Photo of Colleen Nusbaum, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alaska
Colleen Nusbaum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CDCI, LPC Sup
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Soldotna, AK 99669
I was born in Anchorage, Alaska and have lived on the Kenai Peninsula with my mother, husband and two daughters since 2005. Since 2010, I’ve dedicated myself to mental/behavioral health challenges and teamed with my clients in order to help them achieve healthy/balanced personal lives and relationships. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and member of the Kenai Peninsula Community, I’m deeply committed to being there when you need me most—helping you explore, heal, and move forward into a happy and healthy mindset. I work with all ages from 2 years to our elders. I'm here for you, get in touch and book your session today...
I was born in Anchorage, Alaska and have lived on the Kenai Peninsula with my mother, husband and two daughters since 2005. Since 2010, I’ve dedicated myself to mental/behavioral health challenges and teamed with my clients in order to help them achieve healthy/balanced personal lives and relationships. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and member of the Kenai Peninsula Community, I’m deeply committed to being there when you need me most—helping you explore, heal, and move forward into a happy and healthy mindset. I work with all ages from 2 years to our elders. I'm here for you, get in touch and book your session today...
(907) 394-4442 View (907) 394-4442
Photo of GE Family Services, Licensed Professional Counselor in Alaska
GE Family Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CDC I
Verified Verified
Anchorage, AK 99509  (Online Only)
(907) 331-0576 View (907) 331-0576
Photo of Michelle Jeanne Yep Martin, Psychologist in Alaska
Michelle Jeanne Yep Martin
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, MS
Verified Verified
Anchorage, AK 99503
(855) 616-1290 View (855) 616-1290
Domestic Abuse Therapists

What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?

Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognize that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.

When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?

Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.

What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?

Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.

How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?

It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.