After 30 years in an abusive marriage, Rose came to YWCA Metro St. Louis when her husband threatened to take her life. At 60 years old, she had endured decades of emotional and physical trauma—and decided she deserved a different future.
She moved in with family for safety and began counseling through YWCA’s trauma-informed services. At first, Rose barely spoke during her sessions. Often, she could only cry, repeating the words, “I’m sad,” unable yet to name the full weight of her pain. But even in silence, she was showing up—taking her first steps toward healing.
With time and trust, Rose began to open up. She joined a support group and found strength in hearing other survivors’ stories. Slowly, she started crying less, speaking more, and processing the trauma she had carried for so long. For the first time in her adult life, she began to imagine goals for herself—one of which was living alone.
Rose had never had a place of her own. But she longed for privacy, peace, and a quiet space where she could feel safe. With support from her therapist, who used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and help from YWCA’s housing team, she prepared for a fresh start.
Just six months after beginning her healing journey, Rose secured her first apartment. At her final therapy session, tears returned—but this time with a smile. “These are my happy tears,” she said.
Today, Rose continues counseling, enjoys the calm of her own space, and is prioritizing her mental health for the first time in her life. Her story is a powerful reminder: healing can begin at any age—and it’s never too late to choose peace.