Abuse

It wasn’t your fault

It wasn’t your fault that it happened to you. You didn’t ask for it. You weren’t weak. You aren’t a failure.

It wasn’t your fault if you didn’t say “no” or you didn’t say “no” “forcefully enough”. If you froze. If it was easier to just let it happen.

It wasn’t your fault if you tried to confide in people and they didn’t believe you. Or you didn’t because you were worried about the consequences.

And it isn't your fault if you didn't realise they were taking advantage of you. That they were slowly taking control of you. And chipping away at your sense of self.

You are not to blame. They should not have done that to you

But even if you know all that, it doesn’t stop the crushing weight of shame. Confusion. Anger.

Or the complicated cocktail of other emotions that make you want to pull the duvet over your head and stay in bed all day.

Or the need to be perfect and take control of every detail. Because inside it feels like chaos. Because you had your choices taken away.

It's exhausting to carry such a heavy burden alone. Let me help you.

“Counselling for me enabled me to start the process whereby I’m now stronger and more able to take better control of my own life. It has reduced my anxiety to a level that’s manageable for me at the moment. I’ve identified some of my unmet needs and new support systems. I’ve become less defensive which has started to help with my communication, relationships and making new relationships.”

Client L

Teign Talk: Abuse counselling in Teignmouth

Hi, I'm Lindsey.

I'm an abuse counsellor in Teignmouth, Devon. (Want to know more about me? Find out more here Lindsey Brown, abuse counselling in Teignmouth)

Abuse comes in many forms. Abusers come from all walks of life. And abusive behaviour isn’t always obvious.

I work with people who've experienced and are still experiencing:

• Historical sexual abuse as children or young people
• Sexual abuse as adults
• Emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Financial abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Coercive control

I’ve also worked with people who didn’t know if they were experiencing abuse but they were in relationships which “didn't feel right” and where there were “problems”. They needed someone to help them process their emotions, explore options and have a sounding board to make decisions.

And I've worked with men and women. Abuse doesn't discriminate.

Counselling provided them with a safe space to bravely process some of their worst memories and difficult emotions so they could break free from the shackles of shame. And move forwards with their life.

It’s a safe and confidential space for you too.

Shame can’t survive when a light is shone on it

When you tell someone what you’re feeling ashamed of, you automatically start feeling a bit better. But I understand it takes time to build up that trust.

My role is to listen and empathise. I’m not going to judge. I’m not going to pressure you to reveal too much, too soon.

You take as long as you need.

“I found helpful the support given and speaking to someone about my past and what I’m going to do in the future. I think I have become a stronger person since going through counselling and have gained some self worth which I wouldn’t of had previously.”

Client P