Abusive Relationships

Abuse in relationships occurs when words and actions are used to intimidate, isolate, dominate or maintain power and control over someone.

Abuse can take many forms and includes physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, spiritual, and financial abuse. People in the LGBTQ2 community face additional obstacles because of homophobia.

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if you are being abused because there are periods of feeling loved by your partner. Maybe when you think of an abusive relationship, you picture only physical violence. Or perhaps there are warning signs of abuse that you rationalize away or minimize. Your reasons for staying in an abusive relationship are complex and real, and might include fear about the consequences of leaving, financial constraints, or lack of energy to make changes. Perhaps you feel responsible for your partner’s violence, or perhaps you have children and you are worried about raising them alone.

Nobody deserves to be abused, and you have the right to be treated with respect at all times. In counselling, you are invited to explore these issues in a safe and non-judgemental environment. During this time you may experience a shift in how you understand yourself and increase your capacity to navigate challenges. Whether you are exploring leaving an abusive relationship, have already left, or are seeking support for historical abuse, we can work together to build support, connection, and self-knowing. By accessing your innate wisdom and desire for change, we can work together towards healing and transformation. For more information about how I work with abusive relationships, please see my sections on Trauma, Somatic Counselling and EMDR.