Domestic Abuse & Mental Health

When life is already hard, domestic abuse hits even harder

Domestic abuse doesn’t happen in a vacuum. For women who already face barriers whether emotional, social, physical, or cultural. the harm can be deeper and the path to safety more complex.

Women living with anxiety or other mental health challenges

Anxiety can make everyday tasks feel daunting; in an abusive home, it can become paralysing.
Constant fear, unpredictability, and criticism can worsen symptoms, leading to panic attacks, exhaustion, or a sense of hopelessness.
Many women begin to doubt their own judgement, especially if the abuser uses gaslighting or emotional manipulation.

When a woman carries multiple vulnerabilities, domestic abuse can feel like an attack on every part of her life:

Her identity – feeling “less than”, unheard, or culturally misunderstood.
Her safety – fearing not just the abuser, but the consequences of seeking help.
Her stability – worrying about housing, finances, immigration, or disability support.
Her mental health – feeling overwhelmed, ashamed, or undeserving of support.

And for their children:

Children in these families often shoulder adult worries far too young:

They may act as interpreters, carers, or emotional protectors.
They may feel responsible for keeping the peace.
They may struggle with school, friendships, or identity.
They may fear losing their home, their parent, or their community.

Some women who are referred to us aren’t yet ready to begin recovery‑focused group work. When needs are more complex, we gently recommend starting the domestic abuse recovery journey with counselling.

Meet Our Counsellors

Hello, I’m Leann.

I am a counsellor, coach and supervisor with a passion for
supporting women who have experienced trauma/abuse.
I am also the founder of Believe in Beyond CIC.

I’m passionate about supporting women to find their voice
following trauma. We work collaboratively with Keasha and her amazing team offering affordable and professional counselling to women who access their services.

As someone who has lived in the body of a survivor for
most of my life, I understand how hard the daily fight can
become. The impacts of abuse run deep and can last a
lifetime surviving can be truly debilitating at times.

Having the right support networks around you can be life-
changing.

Counselling for Women

Hi, I’m Vicky Jones.

I’m a qualified counsellor and I work with adults, children and young people. For the past three years I’ve been supporting families as a mental health support worker, while also offering counselling across Gloucestershire and developing my private practice, Chrysanthemum Counselling.

Working in collaboration with Honour Thy Woman Group is a meaningful and exciting step for me.

Together, we have created Bridge 17 – a series of eight group workshop sessions designed to support young people who have witnessed domestic abuse.

My professional background has shaped the way I work and the care I bring to every session.

I’ve spent many years as a specialist investigator with the Police, working on cases involving vulnerable adults, children and young people. I later became a schools liaison officer, partnering with schools, the local authority and other agencies to deliver preventative education and early interventions. I have also worked within a multi‑agency Youth Offending Team, and more recently as a mental health support worker for families and young people.

This new collaboration with Honour Thy Woman Group brings all of that experience together. It allows me to use my skills, training, and lived understanding to offer a safe, supportive space for young people who need it most.

I’m genuinely looking forward to building a strong relationship with Honour Thy Woman Group as we continue developing Bridge 17, and I’m especially excited to begin facilitating the programme later in 2026.

Counselling for Teenagers

Hi, my name is Nicola.

I’m the counsellor behind Silver Clouds Counselling Service. I’ve been practising for around 16 years, and before that I worked as a learning mentor and specialist teaching assistant, supporting children and young people with a wide range of needs.

My training includes psychodynamic and person‑centred approaches, CBT techniques, and a variety of play‑based therapies such as sand play and Lego therapy. I often use play and creative activities in sessions, as they can give children and young people a safe way to express feelings that are difficult to put into words.

My own lived experiences are a big part of why I’m so passionate about this work. I understand how important it is for children and young people to have a voice, and to know they can develop the tools they need to manage their emotions, challenges and trauma.

Working alongside Honour Thy Woman Group feels like a natural and meaningful partnership. The organisation offers an incredible service to the women and families it supports, and I’m proud to share my skills and experience to help the children affected.

All of my work is confidential, and I follow the professional standards set out by the BACP/UKCP. The only time confidentiality may be broken is if there are concerns about a child’s safety, in which case the safeguarding lead would be informed. My priority is always to ensure that every child I work with is safe, supported and heard.

Counselling for Children

Counselling offers women a calm, non‑judgemental space where they can speak openly often for the first time about what they’ve experienced. Being truly listened to can restore dignity, rebuild confidence, and help women feel less alone.

Through counselling, women can begin to understand their feelings, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier ways to cope with stress and trauma. Over time, this helps them regain a sense of control and rebuild their lives at their own pace.

Children often struggle to understand the fear, confusion, or anger they’ve been carrying. Counselling gives them language, tools, and gentle support to express what’s going on inside.

With the right support, children learn how to manage big emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and feel safer in themselves. This strengthens their long‑term wellbeing.

Counselling can help children feel more secure, which often leads to better relationships at home and school. Many become more confident, more settled, and more able to focus on learning and friendships.