Healing from domestic abuse can take time, yet you can find your healing, and I can support you
Are you seeking counselling after fleeing, ending or growing up in an abusive relationship?
I'm here for you. And I can be of support.
As a mental health therapist, I've supported many people impacted by domestic abuse (from childhood and in adulthood). I can support you in feeling safe, empowered, and finding your healing.
What you may be experiencing
Any form of domestic abuse can have a profound effect on your well-being. It can shatter your sense of safety, trust, self-worth and self-esteem.
You may feel on edge or numb and disconnected from others. Or you may struggle to be yourself in your relationships - even 'healthy ones'.
You may experience troubling memories. And feelings and emotions such as confusion, doubt, sadness, self-blame, shame, anger, guilt and fear.
The stress or trauma of your experience may have impacted your mental health, such as depression, anxiety (including panic attacks), or PTSD.
Whatever you're experiencing, I'm here for you. And you can email, or call or text 07729 193629.
Working online or over the phone
I offer sessions online or over the phone.
Remote counselling can feel less daunting from the outset and help you feel more in control of your sessions, including pacing any trauma work.
What you can expect in sessions
Offering a compassionate and non-judgmental space, you'll be welcome as you are (there's no expectation to be or feel a certain way).
And you will be believed, heard and understood.
It's up to you what we focus on in session, yet we can work together at your pace to help you explore and express your thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Rest assured, I won't contribute to any feelings of stigma, shame or blame around your abuse, yet I will support you in working through them.
In addition, I won't push you on the details of your abuse, yet I will help you pace this if you feel ready. But we don't have to rely solely on talking - we can use creative mediums to help with this.
How I can help you
I can help you feel part of a genuinely safe, trusting and supportive relationship where you can:
- Express yourself without worry or fear
- Become more self-compassionate
- Gain further insights into your relationships
- Rebuild your sense of identity
- Rebuild your self-worth and self-esteem
- Feel safe and offer trust to those who deserve it.
Navigating trauma and new or worsening mental health issues
I work in a trauma-informed way, prioritising your sense of safety and trust in our relationship.
The impact of domestic abuse can include new or worsening mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. As I'm also a mental health therapist, I can support you with this.
Contact me to see if I'm the right domestic abuse counsellor for you
If you'd like to explore domestic abuse counselling, you can call or text 07729 193629 or email me to book a consultation or ask any questions.
My experience of domestic abuse
I hold both personal and professional insight into the complexities of domestic abuse. And, many years ago, I was a trained Helpline Volunteer for Women's Aid. But rest assured, in my counselling practice, I can offer support regardless of your gender, ethnicity, or background, including:
- If you've experienced a controlling, abusive partner or partners
- If you're co-parenting with an abusive ex-partner
- If you've grown up with emotional and psychological abuse (including narcissism)
- If your childhood included witnessing and/or experiencing physical violence and/or sexual violence within the family.
Emotional and psychological abuse
You may not recognise a past abusive relationship if it didn't involve blatant control, threats to harm you or others close to you or actual violence.
Emotional and psychological abuse can be confusing and difficult to spot. But it can affect your mental health, identity, and sense of reality.
If you have questions or concerns about a recent partner relationship, I can work with you to make sense of it all and find your way forward.
Experiencing loss through abuse
The impact of domestic abuse can include a profound sense of loss, such as that sense of who you are, safety, trust, security, autonomy, support networks, and the relationship you hoped for.
As I'm experienced in grief and bereavement counselling, I can offer a safe space to explore your sense of loss and express your grief.
A note about the healing journey
Everyone's journey to healing is different, yet if you're struggling now and doubting your future, please know that healing can happen for you.
It can be hard work and take time. But you don't have to do it alone. I am here for you.
I can build a safe and trusting relationship with you. And be alongside you with patience, hope, compassion, acceptance, and real understanding.
I can support you in growing through your experience - not just healing from it. This means thriving, living life fully, and in a meaningful way.
Contact me to see if I'm the right domestic abuse counsellor for you
If you'd like to explore domestic abuse counselling, you can call or text 07729 193629 or email me to book a consultation or ask any questions.
Other confidential supports
If you're experiencing domestic abuse now (or think you might be), it may not be safe or the right time to access therapy. But support is out there.
If you'd like to talk in confidence, please know that you can contact one of the organisations below.
Refuge
Refuge runs a 24-hour helpline and web chat service for women experiencing domestic abuse. You can call the helpline 0808 2000 247.
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Men's Advice Line
Men's advice line offers telephone, email and web chat support for men experiencing domestic abuse. You can call the helpline 0808 801 0327.
mensadviceline.org.uk/
Galop (LGBT+)
Galop runs a national domestic abuse telephone, email and web chat service for LGBT+ people. You can call the helpline 0800 999 5428.
galop.org.uk/
Karma Nirvana
Karma Nirvana runs a UK helpline for people affected by honour-based abuse or facing a forced marriage. You can call 0800 5999 247.
karmanirvana.org.uk/
SignHealth
SignHealth offers support and advice for deaf people who are experiencing domestic abuse. You can text 07800 003421 in confidence.
signhealth.org.uk/
Victim Support
Victim Support runs a 24-hour helpline for anyone affected by domestic abuse (and any other crime). You can call 0808 1689 111.
www.victimsupport.org.uk/
