When you find out that a loved one faced abuse, you should find help for them. One way to get your loved one help is by hiring a therapist. While you might want to help your loved one yourself, you might not have the qualification to do this. By involving a professional, you can ensure that your loved one receives help. Here, you can learn about therapy for abuse victims.
Would Your Loved One Benefit From Therapy?
Therapy is not the right choice for everyone. Many elderly people are hesitant to try therapy. This is because they grew up with a negative stigma against therapy. But, talking through issues with a professional can be helpful. Consider therapy if your loved one:
- Faces depression.
- Does not improve over time.
- Feels overwhelmed and helpless.
- Constantly worries or acts on edge.
- Can’t concentrate on basic tasks.
- Takes unhealthy actions to cope with the abuse.
- Has trust issues with other aides, nursing homes, or people in their personal life.
- Feels guilty or ashamed of what happened.
- Exhibits mood issues.
- Experiences disassociation.
- Experiences post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Has anxiety or anger about what happened.
Your loved one might exhibit these signs after getting abused. However, if their condition isn’t improving over time, it might be time to seek professional help.
Types of Therapy
There are many types of therapy to choose from. Some might be more appropriate for your loved one than others. Be sure to find an option that your loved one feels comfortable with. If, after a few sessions, your loved one does not feel like they are improving, consider trying another type of therapy. Some common forms of therapy for abuse survivors are:
- One-on-one therapy. For those who wish to foster an intimate relationship with a therapist, this is a good option. Working one-on-one with a therapist is sometimes easier than sharing in a group session.
- Group therapy. Your loved one might want to interact with other abuse victims. As a group, they can work through issues, give advice, and provide support.
- Therapeutic therapy. There are many forms of therapeutic therapy. These include narrative therapy, meditation, journaling, creating art, and more. These forms of therapy can be calming for your loved one. They can also provide a positive outlet for relieving stress and working through their issues.
How Does Therapy Help?
Going to therapy can help your loved one in many ways. It can help your loved one:
- Understand what happened to them and why.
- Work through their feelings about abuse.
- Overcome their insecurities and fears.
- Identify triggers.
- Deal with stress in a healthy way.
- Improve relationships with family members and friends.
If your loved one was abused in a nursing home and they are having a difficult time coping with it, therapy might be the best choice. For more information on therapy, contact an attorney.