Photo of Jessica Wolfe, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Jessica Wolfe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90004
I believe that if we do not cope and deal with trauma that happens in our life, trauma will take over and infiltrate into all areas of our life. I have experience in counseling stroke survivors and survivors of sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse. In addition, I’m experienced in helping clients work through grief and loss issues. My approach is diverse and client specific focusing on empowerment and becoming active participants in our life. By utilizing a variety of psycho-therapeutic techniques consistent with CBT, DBT, IFS and Trauma informed care, clients will feel supported through their mental health journey.
I believe that if we do not cope and deal with trauma that happens in our life, trauma will take over and infiltrate into all areas of our life. I have experience in counseling stroke survivors and survivors of sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse. In addition, I’m experienced in helping clients work through grief and loss issues. My approach is diverse and client specific focusing on empowerment and becoming active participants in our life. By utilizing a variety of psycho-therapeutic techniques consistent with CBT, DBT, IFS and Trauma informed care, clients will feel supported through their mental health journey.
(414) 240-0308 View (414) 240-0308
Photo of Elenor Daneshvar, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Elenor Daneshvar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90035
This includes anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and issues related to abuse and trauma.
Make time for yourself today. Painful symptoms from depression, anxiety, and/or relationship problems can cause great difficulty as we try to navigate through daily life. You don't have to go through difficult times alone. Talking about what you are experiencing is the first step to feeling better. I listen carefully and openly to current and past struggles to help promote self-awareness and understanding. I work closely with my clients to alleviate problematic symptoms and promote overall well-being.
This includes anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and issues related to abuse and trauma.
Make time for yourself today. Painful symptoms from depression, anxiety, and/or relationship problems can cause great difficulty as we try to navigate through daily life. You don't have to go through difficult times alone. Talking about what you are experiencing is the first step to feeling better. I listen carefully and openly to current and past struggles to help promote self-awareness and understanding. I work closely with my clients to alleviate problematic symptoms and promote overall well-being.
(310) 707-1526 View (310) 707-1526
Photo of Siobhan Chamoun, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Siobhan Chamoun
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
My current areas of practice include adults and adolescents coping with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, addiction, transitions, PTSD, LGBTQIA support, sexual assault, domestic violence, relationship and intimacy issues, and family conflict.
Managing our emotional world can be tough. My aim is to help you gain a better understanding of how your experiences have impacted the way you approach life and identify areas that need adjustment to reduce stress and increase balance. The safe space I create with my clients is designed to increase openness and authenticity, deepen self-awareness, and turn it into action toward their goals. I approach each client uniquely and help my clients develop coping skills based on their individual needs. Some skills include somatic experiencing to help nervous system regulation, CBT, and mindfulness/meditation techniques.
My current areas of practice include adults and adolescents coping with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, addiction, transitions, PTSD, LGBTQIA support, sexual assault, domestic violence, relationship and intimacy issues, and family conflict.
Managing our emotional world can be tough. My aim is to help you gain a better understanding of how your experiences have impacted the way you approach life and identify areas that need adjustment to reduce stress and increase balance. The safe space I create with my clients is designed to increase openness and authenticity, deepen self-awareness, and turn it into action toward their goals. I approach each client uniquely and help my clients develop coping skills based on their individual needs. Some skills include somatic experiencing to help nervous system regulation, CBT, and mindfulness/meditation techniques.
(747) 271-2258 View (747) 271-2258
Photo of Patricia Stephens, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Patricia Stephens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90048  (Online Only)
I am also a Certified Domestic Violence Counselor.
I take a creative approach, tailoring treatment to each individual, couple and families I see. I utilize a variety of modalities Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Therapy to help gain insight into past and present experiences and behaviors, identify and build strengths, develop healthy coping strategies and challenge long held assumptions about yourself, your relationships and the world you live in. I have extensive knowledge working with diverse populations.
I am also a Certified Domestic Violence Counselor.
I take a creative approach, tailoring treatment to each individual, couple and families I see. I utilize a variety of modalities Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Therapy to help gain insight into past and present experiences and behaviors, identify and build strengths, develop healthy coping strategies and challenge long held assumptions about yourself, your relationships and the world you live in. I have extensive knowledge working with diverse populations.
