What was your life like before trauma therapy?

Before trauma therapy, my life was a tangle of pain and mistrust, rooted in a complicated personal life. My wife’s repeated infidelity shattered my sense of security, leaving me raw and guarded. After our separation, I carried that betrayal into a new relationship, where I projected my fears onto my partner. I was consumed by anxiety, constantly expecting history to repeat itself. Every small interaction felt like a potential red flag, and I became needy, seeking reassurance to quiet the dread that I’d be hurt again. This created tension, pushing away the connection I craved. My days were a cycle of overthinking and self-doubt, questioning my worth and whether I could ever trust again. Socially, I withdrew, avoiding situations that might trigger those raw emotions. Work felt like a performance—I was there, but my mind was trapped in a loop of past hurts. Sleep was restless, haunted by memories of betrayal, and I felt like I was losing myself to a version of me I didn’t recognise. The weight of it all made life feel small and heavy, like I was navigating a world I no longer understood.

What was it like for you to go through trauma therapy?

Trauma therapy with Sunet was a lifeline in a storm. Initially, it was daunting—I didn’t understand how talking could unravel the anxiety from my past betrayals. Early sessions felt like uncharted territory, and the process was unclear. But Sunet’s gentle guidance brought relief, like exhaling after years of holding my breath. Her grounding exercises and trigger exploration helped me name the pain from my marriage’s collapse. Understanding how unresolved betrayal fuelled my fear and neediness in my new relationship was a turning point. Sunet’s patient, structured approach gave me tools to look inward, beyond surface hurt to deeper wounds. Facing those memories was raw, but each session built quiet comfort, like piecing together a puzzle. I began to feel resolution—not because the past changed, but because I learned to carry it differently. Sunet showed me I wasn’t broken, just stuck. By the end, I felt lighter, more in control, and deeply grateful for her support in understanding myself.

What was life like for you after trauma therapy? / What has changed because of trauma therapy for you?

After trauma therapy, my life transformed in ways I hadn’t imagined. The most profound change was saving my new relationship. Before therapy, my fears of betrayal made me clingy and anxious, straining our connection. Therapy helped me let go of those projections, allowing me to trust again and build a healthier, more stable partnership. I found a deep sense of reassurance—a quiet confidence that, no matter what happened, I would be okay. This shift changed how I viewed life. I became more at peace with my past, no longer letting it define me. Being okay with my own company was the key to stabilising my relationship; I didn’t need constant validation to feel whole. Therapy also gave me tools to communicate better, especially with my children. I learned to listen more openly and express myself clearly, fostering stronger, more honest connections with them. Techniques like grounding and self-reflection helped me stay calm during tough conversations, making me a more present parent. Life after therapy isn’t perfect—some days are still hard—but I now face challenges with resilience and self-assurance. I’ve rediscovered joy in small moments, like sharing laughs with my kids or feeling secure in my relationship, knowing I’m enough as I am.

If you could say anything to someone considering trauma therapy, what would you tell them?

If you’re considering trauma therapy, take the leap—it’s life-changing. For me, the shift started with my partner’s gentle nudge to seek help, but the real clarity came when I saw my therapist as a coach, guiding me to become my best self. This analogue transformed how I viewed therapy. Just like a coach helps an athlete improve, therapy equipped me with tools to strengthen my mental health, untangle my fears, and rebuild my life. It’s not about fixing something broken; it’s about growing into who you’re meant to be. Therapy can be daunting at first, but it’s a safe space to face your pain and find relief. The process taught me to understand my past and let go of the anxiety that held me back. I now share this perspective with my children and others in my community, hoping to inspire them to seek help sooner than I did. If I can help even one person reach this point of healing quicker than I did, it’s a gift worth giving. You don’t have to carry your pain alone—therapy is a path to freedom, resilience, and hope. Trust yourself to start; you’re stronger than you know.

Anonymous (50yo male high-performer)