Healing from sexual and emotional abuse
Have you been hurt by forming a sexual relationship with someone who was supposed to be helping you in your personal, educational or professional development? Unfortunately this is not an uncommon experience. Professional bodies make this a disciplinary offence for good reason: it's an abuse of power and breach of trust and duty of care.
Victims often feel confused by the experience, not clear that they have been exploited and it wasn't their fault. Or you may feel violated and angry, depending on what happened to you and your stage of recovery.
Some perpetrators do this out of weakness, unwittingly pursuing personal gratification by telling themselves they love the victim and are rescuing them. But they nevertheless dump you in the end when the relationship runs its course for them, or they take on another victim, leaving you feeling cheapened and betrayed. Others are more sinister - serial abusers who prey on the emotionally vulnerable as part of their modus operandi. Some may harass you when you try to break free.
In a small group, you can work with others to identify what type your abuser was, how he seduced you, and how to defend yourself in future. We'll help you to deal with any unfinished business if you need to, and to heal yourself with the loving support of others. Natasja is also available to provide reflexology treatment.
There's no pressure to share more than you want to. Sometimes, just listening to others is healing in itself. As a therapist and as a woman with her own history, I can help give you a framework to understand why this form of abuse is so wrong and harmful. Recognising this is part of freeing yourself from the long-term effects: the experience doesn't have to mar the rest of your life.
We'll also spend time opening ourselves to the healing power of nature and being with horses, who are always emotionally honest and non-manipulative. We'll laugh together and heal, it won't all be heavy!
Don't be alone with it and don't feel ashamed. Come and share, so that you can move on and leave it behind.
This is a women's group, but if you are male or your abuser was female, or you are struggling with a different but related issue, get in touch to see whether your needs can be met too in a different group or customised retreat.
You will be staying as guests in our farmhouse in shared rooms, but for those wanting more privacy and/or luxury, our gîte may be available.