Post Separation Abuse Counselling in Shropshire
Specialist Support for Survivors of Domestic Abuse, Coercive Control and Family Court Trauma
Shropshire McKenzie Friend Services Expands Support with New Post-Separation Abuse Counselling Service
Welcoming Leah, MA Counselling & Psychotherapy
Shropshire McKenzie Friend Services is proud to announce the launch of our new Post-Separation Abuse Counselling Service, led by experienced counsellor and trauma-informed practitioner Leah.
We recognise that for many survivors, separation does not mark the end of abuse. Instead, it can signal the beginning of a new and often challenging chapter involving ongoing coercive control, emotional manipulation, legal abuse, financial abuse, harassment, intimidation, and difficulties surrounding child arrangements.
To help meet this growing need, we are delighted to welcome Leah, whose extensive professional experience and specialist training will provide vital emotional support to individuals navigating the complex realities of life after abuse.
Meet Leah
Leah holds a Master's Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Keele University and is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based support to individuals facing some of life's most difficult challenges.
Her professional background spans counselling, mental health support, safeguarding, advocacy, and frontline services, giving her a unique understanding of the emotional, practical and psychological impact of abuse and trauma.
Leah has worked extensively with vulnerable adults, survivors of domestic abuse, individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, and those facing significant personal, family and relationship challenges.
Importantly, Leah has also worked closely with West Mercia Women's Aid, supporting women affected by domestic abuse and helping survivors process traumatic experiences, rebuild confidence, strengthen resilience and move forward with their lives.
Her extensive experience includes supporting individuals who have experienced:
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Domestic abuse
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Post-separation abuse
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Coercive control
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Emotional and psychological abuse
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Trauma and complex trauma
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Anxiety and depression
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Low self-esteem and loss of confidence
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Family conflict and relationship breakdown
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Safeguarding concerns
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Crisis situations
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Financial hardship and housing difficulties
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Stress associated with family court proceedings
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Recovery following long-term abusive relationships
Understanding Post-Separation Abuse
Many people believe abuse ends when a relationship ends. Sadly, this is often not the case.
Post-separation abuse can take many forms, including:
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Repeated harassment and unwanted contact
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Manipulation through children
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Litigation and court-based abuse
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Financial control and economic abuse
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False allegations
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Intimidation and threats
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Ongoing emotional and psychological manipulation
The impact can be profound, leaving survivors feeling overwhelmed, anxious, isolated and uncertain about the future.
Leah provides a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where clients can begin to understand their experiences, explore the effects of abuse, and develop the tools needed to regain control of their lives.
How Leah Can Help
Through a trauma-informed, person-centred approach, Leah works alongside clients to:
✔ Understand the impact of domestic and post-separation abuse
✔ Recover from coercive control and emotional manipulation
✔ Rebuild confidence, self-esteem and personal identity
✔ Develop healthy boundaries
✔ Manage anxiety, stress and trauma responses
✔ Cope with family court and child arrangement processes
✔ Strengthen resilience and emotional wellbeing
✔ Process traumatic experiences safely
✔ Improve self-confidence and decision-making
✔ Create positive pathways towards recovery and independence
A Holistic Approach to Support
At Shropshire McKenzie Friend Services, we understand that individuals facing family court proceedings often require more than practical guidance alone.
By combining specialist McKenzie Friend support with professional counselling services, we can now offer a more holistic package of support that recognises both the legal and emotional challenges faced by survivors of abuse.
Leah's appointment reflects our continued commitment to ensuring clients feel supported, empowered and heard throughout their journey.
Leah's Message
"Recovery is not about simply surviving what happened to you. It is about rebuilding your sense of self, rediscovering your strengths, and creating a future that is no longer defined by abuse. My aim is to provide a safe and supportive space where clients feel listened to, understood and empowered."
To Find Out More
Counselling is available in person or online. For further information about Post-Separation Abuse Counselling with Leah, or to discuss how counselling may support your circumstances, please make a free, no-obligation booking to discuss.
Supporting you through the practical and emotional challenges of moving forward after abuse.
"Because leaving is only the first step. Recovery is the journey that follows."
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Separation Abuse Counselling
"My ex won't leave me alone. Is this post-separation abuse?"
If your former partner continues to contact you excessively, monitors your activities, uses children to maintain control, makes repeated allegations, manipulates professionals, or creates ongoing conflict after the relationship has ended, this may be post-separation abuse. Counselling can help you understand these patterns, reduce their emotional impact, and develop strategies to protect your wellbeing.
My ex is still a controlling ex-partner even though we've separated. Can counselling help?
Yes. Many survivors find that controlling behaviours continue long after separation. You may feel constantly on edge, anxious about communication, or worried about how your former partner will react. Counselling can help you rebuild confidence, establish healthy boundaries, and regain a sense of control over your life.
I'm struggling to cope with a narcissistic ex. What support is available?
Relationships involving narcissistic traits can leave survivors feeling confused, exhausted, and questioning their own judgement. Many people experience manipulation, blame-shifting, minimisation of their experiences, or ongoing attempts to provoke conflict after separation. Specialist counselling provides a safe space to process what has happened, rebuild self-esteem, and move forward with confidence.
What is gaslighting recovery?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that can cause someone to doubt their thoughts, memories, feelings, or experiences. Recovery often involves rebuilding trust in yourself, understanding the effects of abuse, and developing confidence in your own decision-making. Counselling can support you throughout this healing process.
How can emotional abuse counselling help?
Emotional abuse can have long-lasting effects on self-esteem, confidence, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Through counselling, you can explore your experiences in a safe, non-judgemental environment, gain a better understanding of how abuse has affected you, and work towards recovery and personal growth.
I need family court stress support. Can counselling help during proceedings?
Family court proceedings can be emotionally demanding, particularly when domestic abuse or coercive control forms part of the background. Counselling can provide emotional support, help you manage stress and anxiety, improve coping strategies, and offer a confidential space where you can focus on your wellbeing during what can often be a challenging process.
Where can I find help after domestic abuse?
Recovery looks different for everyone. Some people need support understanding what happened, others need help rebuilding confidence, managing anxiety, or moving forward after years of coercive control. Our specialist post-separation abuse counselling service provides compassionate, trauma-informed support tailored to your individual needs.
Do I need to have experienced physical violence to access counselling?
No. Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. Many survivors experience emotional abuse, coercive control, intimidation, financial abuse, psychological manipulation, or post-separation abuse. If a relationship has affected your wellbeing, counselling may help.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
You may benefit from counselling if you:
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Feel overwhelmed by ongoing contact with an ex-partner
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Struggle with anxiety, stress, or low confidence following a relationship
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Feel stuck in your recovery journey
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Have experienced coercive control or emotional abuse
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Are finding family court proceedings emotionally draining
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Want a safe, confidential space to talk and be heard
Counselling offers an opportunity to explore your experiences, understand their impact, and move towards a healthier, more confident future.
Why choose Leah?
Leah is a qualified counsellor with a Master's Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and extensive experience supporting vulnerable individuals. She has previously worked with West Mercia Women's Aid, supporting survivors of domestic abuse and helping individuals recover from the emotional impact of abusive relationships. Her approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and person-centred, ensuring every client feels heard, respected, and supported.
Want More Information?
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Post Separation Abuse Counselling Telford
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Post Separation Abuse Counselling Shrewsbury
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Domestic Abuse Counselling Shropshire
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Coercive Control Support Telford
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Family Court Emotional Support Shropshire