Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence

Domestic violence can happen in a variety of forms. It can be physical and/or psychological, and it can impact anyone of any gender, race, socioeconomic status, age, and sexual orientation. The behaviors associated with domestic violence are meant to scare, injure, and/or control a person. In many domestic violence relationships, there is an unequal power dynamic and one partner will attempt to assert control over the other person. Controlling and abusive behaviors can look like a person insulting, threatening, emotionally and financially abusing, and sexually coercing/assaulting their partner.  Those who have endured and survived domestic violence can often experience low self-worth, self-blame, shame/guilt, anxiety, depression, anger, and helplessness. 

Domestic/Intimate partner violence is scary, confusing, and can make someone feel very alone. It can also be hard to identify or know how to take care of yourself through it, leave an abusive relationship, or heal from one. It can take time and help to overcome all the complicated feelings that arise from domestic violence. With the use of CBT, trauma processing, psychoeducation, and building self-compassion, survivors can heal and move forward in a life that feels good to them.