I’ve had the privilege of working with many clients who have experienced domestic abuse. A common question is when I will heal, or will I ever be able to move on? Can I be fixed?
Recovering from the trauma of being abused by someone you once loved and trusted is a long process, and it may take months and even years for you to heal.
You are likely to experience grief and a range of difficult emotions, which might include a deep sense of loss. Your trust has been betrayed, and your self-esteem and confidence have been shattered.
Domestic abuse can impact your mental health. It can lead to depression and anxiety, or it can make these worse. This can affect your mood, sleep, and appetite and can make you withdraw from doing the activities you enjoy, decrease your motivation or, in more severe cases, make you have suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
How might therapy help?
Therapy can be incredibly beneficial if you have experienced domestic abuse in several ways:
Emotional support
A therapist provides a safe and non-judgmental space for you to express your feelings and emotions related to your experiences of abuse. They can offer empathy, validation, and support as you navigate the complex emotions that may arise.
Trauma processing
Domestic abuse can result in significant psychological trauma, including symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and nightmares. Somatic exercises and talking therapy can help can help you process and cope with trauma-related symptoms.
Rebuilding self-esteem
Abuse often leaves survivors feeling worthless, ashamed, and lacking in self-confidence. Therapy can help you rebuild your self-esteem and self-worth by challenging negative beliefs about yourself and developing a more compassionate and positive self-view.
Developing coping strategies
Therapy can equip you with practical coping strategies and skills to manage distressing emotions, triggers, and situations that may arise as you navigate life after abuse.
Setting boundaries
Many survivors of domestic abuse struggle with establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships. Therapy can help you identify your boundaries, assert your needs and preferences, and develop assertiveness skills to communicate effectively with others.
Identifying patterns
Therapy can help you recognise patterns of behaviour or thought that may have contributed to or perpetuated the abusive dynamics in your past relationship. By gaining insight into these patterns, you can work towards making healthier choices in your future relationships.
Tailored support
Overall, therapy offers a holistic approach to healing from domestic abuse by addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of your experiences.
A skilled therapist will tailor their approach to meet your specific needs and goals, providing personalised support as you embark on your journey towards healing and empowerment.
My emails are always open if you have questions or need signposting to support.