(818) 293-1626 View (818) 293-1626
Photo of Diana Malouf, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Los Angeles, CA
Diana Malouf
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90034
My focus includes trauma, anxiety, betrayal, narcissistic behavior, domestic abuse, and spiritual abuse.
You're doing your best, but it can sometimes feel like your efforts are never quite enough. You often prioritize others over yourself, even if it means neglecting your own well-being. Your commitment to bringing happiness to others may be leading to anxiety as you grapple with feelings of betrayal and confusion. It seems like you've lost sight of your own needs. I've been there, and I can relate to what you're going through. I believe you deserve to have a voice, and that together we can untangle the chaos as we work towards finding clarity.
My focus includes trauma, anxiety, betrayal, narcissistic behavior, domestic abuse, and spiritual abuse.
You're doing your best, but it can sometimes feel like your efforts are never quite enough. You often prioritize others over yourself, even if it means neglecting your own well-being. Your commitment to bringing happiness to others may be leading to anxiety as you grapple with feelings of betrayal and confusion. It seems like you've lost sight of your own needs. I've been there, and I can relate to what you're going through. I believe you deserve to have a voice, and that together we can untangle the chaos as we work towards finding clarity.
(424) 372-0099 View (424) 372-0099
Photo of Teresa Collins, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Teresa Collins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90027  (Online Only)
I specialize in dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance abuse, infertility, eating disorders, and grief and loss.
As a therapist, it is my sole intention to assist you in nurturing your own unique insight. When I'm in conversation with my clients, we work together to name and understand the issues that trouble them. I assist them in confronting the barriers to a more enjoyable life, and together we discover what needs to change, or what can be more peacefully accepted. I am primarily a "talk" therapist. My clients have described me as "down to earth" and "personable." I also use Cognitive Behavioral techniques in order to change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior.
I specialize in dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance abuse, infertility, eating disorders, and grief and loss.
As a therapist, it is my sole intention to assist you in nurturing your own unique insight. When I'm in conversation with my clients, we work together to name and understand the issues that trouble them. I assist them in confronting the barriers to a more enjoyable life, and together we discover what needs to change, or what can be more peacefully accepted. I am primarily a "talk" therapist. My clients have described me as "down to earth" and "personable." I also use Cognitive Behavioral techniques in order to change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior.
(818) 699-1397 View (818) 699-1397
Photo of Love Thyself Social Services Inc., Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Love Thyself Social Services Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
LT provides assistance in Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Drug & Alcohol, Homelessness, HIV, Sex Trafficking, Grief & Loss, Divorce, Depression, PTSD, Biblical Counseling, Trauma, Ex-Offenders, Anger Management and Veterans.
For over 15 years, Love Thyself Social Services Inc. has served the minority community through community outreach by providing the necessity of support to those who are neglected, underserved, and in need of psychosocial healing. By working to eliminate psychosocial barriers and support healing, we eagerly strive toward timely intervention for both the individual and family. We help individuals and families of all ethnicities and background to achieve mental stability and awareness of self. Now serving Teens, Couples, Individuals, Families.
LT provides assistance in Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Drug & Alcohol, Homelessness, HIV, Sex Trafficking, Grief & Loss, Divorce, Depression, PTSD, Biblical Counseling, Trauma, Ex-Offenders, Anger Management and Veterans.
For over 15 years, Love Thyself Social Services Inc. has served the minority community through community outreach by providing the necessity of support to those who are neglected, underserved, and in need of psychosocial healing. By working to eliminate psychosocial barriers and support healing, we eagerly strive toward timely intervention for both the individual and family. We help individuals and families of all ethnicities and background to achieve mental stability and awareness of self. Now serving Teens, Couples, Individuals, Families.
(310) 929-6176 View (310) 929-6176
Photo of Chaka McAlpin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Chaka McAlpin
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Both careers have offered me daily reminders of life's most stressful issues (trauma, relationship conflicts, loss, racism, community violence, equity issues, parental separation, etc.
Welcome. I am a passionate therapist with a sense of humor. I believe that even the saddest days warrant a laugh or a laugh with a few tears. Whether therapy is an old friend or a new journey, I will create a safe place for you to work on those issues that you have attempted to move past on your own. Whether you desire change...clarity...or growth? You have made the first step toward change just by searching for a therapist. If you are ready to begin the work, I am committed to helping you reach your goals.
