Domestic Violence or Intimate Partner Violence

I worked for over 24 years with a local domestic violence response program as counselor and CEO. I provided individual and group counseling to adult and child survivors.

I've worked extensively with survivors of intimate partner violence as a community based advocate, including working with individuals and educating community partners on violence within relationships. I recognize the impact of ALL forms of abuse, including psychological and emotional abuse, and know that healing from these relationships (whether from an intimate partner, parents, siblings, or friends), can take many years and specialized therapeutic approaches.

I have an extensive background in working with Domestic and Intimate partner violence. I have had training in different treatment modalities and have focused my work in these areas. I have also run groups for sexual assault survivors and sit on a county task force to inform procedures by the county to help survivors. I also completed my dissertation on IPV among gay men focusing on the recovery process. With my experience, I can help with various forms of violence you may have experienced.

My entire life people that I love have been harmed by people who "love" them. From early high school to the present I come up against bullies that use the blunt and cowardly weapon of violence to preserve their personal world order or to expel their own hurt onto others. I have worked as a domestic violence advocate in confidential shelter, and with trafficked girls in jail. The meaning of helping someone find the call to freedom and joy from incarcerations of this kind is unspeakable.

Survivors of intimate partner violence often experience deep, relational trauma. This can lead to significant anxiety and self doubt, making it hard to trust yourself and your gut/instincts. When this happens, attempts to protect ourselves can sometimes make us more vulnerable. I can help you understand your experiences, your responses, and learn to trust yourself again.

Domestic violence is often misunderstood as strictly physical violence against one's partner. But it is much more complicated than that. Emotional abuse, verbal abuse, financial abuse, gaslighting, control, and manipulation are too often not considered in domestic or intimate partner violence. I have experience with all of these forms of abuse and understand the complexity and difficulty of these relationships.

I work mainly with helping clients recognize emotional & psychological abuse (which can be difficult to acknowledge or pinpoint), in past or present relationships, and explore concepts such as self-worth, values, & intuition in order to discover agency, self-love, &/or empowerment. This can be helpful in understanding the cycle of violence, seeing warning signs, and how words can shift into physical violence.

I help clients recovering from all forms of domestic and partner violence including emotional, verbal, psychological, spiritual, financial, sexual, and physical abuse. It can be hard for clients to even identify abuse that has occurred in close personal relationships because of the confusing nature of these relationships. I help clients identify patterns of abuse, recover from the damage, and work towards finding and cultivating safe and healthy relationships in their lives.

I have over a decade providing counseling to those who have engaged in controlling behaviors and intimate partner violence as well as those who have experienced it. I am trained in Domestic Violence Focused Couples Therapy with a focus on creating safety and breaking the cycle of harm.

As a therapist, I address domestic violence by providing a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their experiences. I offer support through trauma-informed care, helping clients build coping strategies, and develop safety plans. I also work on empowering clients, enhancing self-esteem, and connecting them with resources for legal and social support. Collaborating closely with other professionals ensures a comprehensive approach to their healing and safety.

Domestic violence is also known as intimate partner violence, spousal abuse, and domestic abuse. Staying in an abusive situation can have negative long-term effects. But recovery is possible. Being Clinically Certified Therapist in Domestic Abuse, I work with woman in understanding the types & cycles of abuse, creating a safety plan, and how to stay safe. I also work with children. 1 in 3 women are impacted by domestic violence in their lifetime. If you need help right away, please call 911.

I have nearly two years of experience working with victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I come from a place of empathy and understanding to assist clients in exploring options in a nonjudgmental, person-centered manner. Issues of IPV and sexual assault are not always easily navigated and I take care and caution to ensure trauma informed practice to avoid further pain and hurt.

I am deeply committed to helping clients who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. There is no judgment here just support. With years of experience in this area, including writing my thesis on helping individuals in abusive relationships, I understand how important it is to have someone who truly gets it. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I'm here to help you figure things out. Reach out when you're ready.

I have experience providing counseling services to women and children affected by intimate partner violence & understand how difficult it can be to leave an abusive relationship. The emotional, psychological, & sometimes financial barriers can feel overwhelming, and often, victims face immense fear & uncertainty about what life will look like after leaving. Throughout my work, I’ve seen how crucial it is to provide support, safety, & resources to help individuals break free & begin to heal.

I have been supporting the survivors of violent acts since I was an undergrad in college. Since 2007 I have been an advocate for those who most often feel voiceless. It is so important to provide a safe place for survivors to share their story, find safety and work to rebuild their life. I use a variety of tools to help you combat trauma and increase safety.

Research shows that both men and women can be victims of domestic violence or family violence, and both can be perpetrators as well. I have developed and published a domestic violence documentation format which also serves as an interview guide to thoroughly identify all forms of domestic or family violence. I perform domestic violence evaluations in immigration cases, and I also prepare extreme hardship evaluations in immigration cases.

I have about a decade's experience in working with folks experiencing DV or partner violence. Beginning with my internship during my Master-level work, my experience in this area has ranged widely by gender and has been primarily community-based work. My understanding of DV is led by an anti-oppression lens and has deeply influenced the way I practice today.

Survivors of intimate partner violence often experience deep, relational trauma. This can lead to significant anxiety and self doubt, making it hard to trust yourself and your gut/instincts. When this happens, attempts to protect ourselves can sometimes make us more vulnerable. I can help you understand your experiences, your responses, and learn to trust yourself again.