As a trauma counseling specialist, I’ve seen again and again how easy it is for people who’ve experienced abuse to get stuck in their pain. Sometimes, they don’t even realize how much the past is still shaping their lives—they just know they’re exhausted, lonely, and tired of feeling broken.
Many survivors keep their stories hidden. Some tried to share but weren’t believed. Others find that even saying the words out loud feels unbearable. By the time someone walks through our door, they often say, “I can’t keep living like this.” And that moment of honesty—that willingness to reach out—is the very beginning of reclaiming power.
The Lies Abuse Teaches You
Abuse changes how you see yourself. It’s common to feel worthless, unlovable, or afraid of letting anyone close again. These feelings aren’t signs of weakness—they’re normal responses to trauma. But staying stuck in those lies gives the abuser continued power over your life.
You can’t change what happened to you. It wasn’t your fault. But you can decide what happens next. Healing is how you take your power back.
Taking the First Steps Toward Healing
Healing after abuse takes courage and time. It’s not about “getting over it”—it’s about learning to feel safe again, rebuild trust, and reconnect with who you are. Here are four powerful ways to begin reclaiming your power:
1. Tell your story
Your story matters. Speaking it out loud is one of the most important steps in recovery. Choose a safe person—someone who listens without judgment. If that feels too risky, start with a trauma therapist who specializes in abuse recovery. A good therapist will never rush you and will help you share your story at your own pace.
2. Identify the lies that keep playing in your mind
Abuse often plants deeply rooted false beliefs, like “It was my fault,” “I’m unlovable,” or “I’ll never be safe.” These lies shape how you see yourself and the world. With the help of a trauma counselor, you can start recognizing these patterns and gently replace them with truth.
3. Notice how those beliefs affect your relationships
If you believe bad things always happen, you might struggle with anxiety or avoid situations that feel uncertain. If you fear people will hurt you, you may keep your distance even from those who care. We’re meant for connection, but trauma often convinces us to hide. Healing helps you begin to rebuild trust and experience closeness again.
4. Learn new skills for healing and connection
A trauma therapist can teach you how to challenge false thoughts, manage triggers, and rebuild emotional safety. Through therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), you can begin to view your story through a new lens—one that no longer defines your worth by what happened to you. With time and support, you’ll rediscover joy, connection, and confidence.
If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies as trauma, you might find our post How Do I Know If I Need Trauma Therapy? helpful.
You Can Heal and Reclaim Your Power
Feeling powerless is part of trauma—but it’s not the end of your story. You can take back control by choosing to heal, speak truth, and surround yourself with support that helps you grow. You are not broken. You are rebuilding.
At Lime Tree Counseling in Ambler, Pennsylvania, our licensed trauma therapists specialize in PTSD and trauma therapy for emotional abuse, narcissistic abuse, and sexual abuse. Using evidence-based approaches like EMDR, we’ll walk with you as you reclaim your power, rediscover your voice, and build a life that feels safe and free.
You don’t have to keep living with the weight of the past. Reach out today to begin PTSD and Trauma Therapy in Ambler, PA. You can take back your life—starting now.
About the Author
Katie Bailey, MA, LPC, is the founder and a Licensed Professional Counselor at Lime Tree Counseling in Ambler, Pennsylvania. With more than 20 years of experience, she helps people move from feeling overwhelmed to connected by offering therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationships. Along with her team of licensed therapists, she provides compassionate, evidence-based counseling to individuals and couples throughout Pennsylvania.
FAQs
Is it really possible to heal after abuse?
Yes. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning to live without the constant pain and fear. With the right support, you can feel safe and whole again.
How long does trauma therapy take?
It varies for each person. Healing is not linear, but most people begin to feel relief once they develop trust with their therapist and learn new coping tools.
What is EMDR therapy, and can it help with abuse recovery?
EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps your brain process painful memories so they no longer trigger the same emotional distress. It’s highly effective for survivors of abuse.
Do you offer online trauma therapy in Pennsylvania?
Yes. We provide both in-person and secure online sessions for clients located anywhere in Pennsylvania.