Counselling can enable you to release and move forward from the effects of domestic abuse
If you have been affected by domestic abuse, including exposure to abuse and violence in your childhood or teenage years, you may wish to contact me.
Ending, leaving or getting away from an abusive relationship can take real strength and resourcefulness, yet you may be feeling and struggling with the effects of that relationship today.
The effects can be confusing and distressing and may include thoughts, feelings and behaviours such as:
Whatever you may be feeling and experiencing, it matters. And support through counselling can help.
Counselling can offer a safe and supportive space where you can process painful memories, express difficult thoughts and feelings, rebuild self-esteem and work towards healing.
I am a person-centred counsellor, and I have personal insight and professional knowledge of domestic abuse. I have worked with men and women survivors, including young adults (18-25 years).
I have also worked with many people affected by mental health issues, bereavement, loss and grief.
As a person-centred counsellor, I'm committed to creating and providing an environment where you feel valued, accepted, heard and understood.
I can work alongside you at your pace, and I aim to nurture feelings of safety, trust and empowerment.
I can support you as you explore and reflect, including facilitating the use of mediums such as journal writing and art. These mediums can support self-soothing and coping skills.
I am also familiar with mindfulness and meditation - these practices can support emotional wellbeing and aid in the management of mental health issues.
Healing can take time - you may find it challenging to be patient with and trust in yourself, yet please know that you can heal and move forward.
An introductory session can help us establish if I'm the right counsellor for you, and you can contact me about this or to ask any questions you may have.
Are you experiencing domestic abuse, or do you think you might be?
Sadly, many people experience or are exposed to some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime - by a partner, parent, or other family members.
Domestic abuse includes experiences of being controlled, coerced, threatened, isolated, and types of abuse, such as:
If you're experiencing domestic abuse, you may have changed or altered your behaviour because you feel scared, anxious, continually on edge or stressed about the other person's reactions.
You may feel ashamed, weak, or a failure, prevented from confiding in others, worried about the consequences of confiding in others, or unable to trust that this is not your fault.
If you're parenting while in a relationship with an abusive partner, you may feel undermined, blamed, a loss of confidence in your parenting abilities, a sense of guilt, frustration or of being trapped.
You may also have fears about your child or children's safety, concerns about their wellbeing or behaviour, or worries about your relationship with them.
As a person-centred counsellor, I can listen attentively and sensitively to how things are for you, and I won't judge or define you in any way.
I can provide an environment where you feel genuinely valued, accepted, heard and understood.
I can work with you to gain a perspective on what is happening, express your thoughts and feelings, and make choices and changes you may wish to make.
An introductory session can help us establish if I'm the right counsellor for you, and you can contact me about this or to ask any questions you may have.
You can also contact the organisations below for confidential support and advice.
Women's Aid
T: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
www.womensaid.org.uk.
Men's Advice Line
T: 0808 801 0327
www.mensadviceline.org.uk.
Galop: The LGBT and Anti-Violence Charity
T: 0800 999 5428
www.galop.org.uk.
Please trust that no one has a right to abuse you - no matter who they are.
You can contact me to book an introductory session or to ask any questions you may have
I can work by phone, online, or from my therapy room in Eastleigh, near to Winchester and Southampton.
If you would like to book an introductory session or ask questions before taking that step, please call 07729 193629 or submit the contact form on this website.
