Process Life

Specialist support for survivors of childhood abuse, sexual trauma, and long‑term relational harm.

Sexual abuse and complex trauma can leave deep emotional, psychological, and relational wounds. These experiences often happen in moments when you were powerless, overwhelmed, or betrayed by someone who should have protected you. The impact can echo for years — not because you are weak, but because the trauma was profound.

My role is to offer a safe, steady, and deeply compassionate space where you can begin to heal at your own pace. Together, we work gently, without pressure, and always with your sense of safety at the centre.

What Is Sexual Abuse & Complex Trauma?

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any unwanted sexual contact, coercion, manipulation, or violation. It can occur in childhood or adulthood, within families, relationships, institutions, or one‑off encounters. What matters is not the “type” of abuse, but the impact it has had on your sense of safety, identity, and worth.

Complex Trauma

Complex trauma develops when harmful or overwhelming experiences happen repeatedly over time — often in childhood, or within relationships where you depended on the person who hurt you.

This might include:

• Childhood sexual abuse
• Emotional or physical abuse
• Neglect or abandonment
• Coercive control
• Growing up in unsafe, unpredictable, or shaming environments

Complex trauma affects not just the mind, but the nervous system, relationships, and the way you experience yourself in the world.

How Sexual Abuse & Complex Trauma Can Affect You

Trauma shows up differently for everyone, but many survivors experience:

• Shame, guilt, or self‑blame
• Anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance
• Depression or emotional numbness
• Flashbacks, intrusive memories, or nightmares
• Difficulty trusting others
• Feeling “different”, broken, or disconnected from yourself

Body & Nervous System Responses

• Chronic tension or pain
• Dissociation or feeling “not fully here”
• Startle responses
• Sleep difficulties
• Overwhelm in everyday situations

Relationship & Attachment Patterns

• Fear of intimacy or closeness
• People‑pleasing or difficulty setting boundaries
• Feeling unsafe even with safe people
• Repeating painful relationship patterns

Identity & Self‑Worth

• Feeling unlovable or “too much”
• Struggling with self‑esteem
• Losing connection with your needs, desires, or voice

None of these reactions are your fault. They are normal responses to abnormal experiences — and they can be healed.

How I Work With Sexual Abuse & Complex Trauma

As an MBACP‑registered integrative counsellor and NHS psychotherapist, I specialise in trauma‑informed, relational, and body‑aware approaches. My work is grounded in safety, compassion, and deep respect for your pace.

1. Safety First

We begin by building a therapeutic relationship where you feel grounded, respected, and in control. Nothing is rushed. You decide what we talk about and when.

2. Stabilisation & Emotional Regulation

Before exploring traumatic memories, we strengthen your internal resources. This may include:

• Grounding techniques
• Nervous system regulation
• Mindfulness‑based tools
• Understanding trauma responses with compassion

This helps reduce overwhelm and increases your sense of agency.

3. Gentle Trauma Processing

When you feel ready, we explore your experiences in a way that is safe and contained. This may involve:

• Narrative work
• Inner child work
• Parts work
• Somatic awareness
• Exploring relational patterns

The aim is not to relive trauma, but to release its grip and integrate your story with kindness.

4. Rebuilding Self‑Worth & Identity

We work to reconnect you with your strengths, boundaries, needs, and sense of self — helping you move from survival to living.

5. Relational Healing

Because trauma often happens in relationships, healing also happens in relationship. Our therapeutic connection becomes a safe space to experience trust, attunement, and emotional safety.

Who This Therapy Is For

This service is for you if you are:

• A survivor of childhood sexual abuse
• Healing from rape, assault, or coercion
• Living with long‑term effects of complex trauma
• Struggling with shame, dissociation, or emotional overwhelm
• Feeling stuck in painful relationship patterns
• Wanting to understand and heal your trauma responses
• Ready to reclaim your voice, boundaries, and sense of self

You don’t need to have the “right words” or a clear story. You just need to show up — the rest we can do together.

Therapy Options in Bedford & Online

I offer:

• In‑person sessions in Bedford
• Online therapy across the UK
• Weekly or fortnightly sessions
• Short‑term or long‑term support

Your healing journey is unique, and therapy is shaped around your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sexual abuse therapy?

Sexual abuse therapy is a safe, confidential space to process trauma, rebuild trust, and heal the emotional, psychological, and physical effects of abuse. It focuses on restoring safety, self‑worth, and connection.

What is complex trauma?

Complex trauma develops from repeated or long‑term harmful experiences, often in childhood or within relationships. It affects emotions, relationships, the nervous system, and identity.

How do I know if I have complex trauma?

Common signs include emotional overwhelm, dissociation, shame, difficulty trusting others, people‑pleasing, chronic anxiety, or repeating painful relationship patterns.

Do I need to talk about the details of my trauma?

No. You are never required to share details. We work at your pace, focusing on safety, stabilisation, and emotional regulation before exploring anything deeper.

How long does trauma therapy take?

Healing from complex trauma is not a quick process. Many clients benefit from medium‑ to long‑term therapy, but we work collaboratively to find a pace that feels right for you.

Is online trauma therapy effective?

Yes. Online therapy can be just as effective as in‑person work, offering flexibility and comfort while still providing a safe therapeutic relationship.

Can trauma therapy help with shame and self‑blame?

Absolutely. Shame is a common response to trauma, but it is not yours to carry. Therapy helps you understand your responses with compassion and rebuild a healthier sense of self.

Do you work with LGBTQ Community?

Yes. I work with adults of all genders, backgrounds, and identities.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Everything you share is confidential, with the standard legal safeguarding exceptions which we discuss clearly at the start.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

If you’re living with the impact of sexual abuse or complex trauma, you don’t have to face it alone.

I offer a calm, grounded, and deeply compassionate space where healing becomes possible.

Get in touch to book a session or ask any questions.