In this episode, Laura answers a listener’s question How can I support someone close who just escaped domestic violence? Leaving an abusive relationship is a complex, ongoing process that requires safety, patience, and deep understanding.

Laura explains the survival state many survivors experience, including hypervigilance, PTSD symptoms, and difficulties trusting others. She offers compassionate, practical advice on how to provide support, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety, respecting the survivor’s timeline, and avoiding judgment.

She also shares actionable steps to help survivors access resources, navigate therapy, and find emotional support through community and relational trauma groups. Laura discusses her personal experience as a survivor and how it shaped her journey into therapy and creating Safe Space.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:45 Introduction & Episode Overview

00:45 - 02:00 Understanding the Nervous System’s Response to Abuse

02:00 - 03:30 Why Safety Comes Before Healing

03:30 - 05:00 Respecting Their Timeline & Decisions

05:00 - 06:30 How to Offer Emotional & Practical Support

06:30 - 08:00 Navigating Therapy & Mental Health Resources

08:00 - 09:30 The Power of Support Groups & Community Healing

09:30 - 11:00 Laura’s Personal Journey & Why Safe Space Exists

11:00 - 12:30 Final Thoughts & Encouragement

Tune in for an important conversation on supporting survivors with compassion, patience, and actionable strategies.

Stay Connected: Submit your questions for future episodes. Join Laura’s Safe Space broadcast channel on Instagram for the exclusive submission link every Sunday night. Follow Laura on Instagram: @lauracaruso.therapy.