Both careers have offered me daily reminders of life's most stressful issues (trauma, relationship conflicts, loss, racism, community violence, equity issues, parental separation, etc.
Welcome. I am a passionate therapist with a sense of humor. I believe that even the saddest days warrant a laugh or a laugh with a few tears. Whether therapy is an old friend or a new journey, I will create a safe place for you to work on those issues that you have attempted to move past on your own. Whether you desire change...clarity...or growth? You have made the first step toward change just by searching for a therapist. If you are ready to begin the work, I am committed to helping you reach your goals.
(310) 773-5057 View (310) 773-5057
Photo of Ana Luz Lopez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Ana Luz Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90046  (Online Only)
I am passionate about working with women, nonbinary, marginalized populations, and the global majority. I have experience with clients facing issues related to immigration, gender-based violence, & human trafficking. My MBA studies give me a unique lens on social impact, business, collective consciousness, and innovative technology. I provide support for trauma, racism, migrant identity issues, money stories, systems, personal & career growth. I have worked with trauma survivors who have experienced sexual assault, violence in the home, dysfunctional families & clients struggling with anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD, & MDD.
I am passionate about working with women, nonbinary, marginalized populations, and the global majority. I have experience with clients facing issues related to immigration, gender-based violence, & human trafficking. My MBA studies give me a unique lens on social impact, business, collective consciousness, and innovative technology. I provide support for trauma, racism, migrant identity issues, money stories, systems, personal & career growth. I have worked with trauma survivors who have experienced sexual assault, violence in the home, dysfunctional families & clients struggling with anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD, & MDD.
(323) 443-7093 View (323) 443-7093
Photo of Los Angeles Therapy Network, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCETS
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Do you feel like the weight of past experiences, secrets, or questions about your identity are holding you back from living a fulfilling life? Are you struggling with sexual trauma, childhood abuse, or other forms of trauma that have left you feeling overwhelmed & powerless? We're here to help. As a feminist therapist & board-certified expert in treating trauma & PTSD, I have extensive experience in helping people just like you regain control of their lives. Whether you're dealing with sexual, gender, cultural identity issues, or any form of abuse, I offer a safe and empowering space where you can work through your issues & heal.
Do you feel like the weight of past experiences, secrets, or questions about your identity are holding you back from living a fulfilling life? Are you struggling with sexual trauma, childhood abuse, or other forms of trauma that have left you feeling overwhelmed & powerless? We're here to help. As a feminist therapist & board-certified expert in treating trauma & PTSD, I have extensive experience in helping people just like you regain control of their lives. Whether you're dealing with sexual, gender, cultural identity issues, or any form of abuse, I offer a safe and empowering space where you can work through your issues & heal.
(323) 739-4987 View (323) 739-4987
Photo of Marney E Stofflet, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Marney E Stofflet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90029
I have been in private practice as a psychotherapist foreclose to 40 years and have had the good fortune of working with individuals, couples and families dealing with a variety of life's challenges. I work with issues of sexuality,life needs, anxiety, adolescent and family problems,depression,abuse, addictions, special needs children and interpersonal relationships.I also do extensive work with people confronting the hard work of grief and loss and with individuals who have lost someone to suicide. My goals as a clinician are to guide individuals toward healing and self-understanding in an atmosphere of trust and self-respect.
I have been in private practice as a psychotherapist foreclose to 40 years and have had the good fortune of working with individuals, couples and families dealing with a variety of life's challenges. I work with issues of sexuality,life needs, anxiety, adolescent and family problems,depression,abuse, addictions, special needs children and interpersonal relationships.I also do extensive work with people confronting the hard work of grief and loss and with individuals who have lost someone to suicide. My goals as a clinician are to guide individuals toward healing and self-understanding in an atmosphere of trust and self-respect.
(323) 454-2122 View (323) 454-2122
Photo of Eric Burke, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Los Angeles, CA
Eric Burke
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90019  (Online Only)
Our deepest Self is good, creative and generative; we are beautiful and resilient beings, an integration of body, mind, spirit, and ancestry. Yet sometimes life’s challenges sabotage our joy or interrupt our purpose, leaving us feeling anxious, grieved, or manifesting destructive thought and behavioral patterns. These challenges are the daily demands of navigating our chaotic world, but sometimes include other traumas such as violence, abuse, or family and inter-generational wounds.
