Therapy for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence
​Therapy can be deeply transformative for anyone impacted by domestic violence—whether you're a survivor, a victim, or concerned for a loved one who may be in an unhealthy relationship. Through psychotherapy, you can begin to heal from past abuse, rebuild a sense of safety, restore confidence and self-worth, and reclaim your autonomy. It also offers space to explore and manage anger, heal attachment wounds, process trauma, and shape a new, more empowering narrative.
Domestic violence is about more than physical harm—it affects the mind, body, and spirit. Don’t let shame or societal expectations keep you from seeking support. You deserve to heal. Break the silence and reach out today.
What are the potential areas of focus in Domestic Violence therapy?
​Below are some of the many areas Alessia focuses on, to support individuals affected by domestic violence.
​
-
Deeper understanding of the nature of and cycle of abuse.
-
Power and Control
-
Red Flags
-
Types of Abuse
-
Safety planning
-
Risk Assessment
-
Parental Alienation
-
Narcissism
-
Barriers to Leaving
-
Navigating the Legal System
-
Boundaries
-
Gaslighting
-
Identity​
-
Self-esteem and Self-worth
-
Anger
Is my relationship unhealthy?
Spot the signs before they become scars
-
Tries to control where you go and who you spend time with.
-
Expects you to cater to him and anticipate his needs - or there are consequences.
-
Treats you as though he owns you.
-
Is highly critical and insulting
-
Your friends and family dislike him and comment on how he treats you.
-
Makes misogynistic and degrading comments about you and other women.
-
You catch him in frequent lies.
-
They gaslight you, claiming things you confront them about never happened.
-
Chronically blames everyone else for their mistakes and misfortunes, and blames you for the abuse he inflicts.
-
Rarely apologies, and when he does, he appears insincere and vague
-
Uses guilt to manipulate you into complying with their demands.
-
Makes you feel like nobody else will want you if you leave them.
-
​Constantly plays the victim instead of taking responsibility for his behaviour.
-
Uses your trauma or insecurities against you
Victim Experiences
The following are some of the common emotions, beliefs, and symptoms that individuals who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence may struggle with—both during the relationship and long after it has ended:​​​
​
-
Feeling confused and forgetful
-
Feeling overwhelmed
-
Lowered self-esteem and self-worth
-
Hyper-vigilant and chronic fight/flight/freeze responses
-
In cases of physical violence, sensitivity to yelling or loud noises.
-
Doubting your judgment and decisions
-
Feeling shame around staying or leaving
-
Anxiety and/or depression
-
Panic Attacks
-
Inability to make decisions
-
Developing an eating disorder over time due to the perpetrators insults and criticism of your physical appearance.
-
Abusing medication, drugs or alcohol to cope with the effects of the abuse.
-
Experiencing suicidal ideations
-
Anger and Irritability
-
Insomnia
"It’s not just the bruises on the body that hurt. It’s the wounds of the heart and the scars on the mind".
-Aisha Mirza