Sometimes survivors need support more than once. Sometimes grief, trauma, loss, or life changes bring people back to counseling — and there is no shame in that.
Fern restarted her counseling journey at House of Ruth’s Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) last year after the loss of her father and best friend. As she navigated overwhelming grief, she noticed anger beginning to impact her relationships, work, and daily life.
Through trauma-informed counseling, Fern learned coping skills like understanding her “window of tolerance” and practicing “urge surfing,” helping her better navigate difficult emotions instead of pushing them away.
Over time, Fern became more present with herself, more compassionate toward her feelings, and more confident responding to challenges calmly and effectively.
Recently, Fern shared that she handled a situation that once would have enraged her in a completely different way. Instead of reacting immediately, she allowed herself to feel her emotions without judgment and focused on what she had the power to control.
That kind of healing takes time. It takes support. And because of you, survivors like Fern have access to no-cost, unlimited, trauma-informed counseling.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, thank you for ensuring domestic survivors can access counseling without barriers.
* Name has been changed to protect privacy. The included photo may not picture the individuals featured in the story.
