Sexual Violence and Abuse

My experience of working with women who have experienced sexual violence and abuse and exploited women has taught me a lot about the challenges you face as a result of your experiences.

I acknowledge that it is often difficult to express and verbalise the impact of the abuse and the locked-in feelings and emotions and so I offer various modes of working together to suit YOU...

Nothing is expected from you that you don't consent to and freely give...

YOU are in control...
YOU are the expert....
YOU decide the pace and content of the sessions...

What exactly can I offer you as a therapist?

Open-ended access to:
A commitment to building a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship,
Space and time to safely explore your fears,
Respect,
Knowledge and experience of working with women who have experienced sexual violence and abuse.
Unconditional Positive Regard,
Confidentiality,
Patience,
Respect,
Warmth,
Trust and Belief
Help with tapping into your inner resources of self-care/self compassion.

"Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking our potential."
Liane Cordes

Therapies:

I can offer a non-threatening, non-judgemental exploration of your emotional pain....

Talking, exploring, guided discovery, listening, acknowledging...

Other modes through the Arts:

Sand Tray Therapy
Stone Therapy
Drawing

"I want to get you excited about who you are, what you are, what you have, and what can still be for you.
I want to inspire you to see that you can go far beyond where you re right now."
Virginia Satir

What do I require from YOU?
In a nutshell:

• Willingness
• Time
  
• Curiousity
  
• Patience
  
• Courage
• Commitment
  
  We can explore these together...
  

".... as awareness increases, the need for personal secrecy almost proportionately decreases."
Charlotte Painter

 

Support information:

SERICC.org.uk

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre.

http://rasasc.bizview.co.uk/

National Helpline: 0808 802 9999

Open every day 12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm

Rape Crisis (England and Wales): www.rapecrisis.org.uk/

Scotland Rape Crisis: www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk/

 

Ruth Herrtage
Counsellor/Psychotherapist
WCHC