25-year-old Nancy* came to the Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) following a violent physical incident with her boyfriend. She discovered that she had lost her way. She had become withdrawn from her friends and family, lost self-efficacy and belief in herself, and was having difficulty concentrating and being productive at work. She was also experiencing many physical symptoms as a result of the abuse in her relationship, which negatively impacted her overall well-being.
Counseling provided a safe and supportive place for Nancy to discuss and process what had happened in the relationship. Nancy’s counselor provided information about the effects of abuse, helped her challenge self-defeating thoughts, and worked with Nancy to rebuild her sense of her own self-worth.
With her counselor’s support, Nancy was able to re-engage in activities she previously enjoyed, rebuild a robust support system, and identify other longer term goals to help her progress toward larger life goals.
*Name has been changed.