Sexual Abuse Counselling in Harpenden

Photo of Helene Clarke, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Helene Clarke
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
I am an experienced, accredited and qualified counsellor and psychotherapist and care deeply about what I do. You may be depressed, anxious, stressed, angry or have relationship problems or work-related difficulties. I will listen to you with empathy and without judgement so that can I see your world through your eyes and so that you feel heard. If your thoughts and feelings are confusing, conflicted or unclear, I will work with you collaboratively to unravel and make sense of them.
I am an experienced, accredited and qualified counsellor and psychotherapist and care deeply about what I do. You may be depressed, anxious, stressed, angry or have relationship problems or work-related difficulties. I will listen to you with empathy and without judgement so that can I see your world through your eyes and so that you feel heard. If your thoughts and feelings are confusing, conflicted or unclear, I will work with you collaboratively to unravel and make sense of them.
01582 377389 View 01582 377389
Photo of Rachel Angus, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Rachel Angus
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Do you feel stuck or unable to find a way forward? Are you navigating a difficult life event? Do you struggle to manage stress or anxiety? Are you interested in self-development and understanding yourself better? I work collaboratively and compassionately with my clients, supporting them through any life challenges they may be facing.
Do you feel stuck or unable to find a way forward? Are you navigating a difficult life event? Do you struggle to manage stress or anxiety? Are you interested in self-development and understanding yourself better? I work collaboratively and compassionately with my clients, supporting them through any life challenges they may be facing.
01582 377166 View 01582 377166
Photo of Mariangela Milioto, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Mariangela Milioto
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Want to explore what's brought you to therapy in a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental setting? I'm an Integrative psychotherapist - the essence of my practice is to work with you transparently and with warmth, empathy, humour and gentle challenge.  Perhaps you’re struggling - feeling alone and isolated.  Maybe you’re overwhelmed, depressed, burnt out or anxious.  It could be that what you’re experiencing isn’t any of these - maybe you don't feel yourself and you don’t know why.  If you’re experiencing any of these feelings, sharing your burden through counselling can help. 
Want to explore what's brought you to therapy in a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental setting? I'm an Integrative psychotherapist - the essence of my practice is to work with you transparently and with warmth, empathy, humour and gentle challenge.  Perhaps you’re struggling - feeling alone and isolated.  Maybe you’re overwhelmed, depressed, burnt out or anxious.  It could be that what you’re experiencing isn’t any of these - maybe you don't feel yourself and you don’t know why.  If you’re experiencing any of these feelings, sharing your burden through counselling can help. 
01582 377470 View 01582 377470
Photo of Erica Spencer Green - Valley Counselling, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Valley Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Problems are personal, bereavement, depression, stress, relationship breakdowns and anxiety can all feel unbearable and isolating. The reasons for seeking counselling or psychotherapy are as unique and varied as we are. Sometimes we have an idea of what is annoying or upsetting us. Sometimes we struggle to understand issues that darken our days. We might enter a cycle of blame or self-loathing in which we get lost, finding it difficult to move forwards in our lives.
Problems are personal, bereavement, depression, stress, relationship breakdowns and anxiety can all feel unbearable and isolating. The reasons for seeking counselling or psychotherapy are as unique and varied as we are. Sometimes we have an idea of what is annoying or upsetting us. Sometimes we struggle to understand issues that darken our days. We might enter a cycle of blame or self-loathing in which we get lost, finding it difficult to move forwards in our lives.
01727 638101 View 01727 638101
Photo of Anna Walton, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Anna Walton
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Psychotherapy will help you to make sense of emotional difficulties and relieve unaddressed and ongoing struggle. The process encourages you to reflect more deeply and can ultimately change unhelpful perspectives about yourself. It allows you to see what choices you have, including what needs to be accepted and what can be changed. Increased reflectivity leads to a stronger sense of self, deeper inner confidence and improved relationships. I work with clients who have experienced childhood trauma, adult trauma, relationship, sexuality and gender issues, abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, bereavement, stress, and low self-esteem.
Psychotherapy will help you to make sense of emotional difficulties and relieve unaddressed and ongoing struggle. The process encourages you to reflect more deeply and can ultimately change unhelpful perspectives about yourself. It allows you to see what choices you have, including what needs to be accepted and what can be changed. Increased reflectivity leads to a stronger sense of self, deeper inner confidence and improved relationships. I work with clients who have experienced childhood trauma, adult trauma, relationship, sexuality and gender issues, abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, bereavement, stress, and low self-esteem.
