Email us: info@dactari.co.uk
When can counselling help?
Experiencing domestic abuse can sometimes lead to people feeling sad, lonely, anxious, lacking in self confidence and self-esteem, and sometimes experiencing fleeting thoughts of suicide or flashbacks to the abuse that happened. Whilst it might be helpful to know that these are all normal reactions after experiencing abuse, it can make it hard to share your feelings and experiences with others. Counsellors with specialist training know how difficult this can be and will work with you at your pace, so that you can talk about what happened to you in a way that suits you. They understand that the impact of abuse on individuals can last long after the relationship is over, and how difficult it can be to seek help particularly when time has passed. Our list of professionally trained specialist domestic abuse counsellors below can support you wherever you live in the UK, via Zoom or telephone.
The counsellors below can work with you whatever your gender, sexuality or ethnicity. They understand that the impact of the abuse is different for everyone and will work with you on how the abuse impacted you in the context of your life experiences. There are no minimum or maximum numbers of sessions as everyone works at their own pace.
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The counsellors' approach is compassionate and accepting of what happened to you, and counselling sessions are tailored to best suit your individual needs. Whilst they will talk with you about coping strategies where that is helpful, their focus will be more about finding ways to help you to recover from your experiences and to regain your mental health.
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Counselling sessions are private and confidential in accordance with the BACP ethical framework, and you can be assured of a non-judgemental and understanding service. They can help you build your self-confidence and self-esteem, and equip you with the skills and knowledge to move forward towards a brighter future.
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Find out more about counselling using the buttons below or read our blog identifying 10 signs that counselling could be helpful.
About domestic abuse counsellors
If you are looking for a counsellor to work with your domestic abuse experiences, the values you might consider when approaching them are given below.
Professional
The counsellor should be a highly experienced and trained professional . The counsellor should have a deep understanding of the complexity of domestic abuse and the emotional and psychological impacts it can have on individuals.
Empathic
The counsellors should provide a non-judgmental and empathetic environment for their clients. Counsellors should be compassionate and understanding and create a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and experiences.
Supporting
It is very important for a counsellor to support you to develop a better understanding of your experiences and provide practical advice on how to cope with and manage the abuse. This can be through emotional support and guidance to help you to find the strength to make the necessary changes to improve their situation.
Confidential
The counsellor should take confidentiality very seriously. They should be clear about what the limits of confidentiality are and what will happen should something occur that needs to be shared with others. The counsellor should ensure that the counselling is provided in a private and secure environment.
Respect
The counsellor should respect your right to make your own decisions and choices, without judgement. There are no right or wrong answers. Domestic abuse counsellors will be committed to empowering you to take control of your life and to make informed decisions.
Counsellors in private practice who are trained and experienced in domestic abuse work
Jeannette
In counselling, we work at your pace, on the things that matter most to you at that time. By exploring things that have happened, we can often see them differently, and that different perspective can help us to change the way we think and feel about things.
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If you are interested in working with Jeannette, you can find out more about her practice and how to contact her here.
Karen
I work predominantly within a humanistic approach using person-centred therapy. The approach is non-directive and puts you, the client, at the centre of the therapy. My role is to meet you on your level and work alongside you exploring your issues or difficulties. I incorporate CBT techniques if required, and work creatively with clients who wish to explore their work through art.
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If you are interested in working with Karen, you can find out more about her practice and how to contact her here.
Sarah
I help people who have experienced abuse to understand what has happened and the impact it has had. I offer a non-judgmental and respectful safe space where you can discuss whatever is on your mind. My role is to listen and work with you to find a way forward.
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If you are interested in working with Sarah, you can find out more about her practice and how to contact here.
How could I start counselling?
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If you wanted to work with one of the counsellors above, you can contact them directly from the link provided, or you can use the contact form on the website to express interest in counselling and they will then contact you to discuss possible counselling.
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You can then talk with the counsellor to make sure that you have the right 'fit' to work together.
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If you decide to go ahead, the counsellor will contract directly with you to deliver the counselling sessions. They will provide you with written details of the service they offer and their charges for the counselling service.
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Please note that Dactari are no longer involved in the provision of counselling, although we are still committed to helping people find appropriate support. This webpage simply identifies trained and experienced professionals who could provide a counselling service to you. You must decide for your self whether this is the right counsellor for you.
If you feel you need to talk to someone immediately, please see our additional resources for 24-hour helpline services currently available.
