Therapy for Emotional Abuse in Fredericksburg, VA

Meet with a therapist as soon as this week

Cindy Painter Jenkins She/Her

Life can present with unique challenges and unplanned events. Individuals may want a competent and caring person to talk about the...

Book with Cindy

Emotional abuse counseling FAQs

What is emotional abuse counseling?

Emotional abuse counseling helps victims heal from abusive relationships. Examples of emotional abuse may include:

Blaming others for their own behavior.
Publicly mocking, humiliating, name-calling, embarrassing, criticizing.
Separating someone from their family and friends.
Withholding affection or love.
Downplaying another person’s experiences, perspectives, emotions, or thoughts.
Using or objectifying people.
Denying access to money, medical care, food, transportation, or other crucial resources.
Using guilt, threats, or intimidation.

How does emotional abuse counseling work?

Emotional abuse counseling with our Thriveworks therapists in Fredericksburg gives people the safe space they need to identify and understand the harm they’ve experienced and move forward. Through therapy, many victims have rebuilt their self-esteem and self-worth; recognized that they did not cause the abuse, but their perpetrator is responsible for the choice to harm; identified their wounds and found the treatment they need; healed from trauma; re-established their personal safety; grieved their losses; formed new, loving relationships; and learned to trust their experiences and emotions.

Is emotional abuse counseling conducted in person or online?

Emotional abuse counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does emotional abuse counseling last?

Emotional abuse counseling with one of our Thriveworks therapists in Fredericksburg, VA can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, depending on the individual’s exact needs and preferences.

Need more help deciding?

Emotional Abuse Counseling – Counselors in Fredericksburg, VA

While many think of abuse as physical hitting, there is a more subtle and sinister type of ill-treatment that is purely emotional. Emotional abuse may not always be obvious, but it is always hurtful.

This is often a reason individuals seek emotional abuse therapy. If you’ve been affected by emotional abuse, contact Thriveworks Fredericksburg at (540) 413-0358 to start your treatment plan.

Common Tactics of Emotional Abusers

Emotional abusers may use the following tactics to break down their victims:

Constant calling or texting
Relentless put-downs
Domination and controlling behavior
Extreme moodiness
Guilt trips
Humiliation or deliberate embarrassment
Ignoring or excluding from conversations and events
Isolating from friends and family
Blaming for everything
Nasty jokes or persistent mocking
Conditional expressions of love (e.g., “I love you, but…”)
Threats (e.g., “If you don’t ___, I will ___”)
Threatening extreme acts if you leave (e.g., suicide, arson)
Never-ending sarcasm
Using money to control actions and movements
Refusal to show any signs of affection

These strategies, when used constantly over a long period, can cause significant psychological damage.

The Impact of Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse rarely begins overnight. It typically builds up over time, often without the victim’s awareness. Over time, victims struggle to feel and function normally. Many withdraw from life and become distant in their relationships, feeling trapped and alone.

Call us today at (540) 413-0358 to see how our treatments may help get your life back on track. Our licensed therapists provide compassionate and effective support to help you overcome the effects of emotional abuse.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurance and we offer self-pay options too.

Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Insurance options

Self-pay costs

Our therapists and counselors in Fredericksburg accept 30 insurance plans

Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange
CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO
CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO
Carelon
Cigna | Evernorth
Compsych

Self-pay costs at Fredericksburg

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.5 Learn about verified reviews

View all reviews

★★★★★

Everyone is so nice. They really seem to care. They make it easy and comfortable to tell your feelings. Very helpful. So far they have been life changing.

Brittani Sep 2025