Types of therapy
Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence-it often involves coercive control, which is a pattern of behaviours designed to dominate, intimidate, and isolate a partner or family member. Coercive control can include threats, humiliation, monitoring, and manipulation, all intended to harm, punish, or frighten the victim and reduce their independence. This form of abuse is now recognised as a criminal offence in the UK
What does it feel like?
Experiencing coercive control can feel like losing ownership of your own life. You may find yourself isolated from friends and family, deprived of basic needs, or constantly monitored and criticised.
Abusers often control finances, restrict movement, and dictate what you wear, who you see, and even when you sleep. Emotional tactics like gaslighting can make you doubt your own reality, while threats or intimidation create a constant sense of fear and dependency.
Many survivors describe feeling worthless, anxious, and trapped, with their confidence and independence gradually eroded
How to overcome domestic abuse with therapy
Therapy provides support to understand abuse dynamics, rebuild self-esteem, and develop safety plans. Specialist services can guide you through recovery and legal options.
Through counselling for domestic abuse, you can:
Recognise abusive patterns and their impact.
Develop strategies for safety and empowerment.
Heal from trauma and rebuild confidence.
Access resources and support networks.
Step-by-step guide to managing domestic abuse
Recognise the signs: Notice patterns of isolation, monitoring, threats, put-downs, or control over aspects of your life.
Reach out for support: Contact a trusted friend, helpline, or specialist therapist. You are not alone, and support is available.
Create a safety plan: Work with professionals to plan steps for your safety, including emergency contacts and safe places.
Engage in therapy: Process your experiences, build resilience, and learn coping strategies with a trained counsellor.
Rebuild your network: Gradually reconnect with supportive friends, family, or survivor groups to reduce isolation and regain independence.
Types of therapy
Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence-it often involves coercive control, which is a pattern of behaviours designed to dominate, intimidate, and isolate a partner or family member. Coercive control can include threats, humiliation, monitoring, and manipulation, all intended to harm, punish, or frighten the victim and reduce their independence. This form of abuse is now recognised as a criminal offence in the UK
What does it feel like?
Experiencing coercive control can feel like losing ownership of your own life. You may find yourself isolated from friends and family, deprived of basic needs, or constantly monitored and criticised.
Abusers often control finances, restrict movement, and dictate what you wear, who you see, and even when you sleep. Emotional tactics like gaslighting can make you doubt your own reality, while threats or intimidation create a constant sense of fear and dependency.
Many survivors describe feeling worthless, anxious, and trapped, with their confidence and independence gradually eroded
How to overcome domestic abuse with therapy
Therapy provides support to understand abuse dynamics, rebuild self-esteem, and develop safety plans. Specialist services can guide you through recovery and legal options.
Through counselling for domestic abuse, you can:
Recognise abusive patterns and their impact.
Develop strategies for safety and empowerment.
Heal from trauma and rebuild confidence.
Access resources and support networks.
Step-by-step guide to managing domestic abuse
Recognise the signs: Notice patterns of isolation, monitoring, threats, put-downs, or control over aspects of your life.
Reach out for support: Contact a trusted friend, helpline, or specialist therapist. You are not alone, and support is available.
Create a safety plan: Work with professionals to plan steps for your safety, including emergency contacts and safe places.
Engage in therapy: Process your experiences, build resilience, and learn coping strategies with a trained counsellor.
Rebuild your network: Gradually reconnect with supportive friends, family, or survivor groups to reduce isolation and regain independence.
Types of therapy
Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence-it often involves coercive control, which is a pattern of behaviours designed to dominate, intimidate, and isolate a partner or family member. Coercive control can include threats, humiliation, monitoring, and manipulation, all intended to harm, punish, or frighten the victim and reduce their independence. This form of abuse is now recognised as a criminal offence in the UK
What does it feel like?
Experiencing coercive control can feel like losing ownership of your own life. You may find yourself isolated from friends and family, deprived of basic needs, or constantly monitored and criticised.
Abusers often control finances, restrict movement, and dictate what you wear, who you see, and even when you sleep. Emotional tactics like gaslighting can make you doubt your own reality, while threats or intimidation create a constant sense of fear and dependency.
Many survivors describe feeling worthless, anxious, and trapped, with their confidence and independence gradually eroded
How to overcome domestic abuse with therapy
Therapy provides support to understand abuse dynamics, rebuild self-esteem, and develop safety plans. Specialist services can guide you through recovery and legal options.
Through counselling for domestic abuse, you can:
Recognise abusive patterns and their impact.
Develop strategies for safety and empowerment.
Heal from trauma and rebuild confidence.
Access resources and support networks.
Step-by-step guide to managing domestic abuse
Recognise the signs: Notice patterns of isolation, monitoring, threats, put-downs, or control over aspects of your life.
Reach out for support: Contact a trusted friend, helpline, or specialist therapist. You are not alone, and support is available.
Create a safety plan: Work with professionals to plan steps for your safety, including emergency contacts and safe places.
Engage in therapy: Process your experiences, build resilience, and learn coping strategies with a trained counsellor.
Rebuild your network: Gradually reconnect with supportive friends, family, or survivor groups to reduce isolation and regain independence.
Recommended HeadHealth Therapists
Recommended HeadHealth Therapists
Click here to view all counsellors, therapists and psychotherapists.
Click here to view all counsellors, therapists and psychotherapists.
Francesca (Fran) is an experienced integrative counsellor and accredited member of the NCPS. Fran offers a warm and compassionate space for adults navigating life’s challenges, drawing on her background in education, inclusion, and over three years of therapeutic practice.
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Ruby is a integrative therapist with over 1,500 clinical hours. Ruby brings a warm, down-to-earth approach to therapy, supporting adults experiencing anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges through personalised, evidence-based care.
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Victoria is a compassionate and skilled person-centred counsellor qualified since 2012. Victoria has helped over 450 clients and offers a safe and supportive space for adults navigating challenges including trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, personality disorders, and more.
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Tyrene is a person-centred counsellor with over 450 clinical hours. Tyrene is dedicated to supporting clients from all backgrounds, offering a warm, safe space for those facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity issues, and more.
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Romina is a warm and collaborative therapist with over 400 successful sessions delivered. Her integrative approach blends psychodynamic and humanistic methods, creating a flexible, compassionate space for clients to deepen self-understanding and navigate change at their own pace.
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