Your stories

I was a member of a local church group when things had been a bit strained and I became very stressed. I was struggling at home after my husband had been ill and I was feeling unsupported by people who made out to be friends. I left the church and became very depressed having been stuck in a deep depression, and unable to carry on. I went to my GP who gave me some tablets as a crutch, and I...

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'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 with...

In February 2008 things started changing for me and, in a very short space of time, it became unbearable. I was only 13 when it all started; my mum and dad became angry all the time, and would constantly shout at me for no reason at all. My younger brother and sister shouted at me too. I would get blamed for everything, whether I had been there or not. My brother and sister would always pick on...