CHATR IMPACT STORY

ABDI – VIC PARTICIPANT

When Abdi first engaged with Chatr, he was facing significant financial pressure that was creating uncertainty around his family's housing and future stability. Combined with unresolved trauma, this pressure was affecting his confidence, family relationships and overall well being. The weight of trying to provide for his family while carrying years of unspoken emotional pain had contributed to anger, frustration and disengagement from his Provider.

When Abdi did engage, he was often guarded and reluctant to talk about what was happening beneath the surface. His anger could be the most visible part of his presentation, but underneath was someone carrying enormous pressure and deeply held beliefs about masculinity, vulnerability and asking for help.

Chatr focused on understanding what was driving the disengagement. Through trauma-informed counselling, narrative therapy and psychoeducation, Abdi was supported to understand his trauma responses and the connection between anger, stress and his relationships. Practical emotional regulation and anger-management strategies gave him different ways to respond when overwhelmed, while the therapeutic relationship created a safe, non-judgemental space for him to begin talking about experiences he had carried silently for years.

Alongside counselling, Chatr provided practical support and advocacy to address barriers affecting Abdi's health. This included supporting him to reconnect with medical care, access timely intervention for emerging health concerns and understand the importance of looking after his health as part of his future as a father, partner and worker.

The shift has been significant. As Abdi's wellbeing and confidence strengthened, he re-engaged, became more reflective in his relationships and developed healthier ways of communicating and responding to stress. He successfully returned to employment, restoring income, routine and a renewed sense of purpose, while also rebuilding trust and connection within his family.

“I used to think if I showed emotion, I’d lose respect. Now I know talking is not a weakness–it’s how I got my family back.”

“Working again, earning again–it makes me feel like I’m moving forward. My wife is stable now financially; everything has settled down.”

ABDI – VIC‍ ‍