Recognizing the signs of intimate partner violence, even when they seem small or subtle at first, can literally be life-saving.
The truth is, intimate partner abuse doesn’t always start with something obvious like physical violence.
It often begins with emotional manipulation, controlling behavior, or isolating someone from their friends and family. These early signs can be easy to brush off, especially if the person being hurt still loves their partner or wants to believe things will get better.
But over time, these patterns usually escalate: What starts as jealousy can turn into monitoring, threats, or, even worse, physical harm.
And by the time it becomes dangerous, the person may feel too scared, ashamed, or trapped to reach out for help.
That’s why noticing the red flags early, things like walking on eggshells around your partner, feeling afraid to speak up, being constantly criticized, or having your freedom chipped away, matters so much.
It gives someone the chance to take that step back, talk to someone they trust, and begin to plan for their safety before things get worse.
It’s not always easy to see it when you’re in it.
But just starting to name what’s happening, and knowing that help is out there, can truly be the first step to saving your own life or someone else’s.
If you’re experiencing any form of intimate partner violence, whether it’s emotional, physical, verbal, or controlling behavior, please know this:
You don’t have to go through it alone, and you don’t have to wait until things get worse to ask for help.
Therapy can be a lifeline that will provide you with a safe, confidential space to talk about what’s really happening without fear of judgment or retaliation.
And please believe that you deserve to be heard, believed, and supported.
A therapist trained in trauma or abuse can help you untangle the confusion, rebuild your confidence, and most importantly, create a plan that protects your safety and your future.
The longer you carry this on your own, the heavier it becomes.
You deserve peace, clarity, and freedom from fear, and reaching out for support isn’t weakness.
It’s a show of strength.
And the sooner you do, the sooner healing can begin.
You are not alone, and there is help waiting and ready when you are.
Starting therapy can feel nerve-wracking, but knowing what to expect can ease the anxiety. Your first session is a chance to set personal goals, share relevant background, and get comfortable with the process.
You'll get the ball rolling by sending me a contact form so we can schedule a call that works on your schedule.
During our first call, you'll tell me a bit about yourself, your challenges, and we'll generally get to know one another.
If you think we'd be a good fit for one another, we can schedule a virtual counselling session.
If you would like to continue our sessions, I will put together an ongoing plan to help you meet your goals.
We'll regularly assess any treatment progress you've made and plan any next-steps to help you going forward.
