Susie: The Importance of Building Trust
Susie is a woman in her thirties. She hasn’t had her own home for over five years, and struggles with alcohol and other drugs in the community. Susie has been in and out of custody for years and has been in abusive relationships. Susie’s convictions are related to her substance use and the relationships she has been in. She has no family connections except from her dad who is currently in hospital very unwell.
Susie has struggled to build trust and have meaningful healthy relationships with anyone for many years. I have ensured I see her in custody weekly. I have spent my time building trust and helping Susie work through her trauma. We have conversations and work on healthy relationships, boundaries, understanding trauma and emotional wellbeing. There are times I have gone in and she has refused to see me. However, over the time we have worked together, these are getting fewer and even when she is feeling very low she will come out and see me and by the end of our session her spirits have lifted and she is feeling better. I have worked behind the scenes while keeping her updated to arrange support for when she is liberated. We have looked at rehab facilities, counselling, registering with a GP, housing, support from specialist services such as the domestic abuse team, support groups to aid her recovery and hopefully build new friendships.
Susie’s mental health and coping strategies while in custody have improved. She is now in a position where she realises she deserves to have a home, a safe place, and healthy relationships. She has decided to relocate to the area that I cover. She will return initially to her local area but plans to ultimately relocate and give herself a chance to have new beginning and a happy life. Susie has put in a lot of work to improve her situation and has attended assessments including rehabilitation, housing, and Job Centre.
She let me know that she feels her previous support felt different. Susie said “You treat me ‘like a human’ and am honest with me. I respect you because you respect me and that goes a long way. I know and feel I can open up to you which is a big thing for me". I have told Susie that no one should ever treat her any other way; we are people and everyone deserves to be treated well, respected and be around people who they can trust.