Domestic Violence or Intimate Partner Violence

I have extensive experience working with survivors of domestic violence.

I have used Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy successfully in working with victims of domestic violence.

DV/IPV can affect anyone--regardless of sexuality, gender, age, religion, ability, nationality, neurodivergence. I validate clients' experiences, educate on dynamics of abuse within relationships, and work with you to remain safe, whether that means while in the relationship or not.

I am a certified domestic violence counselor for the state of Connecticut. I worked with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a safe house advocate for 10 years and have gone through extensive trainings to support survivors of domestic violence. I also have court experience and have been in roles as a state victim advocate helping victims/survivors of domestic violence navigate these difficult systems.

I have extensive experience and training working with victims of domestic violence. I started my career in social work managing a shelter and transitional housing program for victims. I have provided one-on-one counseling and group support to women struggling with identifying their relationship situation. I started a program for Lesbian victims of domestic abuse and the impact of oppression and queer-identity on same-sex dynamics in abusive relationships.

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.

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.

I am a clinically certified domestic violence counselor. I am an expert on the topics of abusive personalities, abusive relationships, targets of abuse and recovery from abuse. This is something that can be so hard to talk about because the only people who understand are your peers who have endured psychological warfare and/or crossed paths with dangerous personalities. Overcoming Stockholm syndrome can be one of the most difficult parts of recovery for some clients.

I am a qualified Domestic Violence Prevention group facilitator with eight months experience co-facilitating domestic violence prevention groups.

Getting hurt by someone you’ve cared for is especially painful. While the physical traumas can be scary as hell, the emotional traumas can take a lot more work to heal. When I work with domestic violence survivors certain themes come up over and over again. Survivors often wonder if something’s wrong with them, why this person hurt them and why they might still care for them. These are complex questions worthy of exploration. Through a multi-modal approach that infuses relational, experiential and body-oriented approaches I help clients overcome trauma, create healthy boundaries, increase resilience, reclaim their sense of self and create the lives they wish to lead.

I am an IPV/DV survivor. I went to support groups at a DV advocacy agency, and I loved the experience so much, that a few years later, I returned to the agency to run the groups as a volunteer. This inspired me to become a therapist, and now I counsel IPV/DV survivors and run counseling support groups. I help people understand what happened, and empower people to find their self-esteem to move forward. I wrote an educational memoir about my experience that is available on my website.

I am a qualified domestic violence prevention group facilitator with eight months experience co-facilitating domestic violence prevention groups.

I trained and worked in a community mental health clinic that primarily treated survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). I therefore have particular familiarity in exploring the ways that many aspects of IPV, especially ongoing emotional abuse from a romantic partner, affect a person. I have significant experience in tailoring Cognitive Processing Therapy to be especially relevant to survivors of IPV and help them move forward and heal. I have provided similar treatment to survivors of DV.

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.

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.

Not sure if your relationship is healthy? I can support clients who are current in or recently out of an abusive relationship. I provide clients with support and education on dynamics of domestic violence, warning signs, safety planning, and healthy relationships. I can provide specialized support on dealing with technology abuse.

I began my work at Peace Over Violence, a non profit organization that offered free services including therapy, crisis intervention, legal services, and more to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. My training there educated me on the legal aspects of both, and how to best emotionally support populations who are hoping to escape, have escaped, or have long been out of abusive dynamics.

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.

Getting hurt by someone you’ve cared for is especially painful. While the physical traumas can be scary as hell, the emotional traumas can take a lot more work to heal. When I work with domestic violence survivors certain themes come up over and over again. Survivors often wonder if something’s wrong with them, why this person hurt them and why they might still care for them. These are complex questions worthy of exploration. Through a multi-modal approach that infuses relational, experiential and body-oriented approaches I help clients overcome trauma, create healthy boundaries, increase resilience, reclaim their sense of self and create the lives they wish to lead.