Abuse can be sexual, physical, verbal, financial, psychological or emotional with survivors often experiencing one or more types of abuse at any one time.

 

Abuse can cause emotional pain and psychological distress. Whereas Trauma relates to the psychological wounds that are harder to heal than bodily injuries such as PTSD. 

 

Survivors of abuse and trauma may have intense, negative feelings long after the event has ended such as; anxiety, flashbacks, depression, self harm, suicidal feelings and trust issues are all common in people who have experienced abuse and trauma. And it is not uncommon for survivors of abuse and trauma to adopt unhealthy and sometimes harmful coping strategies such as self harm, addiction and other forms of risk taking behaviours to try to deal with and escape from the traumatic memories. 

 

Abuse and trauma can impact a person’s ability to form relationships and find happiness. Yet the effects do not have to be permanent and there is hope for recovery and a life of happiness and fulfilment.

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Counselling provides a safe and confidential space for you to talk about your thoughts, feelings and experiences through building a trusting relationship with your counsellor. It is a non-judgemental form of therapy where there is no expectations placed upon you to get better. It's there for you; it's consistent and it means you no longer have to feel alone in your experiences.

 

Counselling can help abuse and trauma survivors overcome challenges and address present or underlying symptoms; if that's what they want and feel comfortable with exploring.

It can also help those who engage in harmful behaviours, such as self harm or addiction; though the individual must truly wish to engage in therapy and address their fears and abusive or traumatic experiences in order for the therapy to work effectively.