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AREA OF FOCUS:
Abuse Recovery

Abuse Recovery Therapy in Niagara Region and
Virtually Province Wide: Finding Safety & Strength



Experiencing abuse—whether emotional, physical, sexual, or psychological—can deeply impact self-worth, relationships, and mental well-being. Healing from abuse takes time, but with the right support, it’s possible to rebuild safety, self-trust, and confidence.

 

At Wellness Counselling Centre, we offer a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to help individuals process their experiences and move toward healing.



Understanding Abuse & Its Impact

​Abuse can take many forms, and its effects often linger long after the situation has ended. Some common types of abuse include:​



Emotional/Psychological Abuse – Gaslighting, manipulation, coercion, humiliation, control


Physical Abuse – Hitting, pushing, threats of harm, intimidation


Sexual Abuse or Assault – Any unwanted sexual contact, coercion, exploitation​


Childhood Abuse & Neglect – Growing up in an unsafe or emotionally unavailable home


Financial Abuse – Withholding money, controlling financial decisions, preventing independence


Narcissistic Abuse – Being in a relationship with someone who is controlling, dismissive, or emotionally neglectful



The effects of abuse can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, self-doubt, shame, emotional numbness, fear, and struggles with trust or intimacy.​



Signs That Abuse May Still Be Affecting You​​



Struggles with self-worth or self-blame – Feeling "not good enough" or responsible for what happened


Difficulty trusting others – Fear of relationships, intimacy, or emotional vulnerability


Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, guilt, or PTSD symptoms


Hypervigilance or feeling "on edge" – Always waiting for the next conflict or danger


Struggles with setting boundaries – Feeling guilty for saying "no" or standing up for yourself



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How Abuse Recovery Therapy May Be Helpful

​Therapy for abuse focuses on safety, healing, and reclaiming your voice. Our therapists provide a compassionate space to help you:​​

1. Rebuilding Safety & Emotional Stability



Understanding how abuse has affected your thoughts, emotions, and relationships


Developing grounding techniques to manage anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional triggers


Recognizing and addressing self-blame, shame, and limiting beliefs



2. Healing Emotional & Psychological Wounds



Processing painful memories at a pace that feels safe


Reframing harmful messages from the past


Strengthening self-worth and self-compassion



3. Moving Forward With Confidence & Strength



Learning to set and maintain healthy boundaries.


Navigating relationships with self-trust and empowerment.


Creating a life that is built on self-respect, emotional freedom, and inner strength.​





Our Approach to Therapy for Abuse Recovery

At Wellness Counselling Centre, we understand that healing from abuse is a deeply personal process. Our trauma-informed, client-centered approach focuses on creating safety, fostering empowerment, and supporting individuals at their own pace. We integrate evidence-based therapies to help individuals process their experiences, rebuild self-trust, and develop tools for emotional healing.



Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that stem from trauma


Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Supporting emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and self-compassion


Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Helping individuals explore and heal different emotional parts impacted by abuse


Narrative Therapy – Reframing personal experiences to foster empowerment and healing


Sensorimotor and Somatic Psychotherapy – Engaging body-based techniques to release trauma stored in the nervous system


Expressive Arts and Play Therapy – Using creative approaches to process emotions in a safe, non-verbal way​​


Mindfulness-Based Therapy – Teaching grounding and relaxation techniques to restore a sense of calm



Our collaborative, trauma-sensitive approach supports individuals in rebuilding confidence, reclaiming their sense of self, and moving forward in their healing journey.



Start Your Healing Journey Today

Healing from abuse takes time, and you don’t have to do it alone. Therapy can help you release the past, rebuild confidence, and reclaim the life you deserve.

Our Therapists Who Work With Abuse Recovery

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Erin Coffell, MACP
Registered Psychotherapist
(Qualifying)

erin@wellnesscc.ca

*Special Focus - Narcississtic Abuse Recovery

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Stefanie DeJong, M.A.
Registered Psychotherapist
Level 2 Internal Family Systems

stefanie@wellnesscc.ca

Cindy Rose, M.A., CCTP
Registered Psychotherapist
Clinical Supervisor
cindy@wellnesscc.ca

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Ashley Wills, MACP
Registered Psychotherapist
(Qualifying)

ashley@wellnesscc.ca

Helping You Move From
Hurt To Hope.

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