Domestic Violence, Child Trauma
Domestic Violence, Child Trauma
After The Storm
After The Storm
After leaving a domestically abusive relationship, Sarah's priority was safety. Yet once the immediate danger had passed, new challenges emerged. Her 10 year old son returns from weekend contact with the father in tears, anger, and was difficult to reach
After leaving a domestically abusive relationship, Sarah's priority was safety. Yet once the immediate danger had passed, new challenges emerged. Her 10 year old son returns from weekend contact with the father in tears, anger, and was difficult to reach
Sound Familiar
Sound Familiar
Every Sunday brought smashed objects, loud shouting and emotional shutdown. Sarah was scared and helpless. She was worried she was loosing her son and didn't know where to get help. Unsure whether the behaviour was anger, loyalty conflict, or something much deeper.
Every Sunday brought smashed objects, loud shouting and emotional shutdown. Sarah was scared and helpless. She was worried she was loosing her son and didn't know where to get help. Unsure whether the behaviour was anger, loyalty conflict, or something much deeper.
Every Sunday brought smashed objects, loud shouting and emotional shutdown. Sarah was scared and helpless. She was worried she was loosing her son and didn't know where to get help. Unsure whether the behaviour was anger, loyalty conflict, or something much deeper.
Sarah
Sarah
Starting Point
Our work began by understanding what he witnessed, heard, felt and remembered. Growing up at such a young age, in a violent environment, reshapes how a child's nervous system shapes itself. We were working against the clock to prevent his memories from controlling his emotions. His aggression was not an act of defiance; it was dysregulation surfacing with the one he felt safest with.
My Approach
I helped Sarah to explore what contact with his father meant to her psychologically. Loyalty does bind children to both parents, even when harm and physical abuse have been witnessed. Holding love for dad whilst trying to understand what fear is can create unbearable tension. On returning home at the end of the week, the tension was released. We continued to discuss behaviour, observing and documenting what was going on. I explored trauma-informed support, emotional regulation strategies, and the importance of consistent containment rather than projecting worry and guilt.
I supported Sarah to approach the education system with confidence, helping her to articulate the history sensitively, request pastoral monitoring, and explore external therapeutic referrals. Navigating any kind of system, regardless of whether it's internal or external, can be overwhelming, especially after abuse. I stayed alongside her as she found her confidence again, moving through each step without emotional collapse.
Starting Point
Our work began by understanding what he witnessed, heard, felt and remembered. Growing up at such a young age, in a violent environment, reshapes how a child's nervous system shapes itself. We were working against the clock to prevent his memories from controlling his emotions. His aggression was not an act of defiance; it was dysregulation surfacing with the one he felt safest with.
My Approach
I helped Sarah to explore what contact with his father meant to her psychologically. Loyalty does bind children to both parents, even when harm and physical abuse have been witnessed. Holding love for dad whilst trying to understand what fear is can create unbearable tension. On returning home at the end of the week, the tension was released. We continued to discuss behaviour, observing and documenting what was going on. I explored trauma-informed support, emotional regulation strategies, and the importance of consistent containment rather than projecting worry and guilt.
I supported Sarah to approach the education system with confidence, helping her to articulate the history sensitively, request pastoral monitoring, and explore external therapeutic referrals. Navigating any kind of system, regardless of whether it's internal or external, can be overwhelming, especially after abuse. I stayed alongside her as she found her confidence again, moving through each step without emotional collapse.
“I was scared, I didn't know what to do, and I needed help. Thank you Josh, you saved my family. You're amazing at what you do. The way you explain things, and the knowledge you have, in incredible"”
“I was scared, I didn't know what to do, and I needed help. Thank you Josh, you saved my family. You're amazing at what you do. The way you explain things, and the knowledge you have, in incredible"”
Sarah
Sarah
“I was scared, I didn't know what to do, and I needed help. Thank you Josh, you saved my family. You're amazing at what you do. The way you explain things, and the knowledge you have, in incredible"”
Sarah
Final Reflections
Over time, she found her feet. Her son is still processing a lot of information, and we continue to work together to get the best support possible. He remains carrying a pain, but he no longer holds it alone. Sarah described feeling less isolated and more supported in a society that failed to help her navigate her world.
Final Reflections
Over time, she found her feet. Her son is still processing a lot of information, and we continue to work together to get the best support possible. He remains carrying a pain, but he no longer holds it alone. Sarah described feeling less isolated and more supported in a society that failed to help her navigate her world.