The Process
When the sexual violation occurred, you had no choice in what was happening and we aim to start the counselling sessions by ensuring you have your right of choice restored.
Following initial contact for face-to face support, we make an appointment at a time and place that suits you.
The support workers will be agreed and will be there for you for the duration of your support.
When we meet we listen to you about how you are feeling and in what way you feel you need help. You talk at your own pace and only about what you feel you want to. We do not need to know the intimate details of what you experienced, but will listen if you feel you need to tell us what happened to you - it is your choice whether or not you share your experience with us. You should however be prepared to talk about how the sexual violation has affected your life as this is what we will be working with you to change.
You did not choose to be raped or sexually abused, but you can choose how and when you deal with the consequences of the experience. We can help you understand that whatever has happened, that you did not ask for this and you are not to blame.
We can work with you to build your self-esteem and to support you to make informed choices for moving forward with your life - it won't be easy, but we are there to support you. It is your life and therefore, it is your choice.
Sessions usually last around an hour, but you can telephone your allocated workers if you need to talk between sessions.
You can choose to make another appointment or not or you can contact us again later, if you choose.
