SARSASSupport and informationSupport servicesCounselling

Counselling

Our counselling is for people of all genders, aged 18+ and is provided by qualified practitioners who are trained and experienced in working safely with people affected by rape and sexual abuse.

Where can I get SARSAS counselling?

We currently offer counselling in the following areas:

BANES (Bath)
Bristol
North Somerset (Weston-Super-Mare)
Somerset (Taunton, Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil)
South Glos (Iron Acton)

Please check the survivor pathway website for information about services in your area

About counselling

All of our counsellors work using a ‘trauma-informed approach’. This means we understand how the trauma of rape and sexual abuse can affect a person and can help you understand how it may impact on you and your day-to-day life.

The sessions will be personal to you and your needs at the time, as each person may experience similar feelings as a result of rape and sexual abuse, but no experience or needs in counselling will ever be the same.

Examples of things trauma-informed counselling can offer you include:

A safe space to talk and receive full attention to your needs
Information on how the brain works, how trauma can affect the brain, how you’re feeling and why (This is sometimes referred to as ‘psychoeducation’)
Help to develop tools to reduce, halt and turn the volume down on overwhelming trauma symptoms such as flashbacks, night terrors, panic and anxiety
Support towards improving your quality of life, day to day, and making the experience of intense feelings feel more manageable
A place to think things through and help you look after yourself and others
Learning how to make sense of what happened to you and why, and to understand more about who you are
An investment into your healing and moving forward with your life.

SARSAS is an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) http://www.bacp.co.uk/ and all of our Counsellors adhere to the standards set out in the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions

“My therapy….was beyond what I’d ever expected. She asked me questions that I’d never considered and saw things in a different way that helped me to obtain a more rounded view and less self-judgmental approach to my trauma. I’m so grateful to her. She really has changed my life and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank her enough.”
SARSAS Client 2022

Frequently asked questions

Who can access SARSAS counselling services?

Our counselling is for people of all genders 18+ (women, men and people who identify as non-binary) across Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Somerset.
In Somerset, we also provide counselling for children and young people of all genders, including non-binary young people, aged 13 to 18 through the Somerset Phoenix Project.

How do I access counselling support?

You will need to contact us to arrange an initial assessment appointment. You can also complete our online form and we will get in touch with you. This appointment is an opportunity for you to find out more about us and the services we offer. We will also find out a bit more about you. Together, we will decide what might be the right service for you to access.

How long will I have to wait after the initial appointment until I start my counselling?

There is a waiting list for counselling in all areas. We will offer you an initial counselling appointment as soon as we can, but it is likely that you will have to wait at least several months until a space becomes available. We do prioritise young people. We will be able to give you an idea about likely waiting times at your Assessment. Other services including Helpline, Live Chat and E-support will be available to you while you are waiting.

Is the support provided in an accessible building?

We aim to provide counselling in accessible buildings. We will check your access or other comfort needs when arranging an initial appointment and do all we can to meet them.

How many counselling sessions can I have?

SARSAS usually offers 12 sessions initially, with the option to continue up to 24, depending on your needs. We will agree, together, on how many sessions are best for you, as you progress through your counselling and regularly review your progress.

How long is a session?

Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes, every week at the same time.

Will I see the same person each week?

Yes. In very rare circumstances, such as if your counsellor leaves SARSAS, or if you feel unable to work together with your allocated counsellor for any reason, we will offer you another counsellor with as much notice as possible.

When can I access counselling?

We have different availability at our various venues, always on weekdays. We will talk to you about this at your initial appointment. If your availability changes after this, please let us know.

Do you have weekend or evening availability?

We do not have any weekend availability. We have limited availability for evening appointments in certain areas. We will talk to you about this at your initial appointment.

I do not speak English. Can I still get counselling with SARSAS?

We have access to a telephone interpreting service to support you in your counselling sessions.

Do you offer online, Skype, FaceTime, or telephone counselling?

Most of our counselling will be offered face to face. However, we also provide counselling online via Microsoft Teams and on the telephone. Since COVID-19, our counsellors are fully trained to provide sessions remotely and effectively when it is suitable for you. If you have accessibility needs which means that you can only access counselling remotely, you can discuss this at your initial appointment.

What if I have to miss a session?

During your first session, we will ask you about any holidays or dates which mean you are unable to attend your session. Depending on the type of counselling you are having, you will be able to book up to 3 pre-planned holiday dates in advance. Any other sessions missed, will be counted as a session, and deducted from your total number of sessions. We expect that you will attend your sessions regularly.

Will you tell anyone what I tell you?

What you share with SARSAS remains confidential; however, there are some exceptions. We may need to share information if you tell us that you or someone else, especially children, are at risk of harm, and certain other legal requirements. We can discuss this more with you in your initial appointment.

Can I talk to my counsellor about what happened to me?

Yes. Many people want to talk about what happened to them but have never been able to tell anyone. Our counsellors provide a safe space for you to be able to do that. Re-telling traumatic events can sometimes be very difficult and triggering, so we aim to create a safe space first.

Will I have to have to tell my counsellor everything?

No. You can tell your counsellor whatever you are comfortable with at the times you feel able to. Many people experience the benefits of counselling without sharing the exact details of what happened to them and there is no pressure to speak about the abuse you experienced at any time – we can work with the feelings without knowing the facts.

The police are investigating the rape/sexual abuse. Can I still access counselling?

Yes. SARSAS counsellors are trained to deliver Pre-Trial Therapy, in a way that will not put your upcoming court case at risk. However, it does mean there may be some limitations to your counselling as you will not be able to discuss any details of the incident(s) during sessions, but you can receive support that focusses on the impact on your day to day coping. We will talk to you more about this at the initial appointment if you have a case that is being investigated.

What happens when the counselling ends?

You can contact SARSAS for a further Assessment of your current needs and a new support plan after a 12-month break following the end of your counselling. You will be able to use other services including the Helpline, Live Chat and E-support in the meantime, and you will be able to access group work.

Can I see my SARSAS counsellor privately after ending?

No. SARSAS counsellors are unable to provide counselling to previous clients, when they are working in private practice. If you would like to access private counselling afterwards you can search the BACP website and the Counselling directory.

How much do I have to pay for sessions?

Nothing. SARSAS counselling is free of charge. As a charity, we are always in need of funding and any donations are gratefully received, however, there is absolutely no obligation to donate.

Does SARSAS offer counselling placements?

Unfortunately, we aren’t offering counselling placements at this time but please keep checking out our website for more information.

Useful resources

SARSAS self-help guide

Useful links

Free online course - Trauma and recovery: the SARSAS self-help guide

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Counselling

Where can I get SARSAS counselling?

About counselling

Frequently asked questions

Useful resources

Useful links

Share this page

In this section

The latest from our news and blogs

Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex (TNBI) Support Group

Sleep and trauma

Celebrating Pride: Standing with LGBTQIA+ Victim-Survivors

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