Therapy for Emotional Abuse
Am I Going Crazy? What’s Happening In My Relationship?
You’ve tried everything you can think of to improve your relationship. It’s not helping. You are crushed, exhausted, and don’t know what to do next. You’re losing hope. Your spouse says everything is your fault, so you believe you are worthless, dumb, and useless.
Maybe you don’t even realize what’s going on, because distance and hurt is all you have ever known in your relationship. Yet, there’s part of you that knows this isn’t how it’s supposed to be. You want more. You want to be truly known, understood, seen and loved. Why does that feel impossible? Why do you feel like you have to be invisible and ignore your own needs to simply keep the peace?
You smile on the outside. You pretend things are okay. Inside, you’re hurting deeply. You’re lonely, confused, and often sad.
You can’t tell anyone else because they won’t understand. They will tell you to just try harder, or say you must be the problem. No one is perfect, right? So you shouldn’t expect more from your partner. They haven’t lived in your shoes; they don’t know the pain you carry every single day.
Here are some important truths:
- Emotional abuse is different than normal human mistakes. Emotional abuse is a ongoing pattern of behavior meant to control, manipulate and hurt you.
- You have value. Your thoughts, feelings and needs matter. Speaking up for yourself and setting boundaries is not selfish.
- Learning to recognize the patterns of abuse is tricky. You need outside help.
The therapists at Lime Tree Counseling want to help you see yourself as you truly are – a loved, beautiful person made to thrive. We can help you learn how to protect your own heart, and at the same time, learning to no longer tolerate the hurtful behaviors of your spouse. You can be loving and not passive. True love doesn’t mean giving the other person whatever they want to keep the peace. True love shows kindness and sets limits.
Understanding Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can be subtle, insidious, and often goes unrecognized by those experiencing it. It’s a form of manipulation that can undermine your sense of self-worth, erode your confidence, and leave you feeling trapped and uncertain. At Lime Tree Counseling, we specialize in helping individuals who are navigating the complexities of emotional abuse. Whether you’re unsure if you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship or feel stuck and don’t know what to do next, our compassionate and experienced team is here to support you.
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is not as easily recognized as physical or sexual abuse. For those suffering from the abuse, emotional abuse (also called psychological or verbal) is harder to acknowledge, because there are no outside wounds and it’s very subtle. Yet, emotional abuse can be just as damaging as any physical or sexual abuse.
Any relationship can be emotionally abusive, not just marriages. You may be dealing with emotional abuse if someone in your life:
- Constantly criticizes you and puts you down
- Blames you for any conflict or tension in the relationship
- Never truly apologizes
- Controls your access to finances
- Issues threats to you or others you love if they don’t get what they want
- Humiliates and shames you
- Makes efforts to control who you spend time with
- Makes you think you are “crazy” (also called gas lighting)
The most important thing to know is this: IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT.
Emotional abuse can also involve behaviors or acts towards others. These can include:
- Abuse of pets. This type of abuse in an emotionally abusive relationship can mean they are punishing YOU for something you said or did. They may also want to be able to manipulate you into doing something. This can also look like the other parent being upset at something a child has or hasn’t done.
- Threats to self-harm. This happens when the abuser uses your love for them to manipulate or control you. Remember, it’s not your responsibility for their actions.
If you are living in an emotionally abusive relationship, it’s absolutely not your fault. Nothing you have done justifies an abuser’s behavior. You are only responsible for how you respond the situation, which may require the help of a qualified professional therapist. We want you to get back to a life that includes prioritization of yourself and being able to respond to triggers with self-compassion.
Our Expertise in Emotional Abuse Counseling
Specialized Training in Trauma and Emotional Abuse Our team at Lime Tree Counseling is extensively trained in trauma, with a particular focus on emotional abuse. We understand the unique challenges and nuanced nature of this form of abuse. Our therapists are equipped with the knowledge and skills to help you identify the signs of emotional abuse, understand its impact on your life, and guide you toward healing and empowerment.
Personalized Approach with CBT and EMDR We offer individual counseling using evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These therapeutic approaches are effective in addressing the deep-seated effects of emotional abuse. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma-related symptoms, our therapists tailor their approach to meet your specific needs and goals.
Is This You?
- Unsure if You’re in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship If you’re questioning whether your relationship is emotionally abusive, you’re not alone. Emotional abuse can be difficult to identify because it doesn’t leave visible scars. It often involves manipulation, control, and degradation that can make you doubt your own perceptions and feelings.
- Feeling Stuck and Uncertain Many individuals feel trapped in emotionally abusive relationships due to fear, confusion, or a sense of hopelessness. You might be unsure about your next steps, worried about the consequences of leaving, or doubting your ability to live independently.
