October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to shed light on an often hidden and painful issue that affects millions of people each year. Abuse is not always physical – its scars can be emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial. Regardless of the form it takes, the trauma it causes can profoundly impact your mental health, relationships, and sense of safety. At Foundation Stone Wellness, we make healing from abuse possible with compassionate, trauma-informed care in a setting that nurtures your mind and body.
Understanding Domestic Abuse
Domestic violence can occur in any relationship and may take several forms.
- Emotional: Manipulation, gaslighting, humiliation, or constant criticism
- Psychological: Threats, intimidation, or isolation from loved ones
- Physical: Hitting, shoving, or other forms of physical harm
- Sexual: Coercion, assault, or violation of consent
- Financial: Restricting your access to money or prohibiting you from working
While these behaviors may vary in intensity, they all serve the same purpose – control and domination. The emotional and physiological aftermath can linger long after the abuse ends, leading to symptoms such as hypervigilance, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Trauma’s Lasting Impact
Trauma changes how your brain and body respond to stress. You may become stuck in a constant state of alertness or emotional numbness, struggling to trust others or reconnect with yourself. Without proper treatment, trauma can erode your self-worth and make everyday life feel overwhelming.
These reactions are normal responses to abnormal circumstances. Healing requires addressing the root of the trauma – not merely the symptoms. However, traditional therapy models may not always be sufficient for trauma recovery. Survivors need specialized, evidence-based treatment approaches that promote self-regulation and allow for gradual emotional processing. Our integrative approach combines advanced clinical care with holistic wellness practices to support lasting healing.
Evidence-Based Treatments
Several proven therapies can help abuse survivors rebuild.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy: Emphasizes learning to live with complex emotions and experiences instead of trying to ignore or eliminate them.
- Dialectical behavior therapy: Teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance skills.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: Helps identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts that stem from trauma.
- Group and individual counseling: Provides a safe environment to share experiences and learn from others.
- Mindfulness and meditation: Encourages presence and calm, reducing stress responses.
The Benefits of a Retreat Setting
Healing from abuse takes time and patience. Foundation Stone Wellness offers a peaceful retreat setting just outside Austin, Texas – far removed from the chaos of daily life. Our environment fosters reflection and renewal through:
- Holistic nutrition and wellness practices to restore your physical balance
- Nature-based therapies that reconnect your mind and body
- Restorative spaces for mindfulness, yoga, and time in nature
- Support from a multidisciplinary team, including therapists, psychiatrists, and functional medicine specialists
Reclaim Your Power
No one should have to face the aftermath of abuse alone. Whether you are newly out of an abusive situation or working to heal old wounds, help is available. Foundation Stone Wellness provides compassionate, personalized care to help survivors reclaim their strength, rebuild trust, and rediscover peace.
If you are healing from abuse, contact us today to start making progress toward safety, self-compassion, and lasting emotional freedom.