HANNAH MCKIMM

“In the wake of events surrounding Jeffrey Donaldson’s resignation, a wave of emotions will undoubtedly be triggered across our community” said Belfast-based trauma-informed therapeutic coach Hannah McKimm of Hannah McKimm Coaching.

“As an expert in sexual trauma, I want to first speak directly to any survivor of sexual trauma. Your voice matters, and it’s never too late to seek justice and healing in whatever way that feels right for you to find your way forward,” said Hannah, 36.

As a survivor of sexual trauma, Hannah leverages her personal journey and professional expertise to advocate for survivors’ empowerment. Reflecting on her work as a trauma-informed therapeutic coach, Hannah explained: “In my work, it is incredibly moving and powerful to see survivors come forward and seek support to find a way through the impact of their experiences.

“I see the worst in humanity in hearing how people have been treated but also the best in people to see how they can find the strength and resilience to build a path of growth beyond this trauma. It also reminds me of the strength that lies in speaking our truth.”

For many survivors, especially when the perpetrator is in a position of authority, the dynamics of power and control can be a significant obstacle in their journey to speaking out. Fear of not being believed, retaliation, and the overwhelming sense of isolation can add to the feelings of shame and turmoil they will already be experiencing. However, breaking that silence can be a significant step towards reclaiming your life following sexual trauma.

Hannah said Brené Brown brilliantly captured the essence of why breaking the silence is so crucial, she explained: “If you put shame in a petri dish, it needs three ingredients to grow exponentially: secrecy, silence, and judgement. If you put the same amount of shame in the petri dish and douse it with empathy, it can’t survive.”

This highlights the transformative power of empathy and the importance of creating safe spaces where survivors can speak their truth without fear of judgement.

Hannah believes this highlights the transformative power of empathy and the importance of creating safe spaces where survivors can speak their truth without fear of judgement.

“For survivors, speaking out is more than a call for justice; it’s an act of reclaiming your power and shows others that they are not alone in their struggles.

“This is one of the reasons why I spoke up in 2021 about my own experiences, after which one survivor told me, “You have now given me hope that I can do this too”.

For survivors considering this step Hannah’s advice is:

• Know that your safety and well-being come first

• Find someone you trust and most importantly feel safe with, whether that’s a friend, family member, or professional, this can be your first step towards healing.

• Know that people may not react how you would like but that your truth is valid and you deserve to be heard.

Hannah added: “This is one of the main reasons why I have created my therapeutic coaching group ‘Growth Beyond Trauma’ to provide a space where survivors can share their stories, find understanding, and begin the journey of healing in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them. It is about more than just surviving, it highlights how growth and thriving are available and possible for everyone.

“Whether you get support through ‘Growth Beyond Trauma’ or another support avenue, of which there are many in Northern Ireland, reaching out is a courageous first step toward a life beyond the impacts of trauma.

“In the coming days, weeks or months, if someone discloses any sort of sexual trauma to you, please listen to them without judgement and most importantly let them know you believe them and that there is support out there.”

Let’s build a community where every survivor knows they are not alone, their story matters, and healing is within reach.

Hannah McKimm, 36, is a Belfast-based trauma-informed therapeutic coach. As a survivor of sexual trauma, she leverages her personal journey and professional expertise to advocate for survivors’ empowerment. After a career in the Film and TV industry, including work on ‘Game of Thrones’, Hannah pursued a Master’s in Art Psychotherapy as well as additional training in trauma-informed practice and Brainspotting. Her transformation led her to found Hannah McKimm Coaching, where she supports individuals through one-on-one sessions, group coaching, and public speaking.

Hannah’s work extends to policy advisory roles, contributing to the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy and the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy. Her podcast, “Growth Beyond Trauma”, is a Top 100 hit on the Apple self-development chart, and her insights are featured in the Amazon bestseller “Step Aside and Rise”.

Committed to creating emotionally safe environments, Hannah is developing a trauma-informed training programme for businesses and workplaces. Hannah’s story and her advocacy for cultural change against violence towards women and girls in Northern Ireland have been shared on various media platforms, including ITV, The Irish Independent and the Belfast Telegraph.