Our deepest Self is good, creative and generative; we are beautiful and resilient beings, an integration of body, mind, spirit, and ancestry. Yet sometimes life’s challenges sabotage our joy or interrupt our purpose, leaving us feeling anxious, grieved, or manifesting destructive thought and behavioral patterns. These challenges are the daily demands of navigating our chaotic world, but sometimes include other traumas such as violence, abuse, or family and inter-generational wounds.
(323) 990-4524 View (323) 990-4524
Photo of Claudia Narvaez-Meza, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Claudia Narvaez-Meza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MFA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Claudia is an EMDR certified bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 83703) who is licensed to practice in New York and California. She has over 15 years of experience working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. Claudia specializes in trauma recovery, family systems and relationship issues, fertility concerns, substance abuse and recovery, sexual and gender identity, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and migration and acculturation challenges. Claudia collaborates with the client in curating a space that nurtures self-resiliency, strength, and embraces complexity with renewed care and compassion.
Claudia is an EMDR certified bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 83703) who is licensed to practice in New York and California. She has over 15 years of experience working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. Claudia specializes in trauma recovery, family systems and relationship issues, fertility concerns, substance abuse and recovery, sexual and gender identity, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and migration and acculturation challenges. Claudia collaborates with the client in curating a space that nurtures self-resiliency, strength, and embraces complexity with renewed care and compassion.
(213) 674-6184 View (213) 674-6184
Photo of Judith (Judi) J Bucholtz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Judith (Judi) J Bucholtz
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Are you struggling with a relationship and no longer able to communicate with each other? Do family and friends understand your feelings? Whether you are struggling with: depression, anxiety, fear, negative thinking, any type of abuse and/or trauma, self-esteem, communication in relationships, understanding can create positive changes and diminish symptoms. I am here to help understand what lies underneath these issues. As an experienced therapist who has worked with children, adolescents, and adults for 20 years, I work closely with my clients to develop individual goals that focus on: lessening depression, anxiety, and increasing communication in relationships.
Are you struggling with a relationship and no longer able to communicate with each other? Do family and friends understand your feelings? Whether you are struggling with: depression, anxiety, fear, negative thinking, any type of abuse and/or trauma, self-esteem, communication in relationships, understanding can create positive changes and diminish symptoms. I am here to help understand what lies underneath these issues. As an experienced therapist who has worked with children, adolescents, and adults for 20 years, I work closely with my clients to develop individual goals that focus on: lessening depression, anxiety, and increasing communication in relationships.
(424) 294-8907 View (424) 294-8907
Photo of Lilyana Verdusco, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Los Angeles, CA
Lilyana Verdusco
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90019  (Online Only)
My experience includes working with teens, adults, couples and families struggling with Anxiety, Depression, trauma, and multi-generational abuse.
Are you tired of short-term solutions that don’t help long term? Finding yourself overly frustrated or agitated, but can’t figure out why? We do our best to handle all the challenges that life throws at us but sometimes we are left feeling like it’s not enough. My goal is to create a space to learn about the multiple influences of life that undoubtedly affect the way we function.
My experience includes working with teens, adults, couples and families struggling with Anxiety, Depression, trauma, and multi-generational abuse.
Are you tired of short-term solutions that don’t help long term? Finding yourself overly frustrated or agitated, but can’t figure out why? We do our best to handle all the challenges that life throws at us but sometimes we are left feeling like it’s not enough. My goal is to create a space to learn about the multiple influences of life that undoubtedly affect the way we function.
(213) 510-1773 View (213) 510-1773
Photo of Vanessa Katz, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Vanessa Katz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Even though therapy can be challenging and often a painful process of self-discovery, when done in a supportive and empathic environment it can be immensely life changing. Together we will explore how the past has influenced you and make changes in the present, so you can create a more gratifying future. I have extensive experience in treating depression, life transitions, anxiety, relationship & family issues, loss & trauma and sexual abuse.
Even though therapy can be challenging and often a painful process of self-discovery, when done in a supportive and empathic environment it can be immensely life changing. Together we will explore how the past has influenced you and make changes in the present, so you can create a more gratifying future. I have extensive experience in treating depression, life transitions, anxiety, relationship & family issues, loss & trauma and sexual abuse.