At Lime Tree Counseling, we provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore these feelings, gain clarity, and develop a plan that aligns with your values and needs.
How We Can Help
Working at Your Pace We believe in working at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Healing from emotional abuse is a deeply personal journey, and we respect your autonomy and choices every step of the way. Our therapists are here to support and empower you, not to rush or pressure you.
Support in Making Your Own Choices Our role is to guide and support you as you make decisions about your life and relationships. We provide the tools and insights you need to understand your situation better and help you develop strategies to regain control and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Our Process
- Reach Out to Us Contact us via email at office@limetreecounseling.com or call us at 267-477-3265. Our compassionate Client Care Coordinator will listen to your concerns and gather initial information to understand your needs.
- Initial Consultation Our Client Care Coordinator will connect you with a therapist who is the best fit for your specific situation. We match you with a professional who has the right expertise and approach to address your unique challenges.
- Your First Appointment You can choose to have your appointments online or in person at our Ambler, PA office. During your first session, your therapist will work with you to establish your goals for counseling and create a personalized plan for your therapy journey.
- Ongoing Support Throughout your counseling journey, we are committed to providing ongoing support and guidance. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you, adjusting your therapy plan as needed to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Why Choose Lime Tree Counseling?
Experienced and Compassionate Team Our therapists are not only highly trained but also deeply compassionate. We understand the emotional toll that abuse can take and are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive environment where you can heal and grow.
Client-Centered Care We prioritize your needs and goals. Our client-centered approach means that your therapy is tailored specifically to you, ensuring that you receive the most effective and personalized care.
Flexible and Accessible Services We offer both online and in-person appointments to accommodate your preferences and schedule. Whether you feel more comfortable meeting virtually or coming into our office, we’re here to support you in the way that works best for you.
Proven Therapeutic Approaches CBT and EMDR are powerful therapeutic techniques that have been shown to be effective in treating the effects of emotional abuse. Our therapists are skilled in these methods and will use them to help you process your experiences, reduce symptoms, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Recognizing that you might be in an emotionally abusive relationship and deciding to seek help is a courageous step. At Lime Tree Counseling, we are here to walk with you through this challenging time, offering expert guidance, support, and care.
Contact Us Today If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing, reach out to us today. Call us at 267-477-3265 or email office@limetreecounseling.com to schedule your initial consultation. You don’t have to face this journey alone. Let us help you find the clarity, strength, and peace you deserve.
Lime Tree Counseling: Helping You Heal and Thrive At Lime Tree Counseling, we believe in the power of professional counseling to transform lives. Our dedicated team is here to support you as you navigate the challenges of emotional abuse, helping you reclaim your sense of self and build a brighter future.
Reach out today to begin your journey toward healing and empowerment.
Further Reading On Emotional Abuse
Read more about therapy for survivors of emotional abuse in our blog posts:
Why Boundaries Are Necessary: Understanding and Setting Healthy Limits
Life can often feel overwhelming, especially when we find ourselves stretched too thin by trying to meet everyone’s expectations. At Lime Tree Counseling, we know how hard it can be to prioritize your own needs, particularly when it feels like saying "no" might hurt...
Recognizing Emotional Abuse: Patterns to Look For
Recognizing Emotional Abuse: Patterns To Look For Emotional abuse is a form of mistreatment that can be just as damaging as physical abuse, though it often goes unrecognized. It involves manipulating someone's emotions to gain control or power over them. This type of...
5 Ways to Stay Safe When Quarantined with A Toxic Person
by Katie Bailey, MA, LPC We are living in intense, stressful times. “Social distancing” and staying cooped up in our homes takes its toll on all of us; however, we know it’s an important responsibility to ensure the health of our communities. Feeling annoyed with the...
Additional Counseling Services at
Lime Tree Counseling
We also provide a range of therapy solutions, including:
Anxiety Treatment
Many people fight anxiety everyday. Often this looks like constant worry, regular physical tension, rapid heartbeat, and even panic attacks. We offer anxiety counseling to help you learn new skills to lower your stress and enjoy life more…Learn more
Marriage Counseling
Relationships evolve as life changes. Sometimes partners need help learning new skills to help them communicate better and strengthen their connection. We help couples improve their marriages through couples therapy…Learn more
Online Counseling
Life gets busy, and maybe coming into the office is not doable. Or perhaps you live in a remote area, and don’t have access to quality mental health care. We offer online counseling services to those residing in Pennsylvania…Learn more
Get Started With Therapy Today!
Please contact Lime Tree Counseling to schedule an appointment or a free consultation. We will get back to you as soon as possible and get you scheduled. In our Ambler, PA office, we serve all of Montgomery County, and our therapists are happy to offer online counseling sessions for residents of Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Colorado.