Disabilities & Chronic Conditions

For Survivors:

A specialist recovery service for disabled survivors to process trauma and rebuild their lives.

For survivours

For Professionals:

Expert training to understand and address the unique needs of disabled survivors of domestic abuse.

For Professionals

I'm Thalia, a counsellor/psychotherapist specialising in disability, chronic conditions, and domestic abuse (DA). My own experiences with disability and chronic pain, beginning in my teens, have significantly shaped my understanding.

During my training, I discovered the connection between trauma and disability. Over 14 years of research, I've specialised in working with Trauma, DA, disability, and chronic conditions.

Relational trauma and domestic abuse are often overlooked or not addressed for people with disabilities and chronic conditions, potentially worsening physical, emotional, and mental symptoms.

Recognising these gaps, the DARS Service, supported by the North Somerset Domestic Abuse Strategic Board, launched a pilot program in 2023 to address the gaps in understanding of relational trauma, domestic abuse and provide specialist referral pathway for disabled and chronic survivors.

National mapping reports highlight the need for increased knowledge and specialised, trauma-informed services for disabled survivors of domestic abuse.

"For me, having both disability & domestic abuse therapy together has taught me how interlinked the two subjects are, learning that trauma is stored in the nervous system helped me to understand much more about my M.E. (chronic fatigue syndrome) I've learned that mental health triggers can affect my physical health too.

Knowing this has taught me the difference between emotional flare ups & physical kickbacks & how best to manage them.
This therapy has helped me to understand so much about myself & has truly changed my life for the better. I hope many more people get the same support I did."

DARS M.E. Client

The meaning of the fern

Why we chose the fern as a representation for

Domestic Abuse and Relational Trauma Survivors with disabilities

often symbolizes growth, resilience, and the unfolding of life’s chapters

due to their ability to survive in harsh environments

representing strength and endurance in the face of challenges.

their ability to thrive in diverse environments

often associated with invisibility due to their ability to blend in with their surroundings.

ferns represent new life and fresh beginnings