"When someone really hears you without passing judgement on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mould you, it feels damn good". - Carl Rogers
The counselling relationship can nurture feelings of trust and safety after domestic abuse and support you in your steps towards healing
Are you feeling impacted by domestic abuse - perhaps the abuse you witnessed or experienced as a child or teenager or after fleeing an abusive partner? I'm here for you. You can contact me on my practice mobile 07729 193629 or by email.
Surviving any form of domestic abuse (coercive control, emotional, psychological, physical and sexual abuse) can shatter trust and self-esteem.
Troubling memories, feelings, and emotions can surface and persist despite any joy or relief around fleeing or detaching from the relationship.
The stress or trauma of your experience may have triggered depression, anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares or flashbacks or a feeling of being on edge or numb and disconnected from others.
Or maybe you're struggling with feelings of shame, worthlessness, low self-confidence, prolonged sadness, guilt, loneliness or loss and grief.
Or perhaps you're a new parent or in a new partner relationship, which has triggered memories of the abuse and feelings of doubt, fear and mistrust.
I can work with you to find your sense of healing.
I hold personal insight into domestic abuse, and whilst I have been counselling survivors since 2011, I started in this field years before - as a trained Helpline Volunteer for Women's Aid.
Working through the effects of domestic abuse can be challenging, yet I'm down-to-earth, compassionate and non-judgemental, so you can feel at ease and build up feelings of trust.
I can help us establish a therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, supported and empowered.
We can reflect together at your pace and gently explore your thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Offering you attentive listening, compassion and acceptance, you will be genuinely valued, heard and understood - perhaps for the first time.
I understand that PTSD, depression and anxiety can be a natural response to surviving domestic abuse. As a mental health therapist, I can support you with any mental health struggles or concerns.
And we don't have to rely solely on talking - I can offer a creative approach to counselling, such as using art materials or other mediums in sessions.
Healing can take time - I understand this, yet I can journey with you for as long as you may need.
By working together, you can gently process what has happened to you and move forward with increased confidence, trust and self-esteem.
I offer a low-cost 60-minute online or phone consultation to explore counselling together.
If you'd like to arrange a consultation or ask questions before taking that step, please email me through this site or call or text 07729 193629.
The counselling relationship can offer connection and support if you're experiencing domestic abuse
Are you being controlled/abused by a partner or family member, or do you think you might be? Do you wish to talk in a non-judgemental space?
I hope to be someone you reach out to - either on my practice mobile 07729 193629 or by email.
Domestic abuse is about exerting power and control. It covers a range of harmful behaviours - threats, aggression, monitoring, depriving, humiliating, preventing, controlling finances, isolating, stalking, physical violence, sexual violence, and regular or constant attacks on your self-esteem, confidence, reality and memories.
If you're experiencing domestic abuse (or think you might be), you may be being threatened, manipulated, forced or shamed into complying with your partner or family member's demands.
You may feel that you're walking on eggshells.
You may have to keep adapting to situations.
Your sense of who you are may be disappearing.
You may be struggling to parent as you choose.
Feelings of confusion, fear, anxiety, depression, shame, self-blame, helplessness, hopelessness, loss or resentment may have surfaced for you.
Whatever you're experiencing, I am here for you.
I hold personal insight into domestic abuse, and whilst I have been counselling survivors since 2011, I started in this field years before - as a trained Helpline Volunteer for Women's Aid.
Disclosing domestic abuse can be challenging, yet I'm a non-judgemental and compassionate counsellor and can help you feel at ease.
Having time and a confidential space to talk and feel heard without judgment can be all-important if you're feeling isolated or alone in your experience.
And I can help us establish a relationship where you feel safe, supported and empowered.
As I work online and over the phone, your safety and privacy are essential, yet we can explore some ways of working that may be appropriate.
We can reflect at your pace and gently explore your feelings and emotions, including conflicting feelings towards your partner or family member.
Offering you attentive listening, compassion and acceptance, you will be genuinely valued, heard and understood - perhaps for the first time.
Developing awareness of psychological and emotional abuse tactics can relieve guilt, self-blame, and negative perceptions of yourself, so we can explore this in our sessions if you'd like to.
And we don't have to rely solely on talking—I can offer a creative approach to counselling, such as using art materials or other mediums in sessions.
Working together, you can make sense of what's happening, increase your safety and consider your options for moving forward - the decision to flee/end your relationship will always be yours.
I offer a low-cost 60-minute online or phone consultation to explore counselling together.
If you'd like to arrange a consultation or ask questions before taking that step, please email me through this site or call or text 07729 193629.
Other supports
I appreciate that when you're experiencing domestic abuse, it may not be the right time for counselling or even safe to engage in it. But you can still access support, and I have listed some organisations you can contact in confidence.
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/
