Abuse Counselling Singapore
It’s not just the addiction; it’s how it’s hurting you.
Addiction Abuse: Balancing Safety and Care
When Substance Use Crosses the Line in Relationships
In relationships where addiction is present, the line between distress and danger can become blurred. What begins as emotional volatility or erratic behaviour may escalate into patterns of verbal, emotional, or even physical abuse. This complex reality is often overlooked or minimised—yet the impact on the partner, family, and home environment can be devastating.
Addiction doesn’t excuse abuse. And abuse doesn’t disappear just because someone is in recovery. Knowing how to identify the signs, set boundaries, and seek support is vital.
When Addiction Becomes Dangerous
Not every relationship affected by addiction is abusive. But when these patterns start to emerge, it’s time to take notice:
Physical Aggression: Outbursts of anger that result in physical harm or threats.
Emotional and Verbal Abuse: Insults, gaslighting, guilt-tripping, name-calling, or emotional manipulation.
Control and Isolation: Preventing access to money, transport, social events, or communication with family.
Threats and Intimidation: Using fear or coercion to maintain control—whether through words, looks, or actions.
Financial Abuse: Withholding money, stealing funds for substances, or making unilateral decisions that create financial instability.
The partner on the receiving end may begin to question themselves, make excuses for the behaviour, or feel trapped. Addiction doesn’t only erode the individual—it can destabilise the relationship dynamic entirely.
Safety First: What You Can Do
If you feel unsafe, uneasy, or unsure—trust that feeling. Your safety is valid.
Here’s what can help:
Have a safety plan: Identify a safe place you can go. Keep emergency numbers on hand. Share your plan with someone you trust.
Reach out to a support network: This might include a friend, a sibling, a neighbour, or a support group. Isolation is often part of the problem.
Speak to a professional: A therapist or abuse specialist can help you assess the situation and make a plan. You’re not overreacting.
Understand your legal options: Depending on your location, you may be entitled to protection orders or legal aid. It’s important to know your rights.
Protect your mental space: Whether it’s through individual therapy, meditation, journaling, or simply taking breaks—your emotional stability matters.
Safety planning isn’t paranoia. It’s preparation.
Working with Both Sides: Addiction and Abuse Need Dual Attention
Some individuals struggling with addiction also engage in abusive behaviours. Others may experience abuse while also managing their own trauma or substance dependency. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.
A few possibilities for support include:
Individual therapy: For the person experiencing abuse, therapy provides space to process trauma, confusion, and make empowered choices. For the person engaging in harm, it offers accountability and tools to unlearn abusive patterns.
Couples counselling: Only when both partners are safe and committed to change. This is never appropriate when violence is ongoing or denied.
Trauma-informed, dual-diagnosis counselling: Therapists with experience in both addiction and abuse dynamics can address the real root causes, not just the symptoms.
External referrals: In serious cases, collaboration with shelters, legal services, or addiction treatment centres may be necessary.
At Listening Ear, we understand these dual realities. Our focus is not just helping you cope—but helping you see clearly and choose safely.
Establishing Boundaries, Making Decisions
It’s hard to set boundaries with someone you love—especially when addiction is involved. But boundaries are not punishments. They are clarity about what’s okay and what isn’t.
Start with:
Clear, direct communication: “I cannot stay in this environment if I feel threatened.”
Specific consequences: “If this continues, I will need to stay elsewhere.”
Supportive structure: Consider therapy, accountability, and addiction treatment programs that show commitment—not just intention.
Sometimes, despite effort and therapy, the situation doesn’t change. That’s when your exit plan matters. Whether it’s moving out, seeking shelter, or involving law enforcement—you have every right to choose safety.
Rebuilding Is Possible—But It Has to Be Safe
If both partners are committed to change, and the abuse has stopped, rebuilding trust and emotional connection is possible. But it doesn’t happen overnight—and it never happens without responsibility.
Steps may include:
Full accountability from the person who caused harm
Therapeutic support for both individuals
Time, consistency, and evidence of change—not just words
Learning healthy coping tools and repairing communication breakdowns
Separate spaces if necessary, with the goal of safety and clarity
The goal isn’t just staying together—it’s being safe, supported, and respected, whether together or apart.
Our Counselling Fees
| Session Type | Investment | Additional Charges | Cancellation Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person Sessions | SGD 250 | – SGD 50 after-hours surcharge -Transportation fees for out-of-office sessions or different venues | Reschedule or cancel with 36+ hours’ notice. Late changes or no-shows incur full session investment. |
| Virtual Sessions (Zoom) | SGD 200 (PayNow) SGD 250 (Other Methods) | – SGD 50 after-hours surcharge | Same as above. |
What Clients say about our Counselling in Singapore
Professionally Trained, Trauma-Informed & Culturally Attuned
Evidence-Based & Grounded in Real Life
Culturally Sensitive & Globally Informed
Respectful of Complex, Delicate Issues
Neutral, Non-Judgemental & Confidential Space
In Conclusion: You Deserve Both Safety and Support
When addiction and abuse intersect, the result can feel chaotic, painful, and deeply confusing. You may love the person, but fear the harm. You may hope for change, yet dread what happens next.
At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd., we support real-life complexity. No judgment. Just options, safety, and support.
📞 If you’re unsure, overwhelmed, or ready to act—reach out today.
You don’t have to choose between staying silent and walking away.
There is always a third option: being heard and being safe.