5 Best Seattle & Bellevue Emotional Abuse Informed Therapists
Therapy for Emotional Abuse
While physical symptoms can be difficult to pinpoint at first, the effects of emotional abuse run deep. Thankfully, it is possible to recover from the impact of severe emotional abuse, with trained an emotional abuse informed therapist. Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center offers specialized trauma treatment for emotional abuse informed and therapy sessions for emotional abuse survivors so you can heal and grow. Connect with us today to get started.
Emotional Abuse
Emotionally Abusive behaviors in relationships are not as easy to spot as physical violence or verbal abuse from abusive partner, but oftentimes its effects can be just as traumatic. Emotional and psychological abuse used in romantic relationships can involve a wide range of tactics, including gaslighting, shaming and manipulation. All of these are intended to leave the victim feeling confused, powerless and hopeless.
Typically people of domestic violence suffer from long-term or short-term emotional or psychological harm from domestic violence or from substance abuse,, and depending on the length of time, there can be varying mental health effects.
Long-term emotional abuse happens over many years. Examples are a child growing up in a home with an alcoholic parent or a sibling with anger issues. Or, someone may find themselves in a marriage with a partner who demonstrates emotionally abusive behaviors.
Short-term emotional abuse can result from an exchange with a stranger or micro-interactions with colleagues or neighbors that involves emotionally abusive verbal language, intimidation, or fear.
The following are some short-term and long-term effects of emotional abuse:
Short-Term Effects
Isolation or a sense of deep loneliness
Self-doubt
Shame
Confusion
Low self-esteem
Anxiety connected with social interactions
Feelings of powerlessness
Long-term Effects
Tendency toward a depressed mood or negative emotions like anger
Chronic stress
Physical health issues like muscle tension and shortness of breath
Attachment issues
Apathy
Eating disorders
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or C-PTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder)
With Therapy for Emotional Abuse ...You Can Heal
With time, patience and plenty of self-compassion, it is very possible to heal from the trauma of emotional abuse. Working with a mental health professional who is trauma informed and utilizes therapy techniques for treating trauma associated with emotionally abusive behaviors is a great starting point.
5 of the best Bellevue therapists for Emotional abuse Therapist
1. Connie Zollner
Connie, Co-Founder and Director of Operations at the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work, especially in the areas of neuro-affirming care and with neurodiverse populations, including autism and AD/HD. Her unique specialities include betrayal trauma, navigating neurodiverse adult relationships together, understanding emotional abuse, mental health conditions and sex addiction/compulsive sexual behaviors.
Credentials- PSYD, LMHC, LPC, CCPS-C, CSAT-C
License number- LH61336032
Education- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Specialty area(s)- betrayal trauma, infidelity, compulsive sexual behavior, sex addiction, autism, neurodiversity, Emotional Abuse
Years in practice- 6 (Licensed 4)
2. Jessica Lamar
Jessica, Co-Founder and Director of Business Development and Strategy at the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center (BTRC), Jessica has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families through traumatic circumstances and life-changing transitions in forensic, intensive, and outpatient settings.
Credentials: Psy.D LMHC, LPC, CPTT
License number: LH61102079
Education: Doctor of Psychology, Psy.D, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Specialty area(s): Betrayal trauma, emotional abuse, infidelity, grief/loss/disenfranchised grief, ambiguous Loss, sexual bereavement, problematic sexual behaviors, trauma/PTSD, sexual /relational trauma
Years in practice: 10
3. Elizabeth Abbruzza
Elizabeth, Co-Founder and Clinical Director of the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center, brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her role.With a wealth of experience, Elizabeth has honed her clinical focus on addressing relational trauma. Elizabeth has strong expertise in working with survivors of emotionally abused individuals.
Credentials: MA, LMHC, LPC, CCPS
License number: LH60979035
Education: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Specialty area(s): Betrayal trauma, infidelity, betrayal in the family system, problematic sexual behaviors, trauma/PTSD, sexual /relational trauma, emotional Abuse
Years in practice: 7
4. Raisa Felts
Dr. Raisa Felts is a seasoned therapist with a Doctorate in Psychology. Dr. Felts has honed her expertise in the therapy process of understanding and empowering individuals across diverse backgrounds, including South Asian, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC communities.
Credentials – PSYD, LMHCA
License number – MC.61104244
Education – Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology, Psy.D MA in Counseling Psychology
Specialty area(s) – ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, CPTSD, Emotional Abuse
Years in practice –7 years
5. Whitney Dickey
Whitney is an individual and couples therapist at the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. With dedication and expertise in the field of mental health, she is committed to providing comprehensive, trauma-informed therapeutic support. Serving both adolescents and adults, Whitney utilizes a person-centered, holistic approach in individual and group therapy.
Credentials: LMFTA, MA, MBA
License Number: MG61514866
Education: MA Clinical Psychology, MBA Social Impact, BA – Sociology
Specialty Areas: Individuals, Couples, Attachment, Trauma, Somatic, Neurodiversity, Emotional Abuse
Years in Practice: 1.5 years
FAQs about emotional abuse therapy
Rehabilitation is possible for a person engaging in emotionally abusive behaviors. Specific treatment is available for emotional abuse. The recovery process requires a significant and sustained effort. Acknowledging the emotionally abusive behavior, seeking professional help from a trained therapist in treating emotionally abusive behaviors, committing to a long-term process, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and rebuilding trust are all essential steps. By taking these actions, a person who demonstrates emotionally abusive behaviors can work toward creating a healthier, more respectful relationship dynamic.
If you or someone you know is in an emotionally abusive relationship, seeking professional help from a emotional abuse, physical abuse, and trauma informed therapist is a crucial step toward healing and change to healthy relationships and relationship.
Yes, The brain has a remarkable ability to heal from the trauma of emotional abuse, thanks to its plasticity and capacity to rewire itself. Emotional abuse can significantly impact the brain, altering neurochemistry and leading to structural changes. However, with the right support, recovery is possible. There are dedicated professionals with training in counseling for Emotional Abuse Recovery.
Treating trauma from emotionally abusive relationships requires a holistic approach tailored to the individual’s needs. By combining various therapeutic methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Transformation Therapy, establishing safety plans, and providing ongoing support, survivors can begin to heal and reclaim their lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced emotional abuse, reaching out for professional help who is trauma informed and trained in treating the impact of emotionally abusive relationships can be extremely valuable in healing.
Get the support you need to heal.
When seeking professional help, it’s essential to find someone who is trauma informed and trained emotional abuse survivor therapy. There are various treatment options for treating those impacted from emotional abuse. A compassionate and experienced therapist can make a significant difference in the healing process. Don’t hesitate to seek out second opinions, Reach out to us at the BTRC for a free consultation, as we focus on counseling for treating trauma associated with emotional abuse and specialize in emotional abuse recovery.