Where do I begin?
I've never addressed the abuse in my past. Where do I begin?
I would recommend beginning with Trauma Therapy. Not many other approaches are going to be helpful when your Limbic Brain (the part of your brain responsible for keeping you safe) is firing left and right because it’s trying to protect you from any potential threats. Trauma Therapy helps the Limbic Brain process and integrate past trauma so it no longer triggers intense responses. It rewires the brain so you can feel safer and more capable of regulating your emotions. The Limbic Brain is not logical and until you help it calm down, you won’t be able to access logic when triggered.
If you have experienced sexual abuse when you were 18 or younger, I would highly recommend The Saprea Retreat (used to be The Haven Retreat). I personally attended almost 10 years ago and it was very helpful for me in the beginning of my healing journey. I wrote about my experience here (link to blog post) if you’d like to hear more about my experience. If you’d like to apply to attend (for free), click here (https://saprea.org/saprea-retreat/)
No matter where you are in your healing journey, there are resources available for you. Even if you’re no longer in the abusive relationship, there are many free resources to support your recovery.
If you’re in Utah or Idaho, I would recommend looking into CAPSA. They are a nonprofit domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape recovery center. They provide services for women, men, and children impacted by abuse. All their services are free and confidential.
Website: https://www.capsa.org
24-Hour Support Phone Line (435) 753-2500
Many states across the U.S. offer free resources for victims of domestic abuse, similar to CAPSA. These services often include counseling, shelter, legal assistance, and advocacy. To find local support in your area, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which provides confidential assistance 24/7. They can connect you to resources specific to your state.
Phone: 1(800)799-7233
Link: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/
Disclaimer:
While I am a domestic abuse survivor and relationship coach, I am not a licensed therapist, counselor, or medical professional. The information, courses, coaching, and recommendations provided are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health or medical advice. Every individual’s situation is unique, and any decisions you make based on the content shared here are solely your responsibility.