A Client’s Journey

This painting is an honest depiction of how I was feeling when I was referred to the Wexford Rape Crisis Centre. I was trying to break free from a very toxic narcissistic relationship which had absolutely devastated and destroyed me. I felt like my heart and soul had been ripped from body. I felt a physical pain from the hurt that I was going through. I was in a really dark place and felt completely hopeless. I honestly didn’t want to wake up in the morning. I had frequent suicidal ideation. The gold represents the small pieces of ‘me’ that were left after years of mental, physical, emotional abuse…the gaslighting, manipulation, cruelty and fear. I didn’t recognise myself anymore and that was deeply upsetting and scary. I was in desperate need of help.

This painting represents how I was feeling after receiving counselling at the Wexford Rape Crisis Centre.

It helped me so so much. I can see the value in myself again. I have hope again. I feel so much lighter and brighter. I’m no longer in that horrible dark place and I actually give thanks for every new day. The wings symbolise a phoenix, rising from the ashes, as well as my ability to just be myself again. I feel like my heart and soul are mine again. On a spiritual note, I feel connected to the heavens and to the earth again and it feels amazing to feel joy in being me again.