Therapy, Counselling, & Support for Parents
Parenting After Your Child
Discloses Trauma
Let me support you, so you can support them.
It might have felt like the floor gave way beneath you when you learned your child had experienced abuse. You tried to remain present and comprehend everything said, but you likely became disconnected or frozen in shock. How could this have happened?
Many parents enter a trauma response themselves when they learn their child has experienced trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse. The world suddenly feels so different, unfair, and cruel. And you're likely struggling with how you'll ever trust others again.
If you experienced similar events in your childhood or trauma later in life, learning about your child's experiences may have deepened these wounds. You may have noticed memories and symptoms related to your experiences begin to surface in response.
The Disclosure
Where You're At Now
Your child needs your emotional support now more than ever, but your capacity to meet their needs has never been this low. You haven't had a break between the appointments, research, and phone calls. You might also be navigating relationship or family changes in response to the disclosure, all while continuing to perform your existing roles.
You know you're not okay, but you haven't had a moment to stop and wrap your head around what's happened, let alone feel its impact. It's just all so hard right now.
I'd like to offer you a soft place to land.
You don't need to have it all together; have it all figured out.
In my office, you won't need to:
· Mask your emotions or fake a smile
· Censor your words or profanity use
· Deny that this has been hard for you, too
You can ask questions about what to expect and how your child might be best supported. You won't need to prioritize your questions or rush to squeeze them in like your experience at the end of your child's appointments.
This space is just for you and is free of judgment.
While seeking support for yourself may not seem like a priority, it can profoundly benefit you and your child. This goes beyond the classic self-care metaphor of putting on your oxygen mask first. When parents have some of their needs met, their regulated state helps their child's nervous system regulate and calm, improving their long-term prognosis following trauma.
I'll save you another trip to Google.
It is possible to heal from trauma and PTSD.
Trauma is an injury. Like a broken bone or wound that requires stitches, it is not a life sentence.
You deserve compassionate and effective care following trauma. With attuned support, individuals generally resolve symptoms after processing trauma-related experiences. I can help you access and process stuck feelings and sensations related to the event. And update your responses and beliefs to reflect your life now.
You can learn more about my approach to trauma work here.
Let's circulate that updated safety memo, so choice and lighthearted moments can return.
Ready to Begin?
