Abusive Relationships

Dr. Linet has extensive experience and expertise in the problem of abuse in its various forms. Most people are more familiar with the concept of physical abuse than they are of nonphysical abuse. The terms, nonphysical abuse, relationship abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and ... Dr. Linet has extensive experience and expertise in the problem of abuse in its various forms. Most people are more familiar with the concept of physical abuse than they are of nonphysical abuse. The terms, nonphysical abuse, relationship abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and psychological abuse, are essentially synonymous. Victims of nonphysical abuse are mistreated and controlled by their significant others. Nonphysical abuse is a form of psychological warfare. It is often insidious. It is a form of brainwashing. It is emotional and psychological torture without physical bruises. Although some victims of this form of abuse are also physically abused, the concept of nonphysical abuse is to be distinguished from that of physical abuse. The physical abuser uses physical means. The nonphysical abuser uses the power of the relationship to control and exploit the victim. Nonphysical abuse wreaks damage on victims’ spirits, on their emotions, on their minds — not on their bodies. Physical abuse wreaks damage on victims’ bodies but, also, on their spirits and their emotions.
Whether physically or emotionally abused, victims of abuse need help. A common problem is that they are more inclined to listen to what their abuser tells them than to what their own feelings are telling them. Victims are inclined to allow their abusers to define what they should believe, both about themselves and about their relationship. Psychotherapy can help patients focus on their own feelings and on what these perceptions are telling them so that they can ultimately liberate themselves from the cycle of abuse.