What is emotional abuse?

Published on August 5, 2019

Emotional abuse is not as apparent as other forms of violence, however, it can be just as damaging. Emotional abuse can also start later in a relationship, after the abuser has groomed the person that they want to control. Groomingstarts with small abuses to see how much the person will tolerate.  Emotional abuse is a control tactic to devalue someone, so the person feels powerless.  Emotional abuse can also be used to manipulate others. Here are some forms of emotional abuse.

Intimidation

Intimidation can come in the form of threats, scary emotional reactions and punishment.  “If you do not do what I say, then…..”

Devaluing

Devaluing can come in the form of backhanded compliments, public humiliation, smear campaigns and hurtful criticism.

Smear campaigns

Smear campaigns are used to ruin the reputation of another person.  The abuser targets the person’s friends and family, colleagues or community.  A smear campaign consists of negative gossip about the targeted person.  

Alienation

This could be a parent turning a child against the other parent and their family, or a partner turning the targeted partner away from friends and family.This could be a parent turning a child against the other parent and their family, or a partner turning the targeted partner away from friends and family.

Gaslighting

Lying or manipulating the other person so that the abuser does not have to take responsibility for their actions or to make the other person feel crazy.  An example would be catching the abuser in a lie, and then the abuser turning around and telling the personthey are insane, seeing things, or that didn’t happen 

Manipulation

Harmful manipulation is done to get someone else to do something that they would not normally do.  

Stalking

Stalking is a violation of privacy to gather information, intimidate, control or manipulate. This form of abuse leaves someone feeling unsafe and violated. If you are being stalked, makesafety a priority.

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Do you feel that you are going through some kind of emotional abuse? A professional can help. To set up an appointment with me please contact +852 2521 4668 or email m.borschel@mindnlife.com

Photo by Christian Erfurt on Unsplash


Category(s):Abuse / Abuse Survivor Issues, Complex PTSD, Ending a relationship issues, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Trauma / Complex PTSD, Relationships & Marriage

Written by:

Dr Monica Borschel

Welcome! My passion is to help you find inner peace and emotional comfort within yourself and your relationships.

As social creatures, our relationships significantly shape our happiness, well-being, and sense of self-worth. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced relationship-related traumas, which can leave us with emotional scars that require recovery.

Attachment traumas, such as divorce, break-ups, infidelity, neglect, and abuse, can be challenging. As an expert in attachment, loss, and trauma, I have spent many years studying how attachment styles can shift with loss and trauma.

I have seen how healthy relationships can lead to secure attachment and how insecure attachment can create turmoil in our lives. I aim to guide you toward cultivating healthy relationships with yourself, your children, your co-parent, and your romantic partner.

I can help you develop new attachment strategies that will allow you to form deeper connections and bonds with those around you. And, if you have children, I can also assist you in establishing secure attachments with both parents, which can be especially helpful in cases of separation or divorce.

I am originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at The University of Utah. From there, I moved to New York City, earning my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. I then pursued my Doctorate in Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong. I lived and worked in Hong Kong as a practicing Clinical Psychologist from 2010-2020. I reside in California and am pursuing my Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) at California Southern University. My training and qualifications include certifications in Brainspotting and High Conflict Coaching.

These tools, combined with my extensive knowledge and experience in the field, enable me to offer you the guidance and support you need to recover from past traumas and build healthy relationships.

My approach to therapy is empathetic, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. Every person can grow, and thrive. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals. So, whether you are struggling with relationship issues, divorce, abuse, attachment traumas, or other challenges, I am here to help you find the peace and comfort you deserve.

Email me at info@doctormonicaborschel.com or call the MindnLife Clinic at 852 2521 4668