Newport Beach Couples Counselor Sheds Light on Emotional Abuse

    NEWPORT BEACH, CA, May 13, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Gossip magazines and websites endlessly document the breakups and make-ups of celebrity couples, and reality television offers a relentless stream of tumultuous twosomes. While being in a rocky relationship might be the norm on The Real Housewives of Orange County, there's a broad spectrum of relationships between actual husbands and wives (yes, even in Orange County). High-conflict couples fight constantly, and even the happiest couples will argue from time to time. But where do we draw the line between a high-conflict relationship and an emotionally abusive one?

Emotional abuse is sometimes referred to as an invisible form of abuse, not only because it leaves no physical mark but also because it receives less attention. Newport Beach-based couples counselor Jennifer De Francisco, LCSW, works with many people who are in difficult relationships. "It's important to identify emotional abuse, because it's not only destructive in itself, but victims can also develop anxiety, depression, and physical illness," De Francisco explains.

While high-conflict couples fight often, people in this kind of relationship still tend to have some level of mutual respect and understanding of each partner's autonomy. Emotionally abusive relationships, in contrast, are characterized by an overwhelming need for control on the part of the abuser. "This can leak into nearly every aspect of the victim's life," De Francisco says. "The abusive partner will often control the finances, activities, work choices, and even physical intimacy. Cutting off the victim's contact with family members or friends is another common behavior." This imbalance of power infantilizes the victim, rather than allowing he or she to be an equal partner in the relationship. "Emotionally abusive relationships can feel inescapable, because the abuser sends constant messages that the victim is useless and incompetent, and would be helpless without the abuser," explains De Francisco.

No one should be made a virtual prisoner in a relationship, and counseling--whether individually or as a couple--can help, whether in rehabilitating the relationship or starting the process of moving on. If you are in a difficult relationship, help is available. Contact Jennifer De Francisco at (949) 251-8797, or go to www.jenniferdefrancisco.com to learn more.

About Jennifer De Francisco
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of experience, Jennifer De Francisco specializes in couples therapy, separation, and divorce therapy for individuals and couples. A graduate of the University of Southern California with degrees in Pubic Administration and Social Work, she maintains a private counseling practice in Newport Beach, California. Bilingual in Spanish, De Francisco has experience working with clients from a broad range of backgrounds. In addition to her work as a counselor, De Francisco has also conducted workshops throughout the Orange County area on topics including recovering from divorce, child abuse reporting, and improving relationships. Learn more at www.jenniferdefrancisco.com.

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