020 3835 5906 View 020 3835 5906
Photo of Stephanie Day, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist
Stephanie Day
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Though you may feel apprehensive about seeking therapy I am here to put you at ease and offer a free consultation to discuss your needs. I will help you achieve a deep understanding of your difficulties and why you may feel stuck. The way we frame our experiences and the beliefs we hold about ourselves and the world are the cause of self-disturbance. I will show you how to overcome this so you can achieve a complete, transformative and permanent change. We will literally rewire your brain by creating new neural pathways, and you'll become your own therapist, equipped with the knowledge to live life with freedom and happiness.
Though you may feel apprehensive about seeking therapy I am here to put you at ease and offer a free consultation to discuss your needs. I will help you achieve a deep understanding of your difficulties and why you may feel stuck. The way we frame our experiences and the beliefs we hold about ourselves and the world are the cause of self-disturbance. I will show you how to overcome this so you can achieve a complete, transformative and permanent change. We will literally rewire your brain by creating new neural pathways, and you'll become your own therapist, equipped with the knowledge to live life with freedom and happiness.
01582 377237 View 01582 377237
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 4538 6806 View 020 4538 6806
Photo of Rachel Milroy, Psychotherapist
Rachel Milroy
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
People seek therapy when they are dissatisfied or unhappy and feel that it is possible to make changes but this is very difficult alone. Psychotherapy is a particular type of conversation exploring thoughts, feelings and relationships. Psychotherapy offers the opportunity to think about what is troubling in a safe setting to understand and improve relationships, both with ourselves and others. My thinking and approach places relationships at the heart of experience. When patterns in relationships can be understood we can feel liberated to change.
People seek therapy when they are dissatisfied or unhappy and feel that it is possible to make changes but this is very difficult alone. Psychotherapy is a particular type of conversation exploring thoughts, feelings and relationships. Psychotherapy offers the opportunity to think about what is troubling in a safe setting to understand and improve relationships, both with ourselves and others. My thinking and approach places relationships at the heart of experience. When patterns in relationships can be understood we can feel liberated to change.
01952 780151 View 01952 780151
Photo of Tania Cohen, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Tania Cohen
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harpenden AL5
Welcome to my profile. I am a BACP senior accredited psychotherapist. I have worked in mental health for over 20 years, qualifying as an integrative counsellor in 2004, and am experienced in working with children and adults for a wide range and depth of issues. I work from a humanistic perspective which provides a foundation for me to work with you using a combination of therapeutic approaches such as CBT and mindfulness that are best suited to individual requirements and the issues that you would like to work through. I work confidently and from an empathic, gentle yet focused heartspace in both long and short term frameworks.
Welcome to my profile. I am a BACP senior accredited psychotherapist. I have worked in mental health for over 20 years, qualifying as an integrative counsellor in 2004, and am experienced in working with children and adults for a wide range and depth of issues. I work from a humanistic perspective which provides a foundation for me to work with you using a combination of therapeutic approaches such as CBT and mindfulness that are best suited to individual requirements and the issues that you would like to work through. I work confidently and from an empathic, gentle yet focused heartspace in both long and short term frameworks.
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Photo of Jennifer Kabelis, MBACP, Counsellor
Jennifer Kabelis
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Are you feeling the weight of a mental health struggle? Is the burden of work or the demands of daily life becoming too much to bear? You don't have to face these hardships alone. If you’re contending with anxiety or depression, reeling from the impact of a traumatic experience, wrestling with relationship issues, or navigating the delicate process of grief, there is hope and help available.
Are you feeling the weight of a mental health struggle? Is the burden of work or the demands of daily life becoming too much to bear? You don't have to face these hardships alone. If you’re contending with anxiety or depression, reeling from the impact of a traumatic experience, wrestling with relationship issues, or navigating the delicate process of grief, there is hope and help available.
01727 221418 View 01727 221418
Photo of Joanna Morrin, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Joanna Morrin
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harpenden AL5
Asking for help can be difficult and contacting a therapist may feel scary. That’s why from our first contact I aim to create a safe, confidential non-judgemental space for you to explore your difficulties. Talking to a therapist offers a different perspective on how you feel and relate to others. We’ll draw on your past and present to find new ways to move forward for the best future for you. We can all get stuck reacting in ways that are not always useful to our wellbeing. Working with a psychotherapist brings insight into how we react, why we react that way, and changing negative patterns thinking, feeling and behaviour.
