Trapped in a cage, with no way out,
Abused and broken, with no one about,
The scars run deep, but the pain remains,
Memories of terror, driving insane,
But through the pain, I'll find my way,
To a life free of chains, come what may.
As a therapist, I've seen firsthand the devastating effects of domestic violence on women and their families. Leaving an abusive relationship can be a courageous and life-saving step, but it's important to recognize that the impacts of abuse do not end when the relationship does.
Many women who have left abusive situations continue to experience significant and long-lasting impacts on their mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. They may struggle with trust issues, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
It's important to understand that leaving an abusive relationship is the first powerful yet potentially frightening step in healing. Longer-term counseling can provide women with the time and safety to make sense of the complex underlying issues that have impacted them and their families. It can also help them work through any current issues they may be facing and facilitate a journey towards healthier patterns of behavior and improved well-being.
The healing process from trauma can be a long and challenging journey, and for women who have experienced domestic violence, it is crucial to have access to long-term psychotherapy. Trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and it is important to address these issues in a comprehensive and holistic manner.
Short-term therapy, while beneficial, may not be sufficient in addressing the deep-seated issues that can result from trauma. Longer-term therapy allows for a deeper exploration of the trauma and its effects, and provides the time and space necessary for true healing to occur. It can also help individuals develop coping mechanisms and skills to deal with triggers and symptoms that may arise in the future.
For women who have experienced domestic violence, the process of healing can be particularly complex. They may have experienced multiple forms of abuse, such as emotional/verbal, sexual, and physical abuse, and may have been in the relationship for a long period of time. Longer-term therapy can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for them to process and make sense of their experiences, and to work through the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse.
Abusive relationships can leave you with a feeling of not knowing who you are, the shame of feeling "not good enough" and a sense of never being able to recover. Everyone deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive and a good therapist will be there with you while you do so.
The national domestic violence helpline is 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). This helpline is available 24/7
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