Abuse can take many forms—emotional, physical, sexual, financial, or psychological. Each form can leave deep and lasting wounds, impacting self-esteem, trust, and your ability to feel safe in the world. At Wholesome Psychology, our therapists in Edmonton and St. Albert are committed to providing a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment where survivors of abuse can begin their journey of healing. We believe in whole-person care that recognizes your unique story, values, and strengths.
Understanding Abuse in All Its Forms
Abuse is never your fault. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or relationship status. Some survivors may not even identify their past experiences as abuse until later in life. Our team in Edmonton and St. Albert is equipped to help you process and heal from many types of abuse, including:
- Emotional Abuse: Persistent criticism, manipulation, intimidation, or humiliation that erodes self-worth. Learn more about emotional abuse.
- Physical Abuse: Threats or acts of physical violence, which may include hitting, shoving, restraining, or other aggressive behaviors. See our resources on physical abuse.
- Sexual Abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact, coercion, or assault. For targeted support, visit sexual abuse recovery counseling.
- Financial Abuse: Controlling, restricting, or sabotaging another person’s access to money and resources. Learn about the impacts in our abuse counselling section.
- Psychological Abuse: Using threats, isolation, gaslighting, or fear to control or undermine another individual.
Our clinicians have extensive experience supporting individuals, children, and families affected by all types of abuse. We believe that understanding is the first step toward healing, and we offer judgment-free, stigma-free support at every step. For additional information on how we approach trauma, see our page on trauma therapy.
Why Seek Abuse Counselling?
If you have experienced any form of abuse, you may be coping with trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship struggles, or difficulty trusting others. You are not alone. Our caring team in Edmonton and St. Albert provides:
- Confidential, trauma-informed support
- Personalized healing plans based on your needs and goals
- Evidence-based modalities (CBT, EMDR, trauma therapy, and others)
- Psychoeducation to help you understand the impact of abuse
- Practical strategies for managing triggers and rebuilding your confidence
- Resources for safety planning and crisis intervention, if needed
What to Expect During Abuse Counselling
Our approach is compassionate, client-centered, and always paced at your comfort level. Here is what you can expect when you begin abuse counselling with Wholesome Psychology:
- Initial Assessment: We start by listening to your story, understanding your needs, and setting goals together. Your pace and your boundaries matter most.
- Safety and Trust: We prioritize your safety. All sessions are confidential, and your wellbeing is our highest priority.
- Building Understanding: Our therapists help you understand how abuse, trauma, and toxic dynamics may have affected your thoughts, emotions, and overall wellbeing.
- Processing and Healing: Through gentle, evidence-based methods, we support you in processing traumatic memories, managing distress, and rebuilding your sense of control and self-worth.
- Recovery and Growth: As you gain insights and coping skills, our team will empower you to create healthier boundaries, relationships, and life patterns moving forward. Learn more about relationships and healing.
Our Abuse Therapists in Edmonton & St. Albert
You deserve to work with a therapist who is specially trained in trauma and recovery. Our team brings warmth, empathy, and deep expertise to every session, whether you are seeking support for past childhood abuse, intimate partner violence, or recent experiences. We offer care for all ages and backgrounds, and we welcome individuals, couples, and families. You can also learn about our full range of services to address your needs.
Local, Trauma-Informed Approach for Edmonton & St. Albert
Wholesome Psychology is proud to serve Edmonton and St. Albert communities. Our practice is deeply rooted in the values of dignity, inclusivity, and holistic care. Our local therapists are sensitive to the unique needs faced by individuals and families in our region. We can provide referrals to trusted community resources, shelters, crisis lines, and local advocacy organizations when helpful.
In your healing journey, you may wish to learn more about related subjects such as types of trauma or domestic abuse counseling. We also offer specialized support related to sexual abuse recovery and PTSD treatment, helping you move from surviving to fully living. If you are interested in online or virtual options, see our virtual psychologist services.
How We Support Your Healing
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Therapeutic approaches such as EMDR and trauma-focused CBT to address the impact of abuse on your mind and body. Read more about EMDR therapy.
- Empowerment & Education: Helping you understand your right to safety, boundaries, and self-care.
- Crisis Support: If you are in immediate danger, we encourage you to seek local emergency resources. We also help connect you to ongoing support and advocacy where appropriate.
- Compassionate Listening: Sometimes, simply having someone listen without judgment is a transformative healing step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abuse Counselling
How do I know if I need abuse counselling?
If you are questioning whether your experiences “count” as abuse, or if you are struggling with anxiety, flashbacks, depression, or fear linked to past or current relationships, counseling can be an important first step. No situation is ever “too minor”—your feelings matter, and you are worthy of support. For more on mental wellness, see our mental wellness page.
Is abuse counselling confidential?
Yes, all sessions at Wholesome Psychology are private and confidential. We adhere to the strictest ethical standards in Alberta, ensuring your safety and privacy. Learn more about our approach in the FAQ.
Can abuse counselling help me with trauma and PTSD?
Absolutely. Many abuse survivors experience symptoms of PTSD. Our therapists in Edmonton and St. Albert are skilled in trauma recovery and use proven methods like EMDR, CBT, and talk therapy to address trauma at its roots. Read more about PTSD treatment and trauma therapy.
Start Your Healing Journey
Your path to healing can start today. Whether the abuse happened recently or long ago, you do not have to recover alone. Our compassionate team at Wholesome Psychology is here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to speak with a trusted professional? Contact us today or meet our therapists serving Edmonton and St. Albert. Our warm, skilled team can help you reclaim your sense of self, hope, and resilience. Interested in a low-cost option? See our low-cost psychologist services.
Additional Resources
