Survivors’ guide to our counselling services
We understand how difficult it can be to take that first step in accessing help and we thank you for getting in touch with us.
Our aim is to support you regarding your experiences of being a survivor of child sexual abuse. We provide a range of options to help you understand the effects of your abuse so that you can achieve your own recovery from your experiences and move on with your life.
Self referral
Completing our self referral form is your first point of contact with Stepping Stones North Wales. We aim to get in touch with you within four weeks to confirm your referral and once that is done, you will be contacted by your preferred communication method inviting you to attend an initial assessment.
The initial assessment will be undertaken by a qualified and experienced counsellor who will, with you, determine which service is appropriate to you at this time. We offer a range of services including counselling, therapeutic courses and group activities and you will be informed of these if our service is suitable for you.
After your initial assessment, if the service is appropriate for you, you will be placed on our waiting list and will endeavour to offer an appointment that fits in with your availability and specific requirements. For counselling we aim to provide a counsellor in the gender of your choice, preferred method in-person or remote (phone/virtual) counselling in the area of choice and the language of choice.
For therapeutic group activities/courses we provide a safe and secure environment that allows individuals to be respected and we also ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times.
All our counsellors are professionally qualified and are all members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
We believe counselling can help if:
- You feel isolated by your experience
- You feel powerless, like a victim
- You feel different from other people
- You blame yourself for what happened
- You feel hurt, ashamed, confused or angry
- You sometimes feel self destructive or suicidal
- You feel unable to protect yourself
The Counselling Process
The counselling process can be difficult. At times some people can feel worse than before they started the therapy. This is normal as you can work through difficult and complex feelings which can stir up painful memories. The main thing to remember is that we are here to support you through this.
All of our counsellors at Stepping Stones North Wales are experienced in trauma and the impact of child sexual abuse. Our counselling service is primarily person-centred with an integrative approach and each individual counsellor has their own way of working.
We work in a non-judgemental, accepting and clearly boundaried therapeutic relationship with our clients. Within that relationship, over time we work to build up trust that allows you to work through your issues at your own pace.
We really hope we can help you too. So if you do need support then please contact us.