Abuse Counselling and Psychotherapy

ABUSE COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY 

(WJH Therapy - Stourbridge, Dudley & West Midlands)

Types of Abuse:

Childhood Abuse

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

Adult Abuse

• Financial abuse

• Sexual violence

• Domestic abuse

• Coercive control

Institutional or Historical Abuse

• Religious settings

• Schools

• Care settings

How Abuse Can Affect Mental Health

The effects of abuse can continue long after the abusive situation has ended. People who have experienced abuse may feel:

• Anxiety

• Depression/Low Mood

• Low self-esteem

• Shame or guilt

• Panic attacks

• Difficulty trusting others

• Relationship difficulties

• Hypervigilance

• Emotional numbness

• Symptoms of trauma or PTSD

• Sleep difficulties

• Problems with concentration

Everyone responds differently to abuse, some people notice immediate effects, while others only begin to recognise the impact years later.

How Counselling and Psychotherapy Can Help

Counselling and Psychotherapy offers a confidential, non-judgemental space to explore your experiences and their impact on your life.

Together we can:

• Explore the effects of past or current abuse

• Understand patterns of harmful or controlling behaviour

• Process difficult emotions safely

• Develop grounding and coping strategies

• Rebuild self-esteem and confidence

• Strengthen personal boundaries

• Improve emotional well-being and resilience

• Work towards a greater sense of safety and control

There is no expectation to discuss everything immediately, therapy progresses at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.

My Approach for Abuse Counselling

I understand that experiences of abuse can leave people feeling vulnerable, confused, ashamed or disconnected from themselves and others. My approach is compassionate, collaborative and trauma-informed, providing a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your experiences without judgement. Together we can work towards understanding what has happened, reducing its impact on your daily life and helping you move forward with greater confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I'm not sure whether what happened was abuse?

Many people question or minimise their experiences and therapy can provide space to explore your situation and understand its impact without judgement.

2. Will I have to talk about everything straight away?

Not at all, our work together will move at a pace that feels comfortable and safe for you.

3. Can abuse affect me even if it happened a long time ago?

Yes, the effects of abuse can remain long after the events themselves have ended. Some people notice difficulties with anxiety, self-esteem, relationships or trust many years later. Therapy can help you understand these connections and work towards recovery.

4. Is it normal to feel guilty or blame myself?

Feelings of guilt and self-blame are common among people who have experienced abuse and individuals can find themselves questioning what happened or wondering whether they could have done something differently. Therapy can help you explore these feelings with compassion and develop a more balanced understanding of your experiences.

5. What if I find it difficult to talk about what happened?

Many people feel anxious about discussing painful experiences and there is no pressure to share everything at once. Therapy provides a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

6. Can therapy help me if the abuse was emotional or psychological?

Absolutely, emotional and psychological abuse can have significant effects on mental health, self-confidence, relationships and self-identity. Counselling and psychotherapy can help you understand the impact of these experiences and support your recovery, regardless of the type of abuse you have experienced.

7. How will I know if therapy is right for me?

If experiences of abuse continue to affect your well-being, relationships, confidence, self-esteem or daily life, therapy may be beneficial. An initial, no obligation consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions and decide whether therapy feels like the right next step for you.

Take the First Step

If you have experienced abuse and would like support, contact WJH Therapy to arrange an initial consultation.