Psychological abuse is very common, but not many people understand the definition well enough to see the signs. Due to the lack of physical violence, psychological abuse can remain unnoticed for many years. However, the effects of psychological abuse can be as equally damaging as physical abuse.

What’s more, the mental scars can linger for many years afterwards. Sadly, the victims of psychological abuse tend to blame themselves for their abuser’s behaviour and also question their own perceptions of the abuser. Statistically, most psychological abuse is carried out by men.

Psychological abuse takes place when the victims’ thoughts, opinions, appearance, needs, friendships and physical appearance are made to seem unimportant.

The abuser can exert inflict mental anguish onto the victim by using a variety of methods, such as:

  • Personal insults
  • Threats of violence
  • Mocking or imitating
  • Ignoring
  • Swearing
  • Name calling
  • Isolating the victim
  • Threats to harm or take away something that is important to the victim
  • Humiliation in public or at home
  • Harassment

Abusers will use a number of tactics to maintain emotional control over the victim. They will praise and flatter, making the other person feel overly grateful for the attention. The victim may believe that they are truly special to the abuser, and that he or she is the only person who truly understands them. Unfortunately, the abuser will use these beliefs to hold them emotionally hostage whenever the need arises.

When these tactics eventually start to fail, the abuser may threaten to harm themselves or commit suicide. This usually makes the other person feel more responsible for their wellbeing and likely to fall deeper into this toxic relationship.

The abuser will then use more negative tactics like this, knowing that the threat of suicide is an effective tool in exerting control over them.  These tactics will have a severe effect on the victim’s self-esteem, leaving them feeling scared and alone.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE?

Psychological abuse is a repetitive form of behaviour, intended to exert control over the victim. This abuse might be verbal or non-verbal. A victim of psychological abuse may display some, or all of the following behaviours:

  • Apathy
  • Withdrawn
  • Fearful
  • Reluctant to make eye contact
  • Suffer from insomnia
  • Passivity
  • Paranoia or confusion
  • Unwilling to talk openly about their situation

HOW COMMON IS IT?

Perhaps due to a lack of physical evidence or obvious signs, psychological abuse is a frequently overlooked and under-reported issue. Part of the reason for this may also be due to the fact that some forms of normal conversation are actually abusive. People may not even realise that they have been, or are being abused. Psychological and emotional abuse can happen at home, in relationships, at school and in the workplace environment.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

There is a high rate of personality disorders amongst perpetrators of psychological and physical abuse. Some of the more common types of related disorders include:

  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Narcissistic personality disorder
  • Antisocial personality disorder

Generally, these disorders cannot be cured and can only be managed with treatment. However, in most cases the abuser doesn’t believe that they are at fault and therefore never seeks help.

How can Brain Training Australia™ help me?

At Brain Training Australia™ we use Neurofeedback Brain Training to help our clients suffering from psychological abuse.

Let us help you. Here is how to get started.

Your first step is to get in contact with us.

All new clients receive a free, complementary and no obligation 15-minute face-to-face Complementary Assessment with a dedicated member of our team. If you’re on the fence, wondering if Neurofeedback Brain Training is right for you, then this is a really good place to start.

If you are ready to get started then you can just book in your First Appointment and get started straight away.

The team at Brain Training Australia™ recognise the unique qualities of all our clients and will work closely with you to personalise your Brain Training Program so that you can achieve your goals of optimal mental processes.

We look forward to helping you live a much richer, happier and healthier life.