Are you feeling emotionally controlled by someone or are you the victim of harsh criticisms from a partner? Even though you know nothing wrong has been done, are you having to endure criticism, judgement, accusation and insults even though there is nothing you can do about it? You could be suffering. Treatment for emotional abuse this condition allows mental health professionals to connect faster with clients while having the freedom to work from home and manage multiple clients simultaneously. Online therapy through Calmerry helps professionals earn additional income while maintaining better work-life balance.
Emotional abuse is often difficult to recognize because it occurs due to another person’s actions. Emotional abuse can damage one’s self-worth and alter perceptions about reality.
What is emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse, also referred to as psychological abuse, is the deliberate control of another person’s emotions for judgment or embarrassment. This can lead to unhealthy relationships in which verbal abuse and emotional manipulation take place. Emotional abuse may produce psychological effects like fear, confusion, low self-esteem, despair and hopelessness.
Emotional abuse is a non-physical way of controlling another individual. It may include verbal threats and strategies designed to make the victim feel inferior, but it often escalates into domestic violence and physical mistreatment.
Signs of Emotional Abuse
It can be challenging to recognize signs of emotional abuse. Many people mistakenly assume it’s a temporary condition that will fade with time, but its effects are long-lasting and it has been linked to trauma and violence (Villa 2014). Thus, it is essential to recognize the warning signs and symptoms in order to take appropriate action.
You might have an abusive relationship if you observe any of the following signs in your partner’s behavior:
- Emotional Blackmail – These emotional abusers may manipulate and control others to embarrass their partners in private and public. They may be very critical of their partner and use emotional blackmail as a way of getting them out of trouble.
- Acting Superior – Emotional abusers often make people feel inferior, encouraging them to act and think in their way. They may use sarcasm and insulting jokes about others in an effort to gain power or attention.
- Invading your privacy – is another sign that you are being emotionally abused. Emotional abusers often check other people’s email, social media accounts and text messages in an effort to spend more time with you; however, in reality they don’t give you the freedom to make decisions based on what needs you have.
- Neglecting Your Feelings – They may play with your emotions, make you feel bad or be indifferent towards you. They won’t allow people to express their emotions and may even mock others’ emotions.
- Setting Unrealistic Expectations – Emotional abusers take pleasure in making unrealistic demands. They might expect you to spend all your time with them or fulfill all their requirements.
Psychological Consequences of Emotional Abuse
It has been documented that emotional abuse can have psychological and physiological repercussions.
Emotional abuse can have profound and long-term psychological and physical consequences on mental health. Many victims are initially in denial; they feel confused, afraid and ashamed – sometimes even helpless. Despite this, most survivors remain hopeful and believe things will get better over time.
Emotional abuse often manifests physically as muscle tension, moodiness and other discomforts. People may have trouble concentrating or feel exhausted; sometimes they even encounter nightmares.
Counseling for Emotionally Abused Individuals: Can Therapy Provide Assistance?
Counseling can be a powerful way to combat the long-term mental health effects of emotional abuse. Victims may struggle with accepting they have been victimized, yet admitting your situation significantly lowers quality of life when feeling manipulated, humiliated or unhealthyly attached to another person. Counseling helps address this issue head-on so victims feel heard and understood.
People often mistakenly assume that low self-esteem and moodiness are signs of stress or financial problems. Counselors can help clients determine if they are actually experiencing emotional abuse, or if their worries stem from different triggers.
Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to express feelings, discuss what’s going on without feeling ashamed or guilty. Whether it’s psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy, counseling’s basic goal is to create an atmosphere in which clients and therapists can actively collaborate in solving problems together.
Emotional abuse, which can lead to depression, self-esteem issues and a decrease in quality of life, is the most severe form of abuse. Emotional abusers feel trapped; they cannot bear to part ways with their partner but don’t want it to end either.
It is unacceptable to tolerate someone trying to control or make you feel guilty. Everyone deserves security and psychological well-being. If you feel emotionally abused, professional counselors may be able to offer assistance.
