Your stories

I experienced an odd childhood. Both my parents belonged to a very oppressive and high control church/cult organisation. Until the age of eighteen, this was basically all I knew, as we were not really allowed to mix with people who were not members. We were not allowed to celebrate birthdays or Christian celebrations like Easter or Christmas. Our private lives were not really private. Everything...

I lost my mother and brother in a car crash when I was a child... my father married again to a woman who physically and emotionally abused my sister and I for 12 years untill we left after secondary school. We were too frightened to tell him and he didn't see it... grief I think destroyed the man and he should have had counselling. But I, now in my 40s, have started counselling after years of on...

I'm a victim of incest and was also abused in a 'ring' where images and film were made. Two years ago, my personal life unravelled and, in desperation, I sought help. It took me a while to find the right counsellor. I tried at least four before I settled with one lady who I found - she was personally recommended to me. It's a long drive as she lives 50 minutes away, but it's well worth...

I suffered from an abusive relationship nearly five years ago when I was 13 years old. I tried all sorts of different forms of counselling, but didn't find the right one for me. Until I took up CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). This honestly changed my life and I couldn't recommend a better way of counselling. I am now a new person, ready to venture off to University with a whole new approach...

I received very good support and help from Bradford based Counsellor and therapy team. The team were multilingual and understanding of my cultural needs, helping me to get out of years of violence and abuse. Nazira Sbega

I have been having counselling for 12 years, working through the physical, emotional and sexual abuse I experienced as a child - and as an adult. During this time, one of my therapists sadly died from cancer so, in addition to my ongoing struggles, I had grief to deal with as well. I've been with my current counsellor for two years now. It has been tough but also rewarding to finally find a...

I was emotionally abused by a parent. It went on well into my adult life. Whenever she had depression I would get the brunt of it and emotionally attacked. I was told what I was thinking and feeling, and what a terrible person I was. If I defended myself it was worse, and after the situation calmed there was always the threat of her killing herself. Looking back it was pretty awful stuff to...

I was abused by my father when I was a child. It was only with the encouragement of my therapist that I was able to face the issues that has raised in adult life - depression, anxiety, low self esteem etc. It takes time to find a therapist who is right for you - it took me three attempts to find the right person! Now I finally have someone to tell things to that I feel I don't want to share...

For me personally the past two years have been difficult but then I decided that it was time to face my fears and deal with my issues. I questioned myself over past abuse but since I commenced counselling I have seen that it was not my fault and I was the child and it was wrong. Emotionally I have no-one in my life who has been able to get close until the past few months. My counsellor told...