Abuse Recovery

Therapy for Relational Abuse in NY & NJ

It happened. It’s real.

Maybe you’ve realized it. Maybe you’ve reached that point – you know you were abused.

Or perhaps you are aware of something – but you’re not sure. You’re still wondering.

It’s hard to realize you were. It’s hard to admit that it was abuse – and that it happened to you.

And so is everything that goes along with it.

Realizing that your low self-worth isn’t humility – it results from your way of living. Or that your constant questioning isn’t extraordinary diligence – and it stops you from taking risks.

Realizing that your people-pleasing skills aren’t just a desire to be friendly and attentive, and you really don’t exist in most relationships.

Realizing that your toxic relationship isn’t a tragic story of deep love, but that healthy love is foreign. Existing in a relationship where you are fully loved is uncomfortable.

Abuse becomes normal and “just how life is.”

But it’s not normal. And your life doesn’t have to be like that.

I understand. It’s hard to “un-normalize” it. Abusive situations condition you to believe you have no power, but I’m here to tell you – you DO.

And I’m here to reassure you that you’re no longer alone. We’ll work together in this.

I’ll be by your side at every step in the process of creating new norms, grieving, reconnecting to yourself, fostering yourself again, and repeating it all as you go.

You’ve got the power.

Reach out today at (929) 251-5127. Your past doesn’t have to be your future.

Regardless of what you’ve been told – how you’ve lived – where you’ve been – you DO have power.

Let me help you reclaim it. And feel good about it.

How can therapy help you recover from abuse

Therapy can be a powerful tool for helping you recover from abuse by providing a safe and supportive environment where your experiences are validated and understood. Through therapy, you can begin to process the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical scars left by abusive relationships, whether they are recent or from the past. We guide you through this healing process with compassion and care, helping you recognize patterns of abuse, rebuild your self-worth, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Therapy empowers you to reclaim your sense of safety, trust, and control over your life, allowing you to heal from the trauma of abuse and move forward with greater strength and resilience.

Why we may normalize abusive situations 

We often normalize abusive situations because they can develop gradually, making it difficult to recognize the patterns of harm over time. Emotional, psychological, or even physical abuse can be masked as normal behavior, especially when it’s intertwined with love, loyalty, or dependency. In many cases, individuals may justify or minimize the abuse due to fear, shame, or a deep desire to maintain the relationship. At Ayah Issa Therapy, PC, we understand how easy it is to internalize these dynamics, and we work with clients to help them see the reality of their situation with compassion and clarity. Breaking the cycle of normalized abuse is a vital step in healing, and therapy can provide a safe space to explore these patterns, understand their impact, and begin to move toward healthier relationships.