A safe, confidential and non-judgemental space in Holywood and online across Northern Ireland.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, including men. It isn’t always physical, and it can sometimes be difficult to recognise or talk about what is happening.
You may feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells, being monitored or controlled, isolated from friends or family, repeatedly blamed, or made to question your own experiences.
You don’t have to prove what has happened or have everything figured out before seeking support.
I offer a confidential, trauma-informed space where you can talk openly about what you’re experiencing without judgement.
Recognising the Signs
Domestic abuse and coercive control can take many forms, including:
- Coercive control — being monitored, controlled or restricted, including through constant messages, demands or rules.
- Emotional and psychological abuse — repeated criticism, humiliation, threats, intimidation or manipulation.
- Financial control — having your money, income or spending controlled or restricted.
- Isolation — being prevented or discouraged from seeing friends, family or other sources of support.
- Loss of independence — feeling that you have to account for your choices, movements or everyday activities.
You may not be sure whether what you’re experiencing is abuse. Counselling can provide a safe space to explore your experiences and understand how they may be affecting you.
How I Can Support You
We can explore whatever feels most important to you, including:
- Understanding what has been happening in your relationship
- The emotional impact of abuse and coercive control
- Anxiety, low mood, stress and feeling overwhelmed
- Loss of confidence and self-esteem
- Rebuilding a sense of identity and independence
- Setting and understanding boundaries
- Making sense of difficult relationship patterns
- Moving forward at a pace that feels right for you
There is no pressure to make decisions before you’re ready. You remain in control of what you choose to talk about and what you want to work towards.
What to Expect in Your Sessions
Confidential and discreet
Your privacy is important. Sessions are offered in a private setting in Holywood or online, depending on what feels safest and most comfortable for you.
No judgement
You won’t be judged, blamed or expected to simply “get on with it”. You will have space to talk openly about your experiences and feelings.
Your pace
You decide what you’re ready to discuss. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you feel able to.
A trauma-informed approach
We’ll consider how your experiences may have affected your emotional wellbeing, confidence, relationships and sense of safety.
Taking the First Step
You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do before reaching out.
If you’d like to talk about whether counselling could be helpful, you’re welcome to arrange a free 15-minute consultation.
You can email, call or text me — whatever feels safest for you.
- Email: gail@igotu-therapy.co.uk
- Call or Text: 07303124675
If you are contacting me about domestic abuse or coercive control, please let me know whether it is safe for me to reply by email or text, or whether you would prefer me to call you.
You do not have to call me if that doesn’t feel safe.
I Got U Therapy
1 Old Cultra Road, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 0AE
gail@igotu-therapy.co.uk
07303124675
Compassionate Counselling for Adults | Holywood & Online Across Northern Ireland
