Domestic Violence Counseling
The HBO hit series Big Little Lies captivated viewers with its gripping plot twists, emotional depth, and complex characters. But beyond the suspense and drama, the show served a deeper purpose—it helped expose a devastating reality that many people endure in silence: domestic violence.
One of the central characters, Celeste, appears to live a dream life. She’s intelligent, successful, beautiful, and married to a man who—on the surface—seems loving, wealthy, and supportive. To the outside world, their life looks enviable. But behind closed doors, the truth is terrifying. Celeste is being physically and emotionally abused by her husband.
At one point, she says:
“I don’t know why I stay. I don’t know why I deserve this. I don’t know why you do this, why we do this, why this keeps happening.”
These words capture the emotional confusion and inner turmoil that so many victims of domestic abuse experience. The shame, guilt, fear, and isolation can be overwhelming—and tragically, many people believe they are alone in their suffering.
But if any part of Celeste’s story feels familiar to you, please know this; You are not alone. There is help. There is hope. And healing is possible.
Understanding Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is more than physical harm. It includes emotional manipulation, psychological control, financial abuse, sexual coercion, and verbal degradation. It’s a pattern of behavior where one partner uses fear, intimidation, or violence to gain power and control over another.
While many people think abuse should be obvious, the reality is that it often begins subtly—through small, controlling actions or manipulative words. Over time, these behaviors escalate, leaving victims confused, worn down, and unsure of how they got to this point.
For many, the home should be a sanctuary—a place of peace, safety, and love. But for those living with abuse, home becomes a place of fear and danger. One survivor shared:
“He’d be sweet one moment and explode the next. I never knew what would set him off. I felt like I was constantly holding my breath.”
This kind of unpredictable stress takes a deep toll. When you’re constantly in survival mode, your brain activates its fight-or-flight system again and again. While helpful in emergencies, this chronic state of stress can lead to long-term health problems, anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, a pioneer in understanding the effects of trauma, puts it plainly:
“Fight-or-flight is wonderful if you’re in a forest and there’s a bear. But what happens when the bear comes home every night?”
The Cycle of Abuse
Domestic violence isn’t usually a one-time incident. It follows a painful, repeating pattern known as the cycle of abuse. While each person’s story is different, many survivors describe similar stages:
1. The Honeymoon Phase
The abuser may apologize, buy gifts, or express deep regret. They might promise to change or convince their partner that the abuse was a rare mistake. Victims often hold onto hope during this stage, believing things really will get better.
2. The Tension-Building Phase
The calm begins to unravel. The abuser grows irritable, controlling, or passive-aggressive. The victim may start “walking on eggshells,” trying to avoid conflict, blame, or another explosion.
3. The Abusive Incident
Despite the victim’s efforts, abuse happens again—whether it’s physical, emotional, sexual, or verbal. The violence is never the victim’s fault. Abuse is a choice made by the abuser, and it is never justified.
Over time, this cycle often intensifies. The “honeymoon” gets shorter, and the abuse becomes more frequent and severe—making it harder, scarier, and more dangerous to leave.
Breaking Free: How Aloha Care Therapy Can Help
At Aloha Care Therapy, we understand how complex and terrifying it can be to leave an abusive relationship. The fear, uncertainty, and emotional trauma don’t disappear overnight—but with the right support, healing is absolutely possible.
Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care and have helped many survivors of domestic violence reclaim their lives and rebuild their confidence, safety, and peace of mind.
We offer compassionate, personalized services, including:
– Personalized safety planning – Helping you assess risk and create a safe path forward
– Therapeutic support for trauma recovery – Process your experience at your own pace
– Emotional empowerment
– Reconnect with your self-worth and rebuild your sense of identity
– Inclusive care for individuals of all backgrounds, genders, and ages
Whether you’re still in the relationship, have recently left, or are years into recovery—we are here to support you.
Fast, Compassionate Access to Care
We believe everyone deserves immediate access to mental health care, especially during a crisis. That’s why we’ve made getting help as simple and stress-free as possible:
- No waitlists – Most new clients can be seen within 72 hours
- Flexible appointment times – Including evenings and weekends
- Insurance accepted – We work with a variety of providers
- Friendly staff to guide you – No automated systems or confusing phone trees
When you’re ready, we’re ready.
You Deserve Safety. You Deserve Support.
If you have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, please remember, it is not your fault. You did not deserve it. You are not alone. Let us walk with you as you take the first steps toward safety, healing, and empowerment. Call Aloha Care Therapy today at (702) 935-0025 or contact us online to schedule a confidential appointment.
We’re here for you—today, tomorrow, and every step of the way.
