Haneen, a 28-year-old woman, embarked on a courageous journey to heal the deep wounds of her past with the support of an Arab Woman Today (AWT) counselor. Her story began with heartbreak—her parents separated when she was just nine years old, leaving her with a profound sense of abandonment. This pivotal moment shaped much of her childhood and adulthood, influencing how she viewed herself, her relationships, and her place in the world.

As she grew older, Haneen struggled to find stability and connection. Her past experiences, including neglect and abuse, haunted her, making it difficult to form meaningful and secure relationships. Instead, she found herself caught in a cycle of fleeting connections that left her feeling even more isolated. Overwhelmed by despair, Haneen sometimes entertained thoughts of self-harm, a stark reflection of the pain she carried within.

Realizing that she could no longer bear this burden alone, Haneen reached out to AWT. It was here that her journey of healing began.

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The First Steps: Establishing Safety and Trust

Haneen’s initial counseling session with the AWT counselor was a milestone. She was met with warmth and empathy, and the counselor immediately created a safe and nonjudgmental space for her to open up. During the session, Haneen shared her struggles for the first time—her pain from childhood abandonment, the trauma of neglect and abuse, and the weight of failed relationships.

The counselor listened attentively, validating Haneen’s experiences while reassuring her that healing was possible. Together, they developed an emergency plan to ensure her safety during moments of crisis. This included a 24/7 contact option for support and strategies to manage overwhelming emotions, such as grounding exercises and breathing techniques.

One grounding exercise, for example, involved Haneen taking mindful walks in nature, focusing on the cool breeze, the sound of rustling leaves, and the beauty of her surroundings. This helped her connect with the present moment and find a sense of calm amidst her turmoil.

As trust grew between Haneen and the AWT counselor, the sessions delved deeper. They worked together to untangle the impact of her childhood experiences. Haneen learned to identify and name her emotions—sadness, anger, guilt, and fear—and trace their roots to specific events.

The counselor guided Haneen through the delicate process of addressing her childhood trauma, including the abuse she endured. They discussed how these experiences had shaped her self-worth and her struggles with intimacy and trust. Importantly, Haneen began to reframe her story—not as one of victimhood, but as a testament to her strength and resilience.

With the support of her counselor, Haneen began to construct a new narrative for her life—one rooted in hope, healing, and empowerment. The AWT counselor introduced tailored techniques to help her rebuild her emotional foundation:

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1. Faith as a Pillar of Strength: Haneen’s counselor encouraged her to draw from her faith as a source of comfort and guidance. They prayed together, focusing on finding peace through God’s presence and grace. This practice became a cornerstone of Haneen’s healing journey.

2. Visualization of a Safe Place: Haneen was encouraged to imagine a sanctuary where she felt secure and protected. This mental exercise helped her find inner peace during moments of anxiety or self-doubt.

3. Establishing Boundaries: Together, they explored how to set healthy boundaries in her relationships—empowering Haneen to prioritize her emotional well-being without guilt or fear.

4. Recognizing Her Worth: The counselor provided affirmations and exercises to help Haneen rebuild her self-esteem, reminding her that she was valuable and deserving of love and respect.

5. Coping with Triggers: Breathing exercises, journaling, and techniques like grounding were introduced to help her manage emotional triggers and stay present during difficult moments.

 

Haneen’s sessions with the AWT counselor became a lifeline, offering her support and clarity during her most challenging times. Over the weeks, she began to notice a shift—moments of despair were met with tools and strategies that brought her peace. She expressed gratitude for the unwavering presence of the AWT team, describing their role as pivotal in her journey.

As her healing continued, Haneen embraced the idea of progress over perfection. She understood that healing wasn’t linear but was inspired by the hope her counselor instilled in her. They often spoke about the light waiting at the end of the tunnel and the strength God gives in moments of weakness.

Today, Haneen looks toward the future with renewed hope. While her journey is ongoing, she is no longer defined by her past but by her courage to heal. With the support of her AWT counselor, her faith, and her resilience, Haneen is creating a life marked by peace, purpose, and empowerment.

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Outcomes

1. Emotional Stability: Through counseling, Haneen developed effective tools to manage her emotions, such as grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and a safe place visualization. These practices helped her cope with anxiety and navigate moments of despair, fostering a sense of stability and inner peace.

2. Reframing Self-Worth: With the counselor’s guidance, Haneen began to view herself not as a victim but as a resilient survivor. She rebuilt her self-esteem, learned to set healthy boundaries, and recognized her inherent worth and dignity.

3. Faith-Driven Hope: Haneen’s faith became a cornerstone of her healing journey. Through prayer and reflection, she found renewed strength and a sense of purpose, realizing that her healing was part of a greater plan filled with hope and grace.

4. Progress Toward Healthy Relationships: By addressing her past trauma, Haneen broke free from the cycle of unfulfilling relationships. She gained the tools and confidence to approach future connections with trust, boundaries, and a healthier perspective on intimacy.