Seeking further support – healing and recovery
When seeking further support or signposting, its important to remember that different things work for different people. Always try to offer the person you are working with options on what might suit them best.
What is therapy?
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) describes therapy as a safe and confidential space to talk to a trained professional about issues and concerns. A therapist will help to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Finding and accessing support
There are many different types and methods of counselling and therapy. The choice of therapy may be limited based on where and how it is accessed.
If you think the person you are supporting would benefit from counselling or psychological therapy, you could:
- Speak to their GP about psychological therapies referrals
- Find a local charity that can provide counselling services or psychotherapy
- Contact your local Community Learning Disabilities and or Autism service
- Refer to their local specialist sexual violence service for a support assessment.
Finding support in your local area
You can find support in your local area by looking on the Rape Crisis England and Wales website.
The Survivor Pathway is a guide to the specialist sexual violence services across the South West. It is for professionals, survivors and concerned others.
Respond is a national charity providing therapy and specialist support services to autistic people and/or people with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse, violence, or trauma. Respond provide psychotherapy services, specialist support and peer support services.
Helplines
There are local and national helplines where people can talk about what they have experienced or how they are feeling.
Helplines can provide valuable support while someone is waiting to access therapeutic services.
SARSAS helpline
We provide helpline, live chat and email support 5 days a week for anyone living in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
More information can be found on our website.
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Call free on 08085002222 or online chat.
More information can be found on the website.
Survivors Trust National helpline
National free helpline that operates 7 days a week. Call free on 0808 801 0818 or join a live chat.
More information can be found on the website.
Useful resources
More information
The latest from our news and blogs
Shame must change sides
In four words, Gisèle Pelicot articulated what all women around the world need to hear. I want to explore the experience of shame as a victim of rape, because sometimes it’s just not as easy as “I shouldn’t be ashamed, so I won’t be”.
Rape Culture: not just a buzzword
A university student, who experienced sexual violence during the first month of enrolling, reflects on the aftermath and the pervasive nature of rape culture on campus and within wider society.
The impact of trauma on pregnancy, birth & parenthood
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and for many, it can also be a challenging one. If you’ve experienced rape or sexual abuse, the past trauma can feel like a heavy weight, influencing your experiences throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early stages of parenthood.
