Domestic Violence Counseling: Definition, Types, and Benefits

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesDomestic Violence Counseling ServicesWho May Need Domestic Violence Counseling?BenefitsEffectivenessThings to ConsiderHow to Get Started

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Table of Contents

Types

Domestic Violence Counseling Services

Who May Need Domestic Violence Counseling?

Benefits

Effectiveness

Things to Consider

How to Get Started

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Domestic violence counseling is a form of therapy that may be beneficial for survivors of domestic abuse.

If you or a loved one are a survivor of domestic violence, contact theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat1-800-799-7233for confidential assistance from trained advocates.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are a survivor of domestic violence, contact theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat1-800-799-7233for confidential assistance from trained advocates.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Types of Domestic Violence Counseling

These are some of the types of therapy that domestic violence counseling may involve, according to Dr. Sullivan:

Best Domestic Violence Support Groups

According to Dr. Sullivan, domestic violence service providers may offer several different types of services, which can include:

These services can take many forms and target many different needs, says Dr. Sullivan.

This form of counseling may be ​​beneficial for individuals who are currently experiencing abuse as well as those who have experienced abuse in the past, Dr. Sullivan explains.

Stereotypes of Domestic Abuse SurvivorsPeople tend to stereotypedomestic violence survivorsas women who have been severely physically abused; however, Dr. Sullivan says it’s important to note that not all survivors are women and not all survivors experience physical abuse. “It is hugely problematic to put this stereotype out there as if this is the only way domestic violence is experienced and this is the only type of person who can benefit from services.”

Stereotypes of Domestic Abuse Survivors

People tend to stereotypedomestic violence survivorsas women who have been severely physically abused; however, Dr. Sullivan says it’s important to note that not all survivors are women and not all survivors experience physical abuse. “It is hugely problematic to put this stereotype out there as if this is the only way domestic violence is experienced and this is the only type of person who can benefit from services.”

For instance, Dr. Sullivan explains that some individuals have never experienced physical abuse, but still fear for their safety on a daily basis because of thepsychological abusethey endure.

On the other hand, she says there are individuals who are not necessarily scared of their abusive partner but suffer because of the effects of abuse on their self-worth and day-to-day functioning.

How to Find Domestic Violence Classes

Benefits of Domestic Violence Counseling

Domestic violence counseling can benefit people who have experienced the followingtypes of abuse:

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Effectiveness of Domestic Violence Counseling

According to a 2020 review, psychotherapy can help reduce depression and anxiety in people who have experienced intimate partner violence.

The review included the following types of therapy:

Another 2020 study found that HOPE therapy and a form of present-centered therapy (PCT) adapted to include safety planning showed promise in treating people who have developed post-traumatic disorder as a result of intimate partner violence.

A small 2021 pilot study with 15 participants found that RISE may also be a promising form of therapy for people who have experienced intimate partner violence in the past year.

These are some factors to consider before you undertake domestic violence counseling.

Personal Safety

Dr. Sullivan says it is important to ensure that you feel safe to participate in therapy and that you are not putting yourself or your loved ones at risk. If you or your loved ones are in danger, it can be helpful to develop a safety plan andleave the abusive situationas soon as possible.

However, this is more easily said than done, and making an attempt to leave but not succeeding can potentially bring more harm to the victim. This is why a safety plan and outside help are so important.

Counselor’s Qualifications

It’s also important to seek therapy from a qualified professional who has training and experience in this area.

While domestic violence service providers specialize in counseling for survivors of abuse, there is much less consistency in how individual therapists are trained, with some having extensive training and others having no specific training in domestic violence, says Dr. Sullivan.

According to the American Counseling Association, seeing a therapist who is not trained in domestic violence counseling could be more harmful than helpful.

For instance, a therapist who takes a common counseling approach that involves asking questions such as “Could you have done anything differently?” or “How would you change your reaction if this were to happen again?” could inadvertentlymake the survivor feel responsiblefor being abused.

If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic abuse, it’s important to seek help and support immediately.

If you are already seeing a therapist, talk to them about what you are experiencing. If they don’t have expertise in domestic violence, ask for a referral to someone who does.

Another option is to look up your state’s coalition against domestic violence–each state has one, says Dr. Sullivan. “The coalition has domestic violence service providers across the state that can assist you with obtaining their services or referring you to others in the community who can provide the support you’re looking for.”

You can also use anonline therapy companyor online therapy directory to look for a provider who can work with victims of domestic abuse. However, online therapy from home might not be safe for victims of domestic abuse, who might not have the privacy to conduct sessions anywhere except in-person in a therapist’s office.

