I've no experience with nurturing someone emotionally abused in a D/s relationship, but I have been through a lot with close friends. I think in part, I feel the need to help, and so they find me.

It may seem contradictory to the D/s relationship, and it very well may be. When I've helped friends through their abuses, I'd given them control over everything we'd do and encourage them every step of the way. With each decision they'd make and each success they'd find, they'd become stronger and regain more of what was taken from them.

To apply this to your relationship as Dom and sub, I'm not entirely sure, as the line would be very grey. I'd think it would be most important to allow her the power to find herself once again. This may mean having a more vanilla relationship.. or perhaps the better wording would be D/s lite.. and allow her the power over herself that she needs in order to heal, all the while teaching her that D/s can be greatly rewarding and reinforcing that you are always there to protect her.

I think what I am trying to say is, being there to protect her and help her is wonderful, but you should be warey of protecting her from herself. If that makes sense. I'm sorry if it sounds nutty, though.. I didn't sleep last night, and I barely function without a nights rest.

Best wishes-
-Kit'sToy