Sexual violence counselling service Expand The sexual violence counselling service offers specialist face to face weekly counselling from our base in North London. The counselling we offer is person centred and empowerment focused working at the woman or girls pace and valuing her as the expert in her life. We recognise that the impact of rape and sexual violence can be long-lasting and can be ‘triggered’ at any time, that as a survivor you may have been coping and surviving for a while but now feel it is time to get the support you deserve. We offer short-term counselling for survivors going through the Criminal Justice Process, and longer-term therapy for survivors who are not choosing this route or who have already been through this process. What is the Sexual Violence service? The Sexual Violence Helpline Independence Sexual Violence Advocates
What other therapeutic help can JWA offer? Expand Group work We offer group work where you can meet other women who have experienced domestic abuse, support each other and share information. The client-led groups are focused on building resources and moving forwards. The groups are facilitated by qualified counsellors. They are free of charge and take place at JWA’s head office. Body therapies We have an holistic approach and offer a few complementary therapies that can help you reduce stress, address body issues and take time to care for yourself. Children’s Therapy We have children’s therapists who can support the children of our clients, and offer parental guidance. For more information on any of these types of therapeutic help, speak to our Domestic Abuse Service.
How can I access the service? Expand If you are already being supported by our Domestic Abuse Service, they can refer you to our counselling service. Alternatively you can contact our Domestic Abuse Service on 0208 445 8060, to arrange an initial meeting and find out more about what we offer. If our service is suitable for you, we will arrange a meeting with our Counselling Manager. She will do an initial consultation, and place you on the waiting list.
Who are the counsellors? Expand Our counsellors are fully-qualified, with a strong understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on women, and the specific issues a client faces as a Jewish woman. All our counsellors work to a recognised professional code of conduct and ethics, provide a highly confidential service and receive regular supervision and training.
How can we help? Expand Weekly sessions with a counsellor in a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space. This can be face-to-face (in London, Manchester and Leeds) or over the phone; 16 weeks of Person-Centred counselling, which can be extended if you and your counsellor feel it is beneficial to do so; Client-led support, regardless of whether you choose to stay in or leave your relationship; We support you to deal with the domestic abuse, whether you are currently experiencing it, or you have experienced it previously; We work within a safeguarding framework, which means we do provide a confidential service, but must always ensure that you and your children are safe. We might sometimes have to involve external agencies, as we will discuss with you in our first meeting.
Why have counselling? Expand Many women who are being controlled or abused in an intimate relationship feel confused, have doubts, and feel unsure about what is really going on. Counselling can help you clarify what is (or was) happening, validate your experiences in a safe environment, and help you find ways of coping. Counselling can help you move forward with your life.
What is JWA counselling? Expand Counselling is a talking therapy, based on regular weekly sessions with a counsellor, in a safe and confidential space. The overall aim of our counselling is to provide you with the opportunity to work towards living in a way that is more satisfying and meaningful. Being client-led, it will give you the opportunity to explore your options in your own way. It can help you to regain your power to make choices, and enable you to start to take back the control that others may have tried to take from you. It is time-out in the week for you; it is YOUR time, and it should be YOUR decision to engage with counselling.