Counselling

Counselling Services for People Who Have Been Sexually Abused

Specialist counselling can help you to:

• Heal your emotional past and support your self-esteem.
• Understand yourself and your problems better.
• Deal with issues that are preventing you from moving forward including feelings of guilt and shame.
• Identify ways of finding your own solutions to problems.
• Create change or find better ways of coping with the consequences of abuse.

What to expect from counselling:

Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their problems in a safe and confidential space.  Its aim is to help you deal with, and work through, difficult thoughts and feelings that you may be having.

The counsellor is there to support you and respect your views.  They will not usually give you advice (unless appropriate), but will help you find your own insight and understanding of your problems.

• A counselling session normally lasts for an hour.
• During the counselling session, you will be encouraged to explore your feelings and emotions freely.
• A counsellor may be able to help you recognise effects of other people and their actions, and explore alternative ways of coping with them.
• It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and can facilitate you in reaching a positive solution.

Groupwork

As well as one to one counselling, some voluntary organisations provide group support.  Service users meet up in a group and discuss things in a confidential space. The group is normally facilitated by a member of staff to ensure that members of the group are supported and that all information is contained.