Domestic Violence Counseling in Massachusetts

What is Domestic Violence Counseling?

Domestic violence counseling provides survivors with a safe and confidential space to process their experiences, heal from trauma, and develop strategies for safety and recovery. It is also known as intimate partner violence (IPV) counseling or abuse counseling. Domestic violence or abuse refers to a pattern of behaviors used by one person in a relationship to gain power and control over another.

If you or a loved one is a domestic abuse survivor and looking for support, contact Colony Care Behavioral Health today to schedule a consultation in Massachusetts. To begin, request an appointment through our secure online form. We have offices in Wellesley, Yarmouth Port, Arlington, and Weymouth, and we offer care remotely through secure telemedicine throughout Massachusetts.

Why Domestic Violence Counseling?

Domestic violence counseling stands as a beacon of hope and healing for survivors of abuse, offering a lifeline of support in the midst of profound darkness.

Domestic abuse survivors are often dealing with

• Physical injuries
• Sexual health problems
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Lack of self-worth
• Difficulty trusting others
• Isolation and withdrawal
• Self-harm
• Substance abuse
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Paranoia

How is Domestic Violence Counseling Different?

Through compassionate support, psychoeducation, and evidence-based interventions, domestic violence counselors empower survivors to regain autonomy, rebuild self-esteem, and establish healthy boundaries.

The goals of this type of counseling aim to:

• Plan for safety
• Deal with trauma effectively
• Address psychological and emotional wounds
• Coping skills
• Manage symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Empower survivors to reclaim agency
• Address dynamics of power and control

Domestic violence counseling offers tools and strategies for disrupting the cycle of violence and promoting healthy relationship dynamics. By equipping survivors with the knowledge and skills to recognize red flags and assert their rights, counseling empowers them to break free from abusive cycles.

Signs You May Benefit from Domestic Violence Counseling

If you see these signs from an abuser, you may benefit from our services:

• Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them
• Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with others, particularly friends, family members, or peers
• Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people
• Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school
• Controlling finances in the household without discussion, such as taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses
• Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with
• Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol
• Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions
• Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets
• Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace
• Destroying your belongings or your home
• Physical bruises, scratches, or other injuries

These behaviors are never acceptable. If such patterns are common in your relationship, we offer therapies and support to help you feel safe and heal. Our clinicians have helped many others like you find the strength and resources to start anew.

Treatment We Offer for Domestic Violence Survivors

As we meet with you, we will have a better idea of the treatment that will be the best fit for you. Often, the treatment plan depends on the symptoms that are present as we counsel together about the best road forward.

Treatment typically includes:

• Psychotherapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Tips for managing anxiety and depression
• Trauma-focused therapy modalities
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Medication
• Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation
• Personalized follow-up care
• Medication options include FDA-approved and evidence-based treatments in addition to psychotherapy

We have immediate availability for both therapy and psychiatry. We know it is a big step to seek care, so we want you to get help right away.

Our Team of Experts

As you seek help for domestic abuse, you will have access to a team of experts dedicated to your care.

Our providers have years, sometimes even decades of experience.

Our team includes:

• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Licensed Mental Health Counselors
• Psychiatrist
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

We are sensitive to this unique situation and are trained to deal with the sensitivities that come along with domestic abuse.

Schedule Your Counseling Session Today

To schedule a confidential appointment with a clinical specialist in Massachusetts, contact Colony Care Behavioral Health today. Please request an appointment through our secure online form, and a member of our team will contact you. It is a privilege to be a part of your care.