Domestic Abuse Sarasota FL

If you are being abused by a partner or family member, you may feel confused, afraid, angry and/or trapped. All of these emotions are normal responses to abuse. You may also blame yourself for what is happening. But no matter what others might say, you are never responsible for their abusive actions.

Whether you experienced abuse during childhood, adolescence or as an adult within a relationship, it can have a profound impact on your life, if left untreated.

Types of Abuse:

Emotional & Psychological – Name calling, putting you down, intimidation, control, manipulation, criticizing, accusing, emotional abandonment, restricting your friendships or relationships with family members, or telling you where you can go and when.

Physical – Hitting, punching, pushing, throwing, kicking, or restraining.

Sexual – Any type of non-consensual sexual act, refusing to wear contraception, causing unwanted pain or humiliation during sexual acts, or deliberately passing along sexual diseases.

Religious – Psychological manipulation using religious doctrine to justify behavior, or using one’s religious beliefs against them or to justify abusive acts.

Financial – Controlling access to money, restricting access to shared accounts, refusing to allow you to buy necessities, forbidding you to work or earn money, opening credit cards in your name without your permission, getting you fired from your job, or preventing you from going to work.

The aim of counseling is to help you understand yourself better and come to terms with what has happened to you. Counseling will help you to break away from past abusive relationships and work towards living in a way which is more constructive and adaptive.

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If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact me using the form below.

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Check out my book on the mind-body connection available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Therapy Dog

Henry is my certified therapy dog and partner in practice, he is available to do sessions with me if desired.

Serious Illness

I have a unique skillset to help patients and their families through critical illness and end-of-life decisions. Durring these times, it can be so beneficial to have someone to talk to.

Denise Schonwald Mental Health Counselor

About Denise

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

In her 30 years working as a registered nurse (RN) within the intensive care unit (ICU), Denise Schonwald cared for patients who were very ill and often in critical condition. She saw her patients and their families struggling with stress, anxiety, guilt, and fear. She, too, was affected by this challenging environment. In order to help her client’s cope, as well as herself, Denise learned various techniques to support mental and emotional well-being. Her success in striking a balance in treating the whole person led her to her calling as a spiritually based licensed mental health counselor and mental intuitive (LMHC). By integrating mental health and physical health into a cohesive treatment plan, Denise provides a holistic approach to her patients. These synergistic treatment methodologies support client healing more effectively than traditional counseling.

Denise has expertise in helping clients through a variety of mental and emotional struggles, including anxiety, depression, panic, marital problems, adolescent behavior issues, family issues, childhood trauma, and more. To assist in her method, she draws upon some rather unconventional sources, including Max, a certified therapy dog, who practiced with her until his passing in June of 2020. Henry, his spirited successor, is now her partner in practice. Additional sources of inspiration include physical activity and various forms of meditation, which help relieve stress and provide mental clarity. Denise personally enjoys competitive tennis and yoga, balancing the physical exercise with meditation, Reiki, and aromatherapy to help integrate physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Understanding the connection between the mind, body, and spirit, Denise helps clients to explore each avenue in to achieve optimum level of health and wellness.

In additional to working with individuals and families, Denise also supports the wider community through speaking engagements and lectures nationwide. Consider having her speak at your next event and contact her office today.

"I have been going to Denise for almost 2 years. Denise is very attentive and gives sound advice that has been spot on in helping me get my life back on track. She keeps me accountable for my progress and has helped me tremendously. "

J. A.

"Denise has been my go-to for some time now. I feel a sense of rejuvenation after our sessions and love how she works with the “whole person,” not just focused on feelings but actions and thoughts surrounding specific triggers from trauma. She tells it like it is, which personally, I highly respect in a therapist."

J. W.

"A couple of things that she has helped me with that have been game changers for me are boundaries and self care. I am more at peace with the things that I cannot control in my life and I know that I wouldn't have that peace, nor would I be working towards a better future without Denise's guidance."