Domestic Abuse & Violence Counselling Leeds

 

About Domestic Abuse and Violence Counselling

 

If you have experienced domestic abuse, you should never feel ashamed for wanting to keep your experience private.

There is nothing that can mentally prepare anyone for the physical and mental outcomes of domestic violence. Abusive relationships are notoriously difficult for an abused person to leave, and even once they do, many people struggle with depression, anxiety, stress or general emotional distress. Some people even experience PTSD following domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse counselling can play an invaluable role in helping people overcome an abusive situation. Having domestic counselling services readily available can make people in abusive relationships feel more confident about leaving an abusive partner. Support can make all the difference in whether someone leaves an abusive relationship, as well as the outcome once they do.

The trauma of enduring an abusive relationship can linger for many months, if not years, after the partnership ended. That is where domestic abuse counselling can have a role to play.

Why Insight? The Process and the Sessions:

I will support you to discuss your feelings, problems and associated issues confidentially and safely, to help you understand yourself better and come to terms with what has happened to you, gaining greater self-esteem and self-confidence in the process.

Our two-way relationship will enable you to talk about your experiences and emotions, by asking questions which challenge the way you think and your assumptions. I can help you to find ways of coping.

The Process:

·       Expressing your feelings:

Being in an abusive and violent relationship usually means you have to hide your feelings. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, and you tell your partner how you feel, you might be in immediate danger. In counselling, you have a safe place to talk about all your feelings without fear of being judged or hurt because of them.

·       Having your feelings validated:

When you’re in an abusive relationship, it is easy to doubt your feelings. You want to believe that your partner loves you and wants the best for you. Yet, you have strong feelings that something is not right. I acknowledge your pain, fear, and confusion as you express it, letting you know your feelings are real and valid.

·       Understanding your emotions better:

It’s common to think that your emotions are unreasonable when you’re dealing with an abusive partner. You may believe that your emotions don’t make sense. Yet, you’re feeling the way you are for a reason. Your life has been impacted by violence. I can help you think about your feelings and learn to understand that they’re a natural reaction to your situation.

·       Finding the causes:

Domestic violence victims often blame themselves for the abuser’s actions. In fact, abusers create this impression to protect themselves and get what they want. One of the most beneficial aspects of therapy is that you can discover that the causes of the violence lie with the abuser himself/herself.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Arguments can happen in any relationship but in a respectful and equal relationship, both partners are free to state their opinions, to make their own decisions.

    If you cannot do this, you may be in abusive relationship.

  • If you need to cancel, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice as I would then be able to offer the session to another client. Check out our terms and conditions here

  • If you find your obligations and responsibilities quite changeable, there is no need to have sessions at the same time and day, or even every week. We can work around your life style and commitments.

  • £50/hr for sessions that finish at 5pm.  Sessions that start after 5pm are charged at £55/hr.