through this traumatic time.
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What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse, also referred to as domestic violence, can happen against anyone, and anyone can be an abuser. The main types of domestic violence include physical or sexual; emotional or psychological; financial or economic; online and digital; harassment and stalking; and coercive control. Abuse can happen in couple relationships or between family members.
Most importantly, know that you are not alone. There is a network of specialists ready to help you through this traumatic time. We are part of that network.
Taking the first step in seeking help for abuse can often be the most difficult. You may have already tried to speak to friends and family and not had a response that helped you. This is where we can help.
The mental and emotional ramifications of an abusive relationship can linger for many months, if not years, after the partnership has ended. The abuse itself may also have spanned months, or indeed years. We will work with you to explore and address the experiences you have endured, eventually working towards healing the negative consequences of domestic abuse.
We understand that your experience is unique to you and requires a bespoke approach; our therapists offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment. We are here to guide you but also to go at your own pace. Our goal is to help you better understand yourself and come to terms with what has happened to you.
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Our approach to domestic abuse therapy and counselling
Recovering from the trauma of being abused by someone you once loved and trusted is a long process and it may take months and even years for you (and your children) to heal. You are likely to experience grief and the range of emotions which go with it, including a deep sense of loss. After all, your trust has been betrayed and your self-esteem and confidence shattered.
Some survivors may feel an immediate sense of elation which may suddenly be displaced by feelings of grief and overwhelm. A big change has taken place and you may feel lonely and isolated at first, coming home to an empty house or flat. There may even be times when an abusive partner or family member seems better than no one at all. However you respond individually is valid.
We offer an holistic, integrative route to therapy and draw on a combination of therapies including hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and talking therapies such as psychotherapy and counselling techniques.
By using therapies such as CBT, psychotherapy and counselling we will work together to understand and process your lived experiences of abuse. We can then take steps to address them. This includes recognising and reframing what has happened to you as well as discussing your past to ensure any previous trauma is resolved.
Therapy will help you to come to terms with the abuse you have suffered and show you a way to move forward positively.
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The far-reaching effects of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can have a considerable impact on your health and wellbeing – and children. The immediate physical effects of domestic abuse can include injuries such as bruises, cuts, broken bones, lost teeth and hair. It is also likely to have an effect on your mental health and your self-esteem, that can last for a long time after leaving an abusive partner. Some survivors might develop coping strategies such as using alcohol, drugs or other substances. If you are struggling with this, we can help.
Signs of domestic abuse
There are different kinds of abuse, but it’s always about having power and control over you. Here are some of the most common signs.
Emotional abuse – does your partner or someone you live with ever:
- Belittle you, or put you down?
- Deny that abuse is happening, or try to downplay it?
- Blame you for the abuse or arguments?
- Tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think?
- Control your money, or not give you enough to buy food or essentials?
- Monitor your social media and / or use GPS trackers to know where you are?
- Isolate you from friends and family?
- Stop you doing things, such as going to work or seeing friends?
- Make unreasonable demands?
- Threaten to hurt or kill you?
- Destroy things that belong to you?
- Threaten to kill themselves or the children?
- Real personal letters, emails, messages or texts?
- Harass and follow you?
- Choke you or hold you down?
- Hit or punch you?
- Bite or kick you?
- Burn you?
- Throw things at you?
- Push or shove you?
- Make unwanted sexual demands of you?
- Hurt you during sex?
- Touch you in a way you don’t want?
- Pressure you to have sex?
- Pressure you to have (unsafe) sex?
- Have you ever felt afraid of your partner?
- Have you ever changed your behaviour because you’re afraid of what your partner might do?
Helping a child recover from domestic abuse
Children are likely to suffer from short and long-term health and development complications as a result of witnessing and experiencing abuse. This can lead to learning difficulties.
Children may also need support through big changes such as a new house or school. These transitions can trigger anxiety and a grieving process linked to leaving behind their home and friends. Your children will look to you to give them the answers and reassurance they need. This responsibility can be hard especially when you are trying to deal with your own emotions.
We can help give you the language you need to talk to your children, to tell them that you love them and reassure them that nothing that has happened is their fault. We can also teach you practical coping strategies and techniques to help you guide your children through this period of upheaval.
Together, our network of therapists have treated thousands of patients
Client success stories
“I just wanted to thank you for all your help. I really feel like I’m getting better and starting to become the person who I really am.”
“I’m so grateful to Pinnacle for giving me the chance to get rid of my fears and for my new found confidence.”
“The best investment I have ever made, how can you put a price on quality of life? Would recommend for anyone suffering from anxiety.”
How we work
Our specialist self esteem and women’s health therapists will work with you to create a tailored approach meaning you get the right support at the right time. We work around you, your circumstance, and your schedule. We are 100% online offering private video call therapy sessions, as well as the opportunity to message your mediator when needed, including email and live chat assistance.
Get in touch to find out more about our domestic abuse therapy and counselling services
