Violence & Abuse

Abuse. We don’t always recognize abuse in relationships right away. In fact, we rarely do. Abuse can be subtle and incremental, leaving you feeling hurt, isolated, and unsure of yourself. Perhaps you are being gaslighted into thinking you’re “crazy” when you catch your partner lying or cheating. Or, maybe your partner won’t take no for an answer about sex, and it’s become easier to give in rather than upset them.

Relationship abuse takes on many forms, some of which are more transparent and recognizable than others. Types of abuse include:

Physical
Sexual
Verbal/Emotional
Psychological
Financial
Cultural/identity-based

Perhaps you find yourself trapped in a cycle of abuse and are afraid to reach out for support, or simply don’t know where to turn. The Lotus Counseling team can direct you to the resources and support you need to stay safe and protect yourself, your family, or your loved ones from abuse. In therapy, you and your therapist will develop safety plans while addressing the emotional impact of abuse to allow the healing process to begin. There’s no better time to take back control of your life.

You can read additional information about identifying abuse at https://reachma.org/6-different-types-abuse/.

To report abuse of a child or an elder, please call 1-800-955-8771.

Patient testimonials

Hear from our patients in their own words

Coming to see you was the best decision I ever made" are words that I said to Alessana at some point during my therapy. Alessana helped me build confidence in myself both personally and professionally. Through my therapy, I gained insight and understanding of who I am and my value, and not just to individuals in my life, but to myself. I now value who I am and most importantly, respect myself. Subsequently, I am down to a 5mg dose (compared to 25mg dose when I started therapy) of blood pressure medication and have continued to lose and maintain my weight. I attribute these improvements to therapy. I've learned to control my stress, think things out without anger or anxiety and that keeps my emotional state on an even keel. Additionally, it has helped me from hitting the fridge when I am stressed or at the very least make better, healthier choices. Now, one year after completing therapy, I still feel it was the best decision I ever made.

Jackie

In Miami, Florida

I started working with Alessana because I was desperate for change and had reached a low point in my life. Her compassion and empathetic support were crucial to my healing many old wounds and the variety of techniques she employs in therapy helped me to find an inner fortitude I never knew I had. I have learned from her how to set healthy boundaries in my relationships and am now finding it easy to speak what is on my mind effectively. Moreover, I now know I have a lot to say, and a right to be heard. My relationships are more authentic and I am having a lot more fun these days--which is a lot to be said, given the current state of world affairs. I'm grateful to Alessana for her professional talents, her enduring patience, kindness and guidance, not to mention her sense of humor. I never knew therapy could be fun. I will continue to recommend her as a counselor/therapist/coach."

Barbara M.

In Miami, Florida

Alessana Fordin has been indescribably helpful to me in my life. I recommended Alessana and the Lotus Counseling Center to one of my best and closest friends. Ms. Fordin is very intelligent, highly trained, patient, knowledgeable, caring and compassionate. She helped me resolve major issues that had been bothering me and recurring for years. I am so blessed to have her in my life. I now love myself and feel much better."

Michelle Moyano-Wild

In Boca Raton

I started working with Alessana to treat depression and anxiety. Years ago, I would never have thought that I would be in the place that I'm in today. My work with her has greatly improved all aspects of my life. I have a better relationship with myself and others. Alessana is truly the best at what she does. She is very compassionate, intelligent, understanding, and kind. She has guided me to overcome and understand a lot of challenges that I've had. Going to Lotus has been one of the most fulfilling choices that I've made for myself. I am forever thankful for the work that we've done together!!

P. Tuffie

In Miami, Florida

Violence & Abuse

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