Emotional abuse, frequently stealthy and deceptive may cause enduring twists of those who go through it. Where physical abuse can be recognised more easily, emotional-abuse is slightly more hidden and therefore far trickier to get a handle on. It can damage an individualβs self-esteem and significantly impact a person mental health and overall quality of life. The recovery from emotional abuse involves identifying the abusive behavior, working through trauma and rebuilding self-worth as well as autonomy. This article outlines what healing looks like and how therapy can help you with the process.
Understanding Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is a method of behavior where an individual belittles, diminishes and controls. This can take be in the form of name calling, constant putting down and criticisms, playing mind games or even isolation. The damage froβm emotional abuse is real, but not always visible to the naked eye most of us develop just enough survival skills (usually buried) as we grow up. Women and girls feel shock, depression, anxiety, low self esteem and relationship issues.
Some of the common signs you are being emotionally abused include:
- Long-standing ridicule or criticism
- Gaslighting or victim blaming
- Behavior control (monitoring and restricting actions)
- Emotional Coldness Or The Silent Treatment
- Promoting a climate of fear or intimidation
The sooner you recognize this, the quicker it will be to heal from emotional abuse.
The First Step: Recognize and Accept The Abuse
In order to begin healing, you need to recognize that emotional abuse has been perpetrated against you. It can be incredibly difficult to leave when you have been conditioned by the abuser to think that his or her behavior is at least partially your fault and/or it represents a baseline for relationships. Acknowledging that you have been abused is not about blaming yourself; it’s the truth.
How to acknowledge the abuse:
Think about the types of behaviours you have had to deal with and how these might impact on your mental health.
Speak about your experiences to close friends or family.
Learn about emotional abuse so you know better what it is that you have experienced.
Step 2: Consult help from a professional
Therapy Is Necessary for Healing from Emotional Abuse A therapist, counselor or other mental health professional can offer you that support as well as some guidance on how to deal with abuse. Therapy can also be essential if you need to process your experiences, rebuild self-esteem and mechanics for moving forwards.
Therapies that might help.
One-On-One Therapy: This type of therapy is all about the healing and uplifting oneself. This can be done with the help of some techniques like Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to tackle negative thoughts.
Group Therapy: provides support of other people who went through the same abuse. Community and Commonality in Group Settings.
The Solution: Trauma-Informed Therapy Process the Four Areas of Impact on Self-Concept.
Learn more about therapy options at All in the Family Counselling Emotional Group Work.
Step 3: Create a safety-net.
The challenging process to heal yourself, surprisingly involves the building a strong support system! Be around people who get it, validate and support you. That network can be anyone from friends, family members, support groups and professionals.
How to create and use Your Support Network:
Reach Out: Do not be afraid to contact friends or family who can help you.
Join Support Groups: Some support groups deal with healing from Emotional Abuse. They also offer an opportunity to present stories and learn lessons from individuals with who have been where you are.
Defend: Define and keep up limits with people who do not support your transformation or that enable the old ways of belief.
Step 4: Focus on Self-Care
A big part of recovering from emotional abuse is practicing self-care. This is about doing things that take care of you, but also just feed your soul. Practising self-care can re-instil a sense of control and will enhance your mental well being overall.
Some self-care practices to consider:
Physical Health: Exercise, follow a healthy diet and get enough sleep.
Mindfulness: Meditation or relaxation techniques β all help in coping with stress and anxiety.
Passions: Re-discover your hobbies and passions
Journaling: A means to help you feel through and process your own healing journey.
Read Step 5: Cultivate Healthy Relationships
Moving away from the cycle of emotional abuse starts with a step to rebuilds trust in relationships. You need to work on good relationships based on respect, help and having some understanding for others.
Creating a healthy relationship:
Open Communication: Focus makes an effort to communicate openly and honestly with others. Clearly state your needs and boundaries.
Trust Your Spidey-Sense: Listen to your feelings and instincts about people If a relationship feels toxic, it is okay to remove yourself.
Establsh Positive Relationships: Smart people do this, they keep the company of coainers, who help us rise to our best damaner.
Step 6: Empower Yourself
For the most part, empowerment is about taking charge of your life and deciding based on what you value or where you are heading. This is all about moving forward with self-improvement and asserting your rights/needs as a human being.
Ways to empower yourself:
Define Objectives: Determine your personal and professional goals.
Assertiveness Training: Acquire the skills necessary to be assertive and establish personal boundaries.
Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate successes & landmarks along your healing journey.
Conclusion
Healing from emotional abuse is difficult but with light can come a journey of healing. If you go public, get help professionally to deal with the abuse past and presentβ¦.make a safe support system for yourselfβ¦ take care of self through good nutrition & affirmation; start new healthy relationships slow (heathy by your rules not someone elseβs)!!!!!! It takes a lot of time when it comes to healing, so be kind and gentle with yourself every step of the way.
If you are impacted by emotional abuse, please get some support. Having a therapist will help you figure where to start and they can provide the tools needed, this way You do not need to take out all that is done on your own β but when new life begins. Learn more about How Therapy Can Help You, All in the Family Counselling Emotional Group Work.