kimberly shapps, JD LCSW
psychotherapist
divorce, trauma, relationships
TRAUMA AND ABUSE COUNSELING
Trauma and abuse wreak havoc on nearly every aspect of one's life. Trauma shatters any belief we may have had about the safety of our world. After a traumatic event, we are left with the reality of our own helplessness and the intense feeling that we lack control over our lives, which can be terrifying. Many trauma survivors find themselves experiencing symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or low self-esteem. For others, trauma may manifest itself in a difficulty trusting in relationships or repeated patterns of abuse across generations. It may emerge in the form of depression or anxiety.
Perpetrators, rapists, and abusers all use violence to gain and maintain a sense of power and control over their victims. Victims are left feeling powerless, responsible, and
ashamed, leaving them in a state of emotional paralysis that prevents them from seeking the help they need.
For the past 15 years, I have worked in the domestic violence field providing counseling, guidance, and support to women in courtrooms, shelters, outreach settings, and counseling centers. As an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP), my extensive experience allows me to understand the dynamics of trauma and abuse and how it affects one's ability to function. I work with clients to rebuild their lives and begin to heal and trust again; to find a renewed sense of safety within the world. I believe that starts with a supportive, sensitive and trustworthy therapeutic partnership.
