Experiencing a crime can change the way a person sees the world. One day, everything feels normal, and the next, nothing does. For many people, it’s not just about what happened—it’s about how it made them feel. Maybe they don’t feel safe anymore. Maybe they keep replaying the moment in their head. Maybe they’re struggling with fear, anger, or guilt, even though they did nothing wrong.
These feelings are completely normal after something traumatic. But that doesn’t mean they have to last forever. Therapy can help people process what happened, manage their emotions, and feel like themselves again.
Why Does Trauma Affect People So Much?
The brain has a built-in alarm system. When something dangerous happens, this system kicks in, flooding the body with adrenaline and preparing it to fight, run away, or freeze. This is a survival instinct, and it’s useful in life-threatening situations.
But when the danger is over, the brain doesn’t always know how to turn the alarm off. Some people keep feeling on edge, even when they’re safe. Others feel stuck in the past, replaying what happened over and over. This is common for victims of crime, especially those who experienced violence or a violation of trust. This is often diagnosed as trauma.
For some, these feelings fade over time. But for others, they stick around, making it hard to sleep, focus, or enjoy life the way they used to. When that happens, therapy can help reset the alarm system so that the brain understands the danger is over.
How Therapy Helps Crime Victims Recover
Therapy isn’t about forgetting what happened. It’s about helping people process it in a way that doesn’t control their life.
Here’s how therapy can help crime victims feel safe again:
- Understanding Their Reactions
After a traumatic event, people sometimes blame themselves for how they feel. They might think they’re weak for feeling anxious or ashamed for not “moving on” fast enough. A therapist helps them understand that their reactions are completely normal and that healing takes time.
- Learning Coping Strategies
Therapists teach practical ways to manage anxiety, fear, and flashbacks. These might include breathing techniques, grounding exercises, or ways to challenge negative thoughts. The goal is to help people feel more in control of their emotions.
- Processing What Happened in a Safe Space
Talking about a traumatic event can be difficult. Some people avoid it completely because they don’t want to relive the pain. But keeping everything bottled up can make it worse. A therapist helps people work through their experiences at their own pace, in a way that feels safe and manageable.
- Rebuilding Confidence and Trust
Crime can make people feel powerless. It can also make them question whether they can trust others or even trust themselves. Therapy helps rebuild that trust by showing people they are strong, capable, and worthy of feeling safe again.
Types of Therapy That Help After a Crime
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Different types of therapy work for different people, but here are a few commonly used methods:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people identify and change negative thought patterns that might be making their anxiety worse. For example, someone might think, “I’ll never feel safe again.” A therapist would help them challenge that thought and replace it with something more helpful, like, “I feel unsafe right now, but I can take steps to rebuild my sense of security.”
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a therapy designed to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. It uses guided eye movements or other forms of stimulation to make distressing memories feel less intense. Many people find this method helpful for reducing flashbacks and emotional distress.
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Some therapists specialize in trauma recovery. These sessions focus specifically on helping people process their experiences and regain control over their lives.
Group Therapy
Talking to other people who have experienced something similar can be incredibly healing. Group therapy allows crime victims to share their feelings, learn from each other, and feel less alone in their recovery.
Getting Help Through CVAP Counselling
If you’ve been through a crime, getting help shouldn’t be another thing to worry about. That’s where the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) comes in. It can help to cover the cost of counselling, so they can get the support they need without stressing over money.
For those who qualify, CVAP can make a huge difference. It means having a safe space to talk, process what happened, and start healing—without the financial burden. If you or someone you care about is struggling after a crime, checking out CVAP Counselling in British Columbia or somewhere closer to home, could be a good first step toward feeling better.
Healing Takes Time, and That’s Okay
Recovering from a traumatic event isn’t about “getting over it.” It’s about learning how to live with what happened in a way that doesn’t control your life. Some people start feeling better after just a few therapy sessions, while others need more long-term support.
The most important thing is to reach out for help when it’s needed. No one should have to deal with the emotional aftermath of a crime alone. Therapy provides the tools, support, and safe space needed to heal—so that in time, feeling safe again isn’t just possible, but real.