(323) 870-7225 View (323) 870-7225
Photo of Sara Semal, Counselor in Los Angeles, CA
Sara Semal
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90042
I have an extensive background in the areas of trauma, LGBTQIA identities, sex and sexuality, interpersonal violence, family conflict, divorce, life transitions, anger, anxiety, and depression.
I like to be real with people. I find the best way to work with individuals and couples is to be present, ask the right questions, and give honest feedback. Whether you are coming to therapy for personal growth, a relationship or family issue, healing from loss, past trauma, or anything else, I want to explore who you are, how your life experiences have affected you and your relationships, ways in which those experiences keep replaying themselves, and how to get you out of the cycle. My approach is to provide a comfortable and real space to talk, explore and work on feeling better.
I have an extensive background in the areas of trauma, LGBTQIA identities, sex and sexuality, interpersonal violence, family conflict, divorce, life transitions, anger, anxiety, and depression.
I like to be real with people. I find the best way to work with individuals and couples is to be present, ask the right questions, and give honest feedback. Whether you are coming to therapy for personal growth, a relationship or family issue, healing from loss, past trauma, or anything else, I want to explore who you are, how your life experiences have affected you and your relationships, ways in which those experiences keep replaying themselves, and how to get you out of the cycle. My approach is to provide a comfortable and real space to talk, explore and work on feeling better.
(773) 757-5042 View (773) 757-5042
Photo of Lynn Steinberg, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Lynn Steinberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90020
She provides expert testimony in sexual abuse and Parental Alienation Cases.
Dr. Steinberg has worked in institutional settings with adults and adolescents. She has been in Private Practice since 1984. During that time, she has specialized in working with all kinds of abuse issues and become an expert in the treatment of sexual abuse. She has worked with individuals, couples, and families. Throughout this time, she worked with depression and anxiety, PTSD, and personality disorders.
She provides expert testimony in sexual abuse and Parental Alienation Cases.
Dr. Steinberg has worked in institutional settings with adults and adolescents. She has been in Private Practice since 1984. During that time, she has specialized in working with all kinds of abuse issues and become an expert in the treatment of sexual abuse. She has worked with individuals, couples, and families. Throughout this time, she worked with depression and anxiety, PTSD, and personality disorders.
(323) 621-3175 View (323) 621-3175
Photo of Mary Nakata, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Mary Nakata
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90049
I have been a practicing psychotherapist offering individual, couples and group therapy for 35 years. My private practice is located in Brentwood in West Los Angeles, adjacent to Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, California. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I help people with problems relating to anxiety, depression, relationships, grief and loss, eating disorders, abuse, major life transitions, addiction early life trauma and chronic and life threatening illnesses.
I have been a practicing psychotherapist offering individual, couples and group therapy for 35 years. My private practice is located in Brentwood in West Los Angeles, adjacent to Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, California. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I help people with problems relating to anxiety, depression, relationships, grief and loss, eating disorders, abuse, major life transitions, addiction early life trauma and chronic and life threatening illnesses.
(310) 692-9151 View (310) 692-9151
Photo of Mia Raymond, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Mia Raymond
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEDS, -S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90066  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience treating those struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring mood, anxiety and chemical dependency/abuse.
It's tough to be human. I use a trauma-informed approach, working primarily from a place of wanting to understand your perspective. I believe in supporting you with reframing thoughts and narratives that may no longer serve you. I work relationally, supporting you identify themes in your life that may hinder you from having the most meaningful life possible. I believe in supporting you create an experience that is purposeful; the pace of therapy can move as slowly or quickly as you deem comfortable. I’m licensed in CA, OR and FL (telehealth). I can provide therapy anywhere in California, Oregon or Florida via telehealth.
I have extensive experience treating those struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring mood, anxiety and chemical dependency/abuse.
It's tough to be human. I use a trauma-informed approach, working primarily from a place of wanting to understand your perspective. I believe in supporting you with reframing thoughts and narratives that may no longer serve you. I work relationally, supporting you identify themes in your life that may hinder you from having the most meaningful life possible. I believe in supporting you create an experience that is purposeful; the pace of therapy can move as slowly or quickly as you deem comfortable. I’m licensed in CA, OR and FL (telehealth). I can provide therapy anywhere in California, Oregon or Florida via telehealth.
(323) 703-5643 View (323) 703-5643

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.