Interpersonal Abuse & Neglect
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Understanding Interpersonal Abuse & Neglect
What is interpersonal abuse and neglect, and when does it become a concern?
Interpersonal abuse and neglect refers to harm that occurs within relationships, whether from a parent, caregiver, partner, or other trusted person. This can include emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect, where a person’s basic emotional or physical needs go unmet. These experiences can happen once or repeatedly, and their impact can last well into adulthood.
Experiencing abuse or neglect can affect how a person sees themselves, trusts others, and navigates relationships. Common effects include low self-esteem, anxiety, difficulty setting boundaries, and challenges forming secure, healthy connections. These patterns often continue until they are recognized and addressed.
At Brock Counselling, our therapists provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process these experiences at your own pace. We work collaboratively to help you understand how past abuse or neglect may be shaping your present, and how to build the tools needed for healing and healthier relationships.
Common signs of abuse or neglect
Emotional & Cognitive
- Low self-esteem or persistent self-blame
- Difficulty trusting others or forming close relationships
- Heightened sensitivity to conflict or criticism
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or unworthiness
- Difficulty identifying or expressing emotions
Physical & Behavioural
- Hypervigilance or difficulty feeling safe
- People-pleasing or difficulty setting boundaries
- Withdrawal from relationships or social situations
- Sleep disturbances or changes in appetite
- Repeating unhealthy relationship patterns
How we support your healing
Our therapists use evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment approaches. Therapy is tailored to each person’s individual goals and needs.
No two journeys look the same, and neither should therapy.
Create Safety & Trust
We begin by building a trusting therapeutic relationship and helping you feel safe, so you can explore difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable.
Understand the Impact
Together we explore how past abuse or neglect has shaped your thoughts, emotions, and relationships, so therapy addresses the root patterns, not just the symptoms.
Build Healthy Patterns
We work on increasing self-worth and confidence, teaching healthy boundary setting, and developing relational skills that support long-term healing and stronger connections.
Treatment Approaches
How we work with interpersonal abuse and neglect
Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based modalities, selecting and blending approaches based on what will work best for you.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Builds cognitive flexibility and helps you move toward your goals, values and the life you want to live.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Identifies and reshapes thought and behaviour patterns shaped by past abuse or neglect.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Supports emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Builds on your existing strengths to create meaningful, lasting change.
Trauma-Informed CBT
Targets distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours connected to abuse or neglect, while teaching psychoeducation, relaxation, and emotional regulation.
What to expect when you reach out
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You’re right – it is! Here’s how the process works at Brock Counselling, so you know exactly what to expect.
1
Brief Consultation
Therapy starts with an initial 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and explore fit with your therapist. This is also a good place to ask your questions about the therapy process.
2
Your First Session
During this appointment, your therapist will spend time getting to know you, your background, the obstacles you're facing, as well as explore your goals for therapy.
This appointment requires you to bring nothing, other than a willingness to participate.
3
Ongoing Support
At the end of the first session, you and your therapist will discuss frequency of sessions, as well as a plan for future sessions.
As you begin to heal, the frequency may change, giving more time in between sessions to allow you to utilize skills and begin to cope.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Choosing to reach out is the hardest part. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right fit — no pressure, no commitment.
Ready When You Are
Book a Free Phone Consultation
Book a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our therapists. During this call, we’ll discuss your needs and goals and explore how our tailored approach can support your healing journey.
FAQs
How do I book an appointment?
There are many ways to book an appointment:
NEW CLIENTS: If you are a NEW client to Brock Counselling, please follow this link to send us a message: Contact Brock Counselling for Support and Therapy Services.
You can also book directly by e-mailing info@brockcounselling.ca or calling us at 905-320-2342.
EXISTING CLIENTS: If you are a CURRENT client, please use the Owl Portal link on the top right-hand side of the page. This will take you to the online booking platform: OWL, where you can book an appointment.
Alternatively, you can reach out to your therapist directly to book an appointment or contact info@brockcounselling.ca.
Therapy may be a good fit if:
- You have a problem that is interfering with your daily life;
- You have unresolved negative feelings that are affecting your work, home tasks, parenting, or relationships;
- Your family doctor recommended that you speak with a social worker or psychotherapist;
- You have been diagnosed with a mental health condition;
- Your coping strategies are harmful to your health and well-being (drinking alcohol in excess, using drugs, disordered eating, isolation, ‘doom scrolling’); OR
- You are looking for impartial feedback about your life and life choices.
People begin therapy for many different reasons. You do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out for support.
Therapy welcomes all individuals and requires no prior experience.
You do not need to bring or prepare anything for your first appointment – other than a willingness to participate and engage in the therapy process.
Your therapist will guide and support you through the first appointment. At the end of this appointment, your therapist will help you with setting goals and discussing what your hopes are for your therapy journey.
The primary differences between an RSW (Registered Social Worker) and a Psychologist are their education and the services they provide.
RSWs hold a Bachelor of Social Work or a Master of Social Work. This allows them to provide psychotherapy in Ontario.
Psychologists hold of Doctor of Psychology. While they can provide psychotherapy, most psychologists exclusively provide mental health assessments (i.e., Psychoeducational assessments, ADHD assessments, autism assessments).
It is best to speak directly with the professional about what services they provide.
Yes! Evening appointments are offered most nights of the week.
Weekend appointments are offered on Saturday morning and early afternoon.
Yes. What you share is confidential and your privacy is prioritized.
The information you share during a therapy session is protected by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), ensuring a safe and trusting therapeutic relationships between you and your therapist.
If you chose to share information with your spouse, family, employer, or other individual, you would sign a written consent. You have the right to revoke this written consent at any time.
Short answer, no.
Services are not offered outside of Ontario.
Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists are governed by separate regulatory bodies.
The Ontario College of Social Workers restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
The College of Registered Psychotherapists also restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
Absolutely!
In fact, fit is very important as it reflects the compatibility between you and your therapist.
Research consistently supports that the relationship between a client and therapist is the single most predictor in therapy success – as opposed to treatment type used, number of sessions, and diagnosis.
It may be a good fit if:
- You feel comfortable opening up, especially about the hard or embarrassing stuff;
- You feel heard, understood, and respected;
- You feel comfortable with your therapist challenging you in healthy ways;
- You genuinely want to attend sessions, even when what you’re talking about is difficult.
Yes, some insurance companies allow for direct billing. Please reach out to the practice directly at info@brockcounselling.ca to inquire if your insurance company is on the list of approvals.