Photo of Christina Kim, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Christina Kim
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
Perhaps you are feeling frustrated, feeling misunderstood and not yourself lately. Maybe you are a first-time parent (or fourth!) navigating how to juggle all your other identities with your new parent role. Maybe you are trying to work out some generational differences with your parents. Maybe you just want to be able to talk to your partner, sibling, in-laws, or metamour and feel seen, heard, and understood. If you are struggling to be on the same page with your loved ones and are interested in creating a more harmonious relationship, I am here for you. Whatever it may be, I am here to listen.
Perhaps you are feeling frustrated, feeling misunderstood and not yourself lately. Maybe you are a first-time parent (or fourth!) navigating how to juggle all your other identities with your new parent role. Maybe you are trying to work out some generational differences with your parents. Maybe you just want to be able to talk to your partner, sibling, in-laws, or metamour and feel seen, heard, and understood. If you are struggling to be on the same page with your loved ones and are interested in creating a more harmonious relationship, I am here for you. Whatever it may be, I am here to listen.
(858) 567-1540 View (858) 567-1540
Domestic Abuse Therapists

What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?

Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognize that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.

When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?

Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.

What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?

Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.

How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?

It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.