Counselling offers victims the chance to talk face-to-face, in a safe non-judgmental environment.
Domestic Abuse
If you have been in an abusive relationship the scars run deep.
Children growing up in relationships where there has been abuse or violence often grow up feeling anxious and depressed, and find it difficult to get on with other people. Some may go on to live in abusive relationships themselves becoming intimidated and scared or may continue the abuse as a perpetrator. These feelings of confusion and depression can haunt adults lives.
Past Abusive Relationship?
Counselling offers victims the chance to talk face-to-face, in a safe non-judgmental environment. Whether an adult or a child at the time of the abuse the feelings of anger, guilt, insecurity, being alone, frightened, powerlessness or confusion can continue. They may have ambivalent feelings towards both the abuser and the non-abusing parent. They may feel they continue to love their partner but cannot make sense of why.
By helping the client come to terms with their emotional issues and realise their ability to take control of their lives they can feel stronger and regain the control that was taken from them.
I work in a warm and professional way with all my clients whatever their gender or sexual diversity. I have many years' experience working with mental health issues, addictions and also self-development in different settings.
Need Help Now!
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. Although the majority of incidents involving domestic abuse involves men being violent, cruel and controlling of women, men can be victims too. Getting out of an abusive or violent relationship isn't easy. Maybe you're still hoping that things will change or you're afraid of what your partner will do if he discovers you're trying to leave. Whatever your reasons, you probably feel trapped and helpless.
- Shelter - 0800 800 444
- Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0800 027 1234
- Help for male victims of domestic abuse - 0131 668 4486
- Central Scotland Domestic Abuse Unit - 01324 678830
- Rape Crisis Scotland - 08088 01 03 02
- Broken Rainbow (LGBT help) - 0300 999 5428
In an emergency always call 999.
Whether you are still in an abusive relationship or recovering from one, you are entitled to receive support. Domestic abuse is a traumatic experience, and for many people, it may take them a long time to get over their experience. Everyone is different and everyone has different needs when seeking support.
Counselling may help you to either prepare yourself to leave an abusive relationship should you wish to or start to undo some of the damage done by an abusive partner.
Where domestic abuse has occurred it is not advised that any couple seeks couple counselling. The dynamics of the relationship are unbalanced where domestic abuse has occurred and one partner has used that imbalance of power to abuse. You are not to blame for the abuse and it is not your behaviour that needs to change. It is theirs.