Couples Counseling and Abuse
Couples counselors that deal with abusive relationships should be trained to recognize the types of abusive patterns in the couples that come to see them. If a couple comes in for help, once a counselor sees that it is an abusive relationship, they usually offer to arrange to see the two people separately. A counselor often does this because they understand that the anger is abusive and inappropriate and needs to be addressed on an individual basis in addition to being tackled as a relationship issue.
The counselor can help the person who indulges in abusive behaviors actually see the impact of the abuse and to possibly attend an anger management group.
It is, however, absolutely imperative that you find a counselor that understands and is trained in treating abusive relationships.
Carol had this to say:
Our first counselor didn’t think my husband’s abusive patterns were all that bad, and didn’t consider it a form of abuse or threatening. Since when is breaking mirrors, slamming doors and punching in walls not violent? And all that while screaming at me, telling me that I was stupid and worthless? The counselor only encouraged couples therapy and didn’t feel that my husband needed individual therapy, and didn’t think I would benefit from individual therapy either. I never felt safe with that counselor. I never even felt like I was heard.
Finding the right couples counselor who is trained in recognizing and treating abusive relationships is the key to safe, successful therapy to help heal your relationship and learn to relate to each other in a new, healthier way.
Related Posts
- Couples Counseling Helps Heal Verbal Abuse
- Counseling for Verbal Abuse Victims
- Emotional Abuse
- What’s the Difference Between Anger and Abuse?
- Family Counseling for Teen Drug Abuse
