What Do We Mean by Abuse and Trauma?

Trauma can be the result of any overwhelming or harmful experience that leaves you feeling powerless, unsafe or alone. Abuse — whether physical, emotional, sexual, financial or psychological — often creates deep, lasting emotional wounds.

We support people who have experienced:

• Childhood abuse (emotional, physical or sexual)
  
• Domestic violence or coercive control
  
• Sexual assault or rape
  
• Emotional manipulation or gaslighting
  
• Abuse within relationships (including LGBTQ+ relationships)
  
• Institutional abuse or neglect
  
• Community or systemic violence
  
• Neglect or abandonment
  
• Trauma following an accident, illness or bereavement

You might not always have words for what you’ve experienced — and that’s OK. If something continues to affect your sense of safety, identity or wellbeing, then support is available.

Our Therapists Supporting Victims of Abuse in Bristol

At Heart to Heart, our team of counsellors in Bristol are professionally trained, supervised and experienced in abuse and trauma-informed practice. They understand the many ways that trauma shows up in everyday life — and they’ll never minimise or rush your process.

All of our therapists work in line with the ethical frameworks set out by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the National Counselling Society (NCS). Some may also bring specialist approaches including:

• Humanistic therapy
  
• Person-centred counselling
  
• Trauma-focused approaches
  
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  
• Grounding and mindfulness techniques

   

You can let us know if you’d prefer to work with a male or female therapist, or if you’re looking for someone with specific experience (for example, supporting LGBTQ+ survivors, or childhood trauma).

A Safe Space to Be Heard

We know that talking about abuse or trauma isn’t easy. That’s why your therapist will never push you to say more than you want to. You’re always in control of what you share and when.

You may use counselling to:

• Reflect on the past
  
• Understand how trauma impacts your present
  
• Work through current difficulties in relationships, work, or self-image
  
• Learn coping strategies and emotional tools
  
• Simply have space where someone listens — without judgement

There’s no “right” way to do therapy. We’re here to work with you in a way that feels supportive and empowering.

Our Fees

We believe that counselling should be accessible — especially for those who have experienced trauma or abuse. That’s why we offer affordable fees:

• Sessions with a Student Counsellor: £30
  
• Sessions with a Qualified Counsellor: £40
  
• Couples Counselling (if applicable): £65

   

There’s no pressure or fixed number of sessions. You can come weekly, fortnightly or at a frequency that feels manageable. You are in charge of your journey.