How did you find SA counselling?

Daydream · 28-06-2013, 05:31 PM

Hi =)
I've been referred to a counselling charity specialising in women who suffered sexual abuse as children. I'm not sure if I feel good or bad about this impending counselling.

If any of you have had sexual abuse counselling, how did you find it? Did it help or make you feel worse? Any other details about the experience of sexual abuse counselling would help too.

Thanks,
April =) x

tainted angel · 28-06-2013, 09:41 PM

Hi April,

It's really great that you've been referred for counselling. I've had a fair few therapists over the years, and personally found counselling involved me talking a lot, and the therapist saying very little (aside from the odd prompt, or question).

This is probably great for most people, but really didn't help me (there again, my main problem was the PTSD, caused by s*xual assault - and for me as soon as I got help for the PTSD, that was the main thing that led to recovery). BUT that is just me personally, I know many people find counselling really helpful just because it is so non-directive and you can talk about whatever you need at your own pace.

The most important thing to remember to open up at your own pace... there's no need to share everything immediately, you need to build up a rapport first. That said - the point of going is to deal with your emotions, so it is important to be honest when you do feel you are ready to open up.

Good luck with it.

Amaryllis · 30-06-2013, 10:31 PM

It's really helped me talking to someone specifically trained in this area. I can't quantify how it helped, but it did. Immensely.

Daydream · 02-07-2013, 12:53 AM

Thanks both. Am just waiting for an appointment now. It says on the letter that in the start it will make me feel worse is terms of flashbacks, anxiety, etc. Bit worried about it but I think it will work out better in the end =)
April x

crazykat · 17-07-2013, 03:38 PM

I have had sexual abuse counselling before from a service that specifically deals with sexual abuse. I found it helpful as I found they were quite experienced so knew what they were doing. They were also quite helpful in helping me learn skills to be able to deal with things like the flashbacks. However I didn't end up sticking it out as at that time it wasn't something I was ready to deal with. Good luck I hope it goes well for you.

Harbour · 20-07-2013, 10:34 PM

Hi :) that's great you've been referred for counselling. I've just started with a counselling charity that specialises in sexual abuse :). I've only had two sessions and have found it really helpful but I'm having to make an effort to not avoid the subject as that's what I've done with professionals in the past! Feel free to PM me :) xx

not_so_insig · 21-07-2013, 12:03 PM

I had counselling for a month short of two years.

It did make me feel worse, I used to dissociate after each session. It used to make me feel bad the next day, and dead triggered. My psych put me on diazepam because of this.

Also when talking about a specific incident it made me feel so bad that I ran out of the room, down the corridor and into the toilet where I promptly threw up. However I decided to talk about that specific issue, so I must put the blame on me. They didnt force me to talk about anything, and when issues were extremely difficult, gave me plenty of time to talk through the situation.

However saying that I was fine the rest of week. Long term I rarely have flashbacks and also can handle triggers better. Despite the short term feeling of making things worse, long term it has been worth it. My life has been so much better for it. There's a specific place that used to trigger me, basically it doesnt any more.