A Word From Verywell

9 Ways to Help a Survivor of Domestic Violence

10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rakovec-Felser Z.Domestic violence and abuse in intimate relationships from a public health perspective.Health Psychol Res. 2014;2(3):1821. doi:10.4081/hpr.2014.1821National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.StatisticsWoollett N, Bandeira M, Hatcher A.Trauma-informed art and play therapy: Pilot study outcomes for children and mothers in domestic violence shelters in the United States and South Africa.Child Abuse Negl. 2020;107:104564. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104564Karakurt G, Whiting K, van Esch C, Bolen SD, Calabrese JR.Couples Therapy for Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.J Marital Fam Ther. 2016;42(4):567-583. doi:10.1111/jmft.12178Johnson DM, Zlotnick C, Hoffman L, et al.A randomized controlled trial comparing hope treatment and present-centered therapy in women residing in shelter with PTSD from intimate partner violence.Psychology of Women Quarterly. 2020;44(4):539-553. doi:10.1177/0361684320953120Iverson KM, Danitz SB, Driscoll M, et al.Recovering from intimate partner violence through Strengths and Empowerment (Rise): Development, pilot testing, and refinement of a patient-centered brief counseling intervention for women.Psychol Serv. doi:10.1037/ser0000544Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing Intimate Partner Violence.Hameed M, O’Doherty L, Gilchrist G, et al.Psychological therapies for women who experience intimate partner violence.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;2020(7):CD013017. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013017.pub2American Counseling Association.Addressing intimate partner violence with clients.Counseling Today.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Intimate Partner Violence.

10 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rakovec-Felser Z.Domestic violence and abuse in intimate relationships from a public health perspective.Health Psychol Res. 2014;2(3):1821. doi:10.4081/hpr.2014.1821National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.StatisticsWoollett N, Bandeira M, Hatcher A.Trauma-informed art and play therapy: Pilot study outcomes for children and mothers in domestic violence shelters in the United States and South Africa.Child Abuse Negl. 2020;107:104564. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104564Karakurt G, Whiting K, van Esch C, Bolen SD, Calabrese JR.Couples Therapy for Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.J Marital Fam Ther. 2016;42(4):567-583. doi:10.1111/jmft.12178Johnson DM, Zlotnick C, Hoffman L, et al.A randomized controlled trial comparing hope treatment and present-centered therapy in women residing in shelter with PTSD from intimate partner violence.Psychology of Women Quarterly. 2020;44(4):539-553. doi:10.1177/0361684320953120Iverson KM, Danitz SB, Driscoll M, et al.Recovering from intimate partner violence through Strengths and Empowerment (Rise): Development, pilot testing, and refinement of a patient-centered brief counseling intervention for women.Psychol Serv. doi:10.1037/ser0000544Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing Intimate Partner Violence.Hameed M, O’Doherty L, Gilchrist G, et al.Psychological therapies for women who experience intimate partner violence.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;2020(7):CD013017. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013017.pub2American Counseling Association.Addressing intimate partner violence with clients.Counseling Today.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Intimate Partner Violence.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Rakovec-Felser Z.Domestic violence and abuse in intimate relationships from a public health perspective.Health Psychol Res. 2014;2(3):1821. doi:10.4081/hpr.2014.1821National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.StatisticsWoollett N, Bandeira M, Hatcher A.Trauma-informed art and play therapy: Pilot study outcomes for children and mothers in domestic violence shelters in the United States and South Africa.Child Abuse Negl. 2020;107:104564. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104564Karakurt G, Whiting K, van Esch C, Bolen SD, Calabrese JR.Couples Therapy for Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.J Marital Fam Ther. 2016;42(4):567-583. doi:10.1111/jmft.12178Johnson DM, Zlotnick C, Hoffman L, et al.A randomized controlled trial comparing hope treatment and present-centered therapy in women residing in shelter with PTSD from intimate partner violence.Psychology of Women Quarterly. 2020;44(4):539-553. doi:10.1177/0361684320953120Iverson KM, Danitz SB, Driscoll M, et al.Recovering from intimate partner violence through Strengths and Empowerment (Rise): Development, pilot testing, and refinement of a patient-centered brief counseling intervention for women.Psychol Serv. doi:10.1037/ser0000544Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing Intimate Partner Violence.Hameed M, O’Doherty L, Gilchrist G, et al.Psychological therapies for women who experience intimate partner violence.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;2020(7):CD013017. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013017.pub2American Counseling Association.Addressing intimate partner violence with clients.Counseling Today.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Intimate Partner Violence.

Rakovec-Felser Z.Domestic violence and abuse in intimate relationships from a public health perspective.Health Psychol Res. 2014;2(3):1821. doi:10.4081/hpr.2014.1821

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.Statistics

Woollett N, Bandeira M, Hatcher A.Trauma-informed art and play therapy: Pilot study outcomes for children and mothers in domestic violence shelters in the United States and South Africa.Child Abuse Negl. 2020;107:104564. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104564

Karakurt G, Whiting K, van Esch C, Bolen SD, Calabrese JR.Couples Therapy for Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.J Marital Fam Ther. 2016;42(4):567-583. doi:10.1111/jmft.12178

Johnson DM, Zlotnick C, Hoffman L, et al.A randomized controlled trial comparing hope treatment and present-centered therapy in women residing in shelter with PTSD from intimate partner violence.Psychology of Women Quarterly. 2020;44(4):539-553. doi:10.1177/0361684320953120

Iverson KM, Danitz SB, Driscoll M, et al.Recovering from intimate partner violence through Strengths and Empowerment (Rise): Development, pilot testing, and refinement of a patient-centered brief counseling intervention for women.Psychol Serv. doi:10.1037/ser0000544

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing Intimate Partner Violence.

Hameed M, O’Doherty L, Gilchrist G, et al.Psychological therapies for women who experience intimate partner violence.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;2020(7):CD013017. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013017.pub2

American Counseling Association.Addressing intimate partner violence with clients.Counseling Today.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Intimate Partner Violence.

Hannah Owens, LMSW

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