Asking for help can be difficult and contacting a therapist may feel scary. That’s why from our first contact I aim to create a safe, confidential non-judgemental space for you to explore your difficulties. Talking to a therapist offers a different perspective on how you feel and relate to others. We’ll draw on your past and present to find new ways to move forward for the best future for you. We can all get stuck reacting in ways that are not always useful to our wellbeing. Working with a psychotherapist brings insight into how we react, why we react that way, and changing negative patterns thinking, feeling and behaviour.
01727 227289 View 01727 227289
Photo of Sue Adams, MBACP, Counsellor
Sue Adams
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Taking the step to ask for help is often the hardest thing we do. I think as adults we feel as if we "should be able to cope" or "others have it harder" and that in some way needing help or someone to talk to in difficult times is showing a weakness. We invest time and money in keeping our bodies in shape and while that is the vehicle that gets us through our life we need to care for our other parts too. Our emotions and our relationships constantly need recognition and yet we only seek help when we reach a crisis point. So whether you are at a crisis point or struggling with anxiety, depression or a bereavement I am here to help.
Taking the step to ask for help is often the hardest thing we do. I think as adults we feel as if we "should be able to cope" or "others have it harder" and that in some way needing help or someone to talk to in difficult times is showing a weakness. We invest time and money in keeping our bodies in shape and while that is the vehicle that gets us through our life we need to care for our other parts too. Our emotions and our relationships constantly need recognition and yet we only seek help when we reach a crisis point. So whether you are at a crisis point or struggling with anxiety, depression or a bereavement I am here to help.
01727 733176 View 01727 733176
Photo of Amy Engleman, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Amy Engleman
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Are you upset and overwhelmed by relationships, work situations, family issues? That sense of panic and over thinking where your body feels stressed & the anxiety rockets? Did something happen that you have not shared with anyone, or feel nobody ‘gets it’? Has it felt too big & yet needs sorting and resolving? It’s understandable to feel frustrated, anxious or angry. Dealing with those feelings while maintaining a family, job & ‘a busy life’ can feel like hard work. “There needs to be more to life” & “It needs to be better than this “ are often said. To feel free from the past, to build a confidence in yourself.
Are you upset and overwhelmed by relationships, work situations, family issues? That sense of panic and over thinking where your body feels stressed & the anxiety rockets? Did something happen that you have not shared with anyone, or feel nobody ‘gets it’? Has it felt too big & yet needs sorting and resolving? It’s understandable to feel frustrated, anxious or angry. Dealing with those feelings while maintaining a family, job & ‘a busy life’ can feel like hard work. “There needs to be more to life” & “It needs to be better than this “ are often said. To feel free from the past, to build a confidence in yourself.
01727 638148 View 01727 638148
Photo of Laura Drane, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Laura Drane
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Harpenden AL5
Do you suffer with addictive and self-sabotaging behaviours? Keep repeating destructive patterns? Need help to stop addictive and compulsive actions? You may have a history of staying in and returning to unfulfilling relationships. You may suspect that you suffer with codependence, love addiction, or an addiction to sex and pornography. I can help you uncover answers. I provide a compassionate and straightforward approach to therapy. Together we will explore your current circumstances and look for the reasons behind them. Then we will work towards a solution.
Do you suffer with addictive and self-sabotaging behaviours? Keep repeating destructive patterns? Need help to stop addictive and compulsive actions? You may have a history of staying in and returning to unfulfilling relationships. You may suspect that you suffer with codependence, love addiction, or an addiction to sex and pornography. I can help you uncover answers. I provide a compassionate and straightforward approach to therapy. Together we will explore your current circumstances and look for the reasons behind them. Then we will work towards a solution.
01920 452588 View 01920 452588
Photo of Lucy Shaw, BPC, Psychotherapist
Lucy Shaw
Psychotherapist, BPC
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
I understand it can be hard to approach therapy for the first time, or maybe you are currently in need of support during an uncertain time or are feeling distressed. It can feel difficult knowing where to start. We would work together to explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviours so you can better understand yourself and others. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy can support you and give you understanding about your emotional responses to life events and insight to help cope in times of stress. I offer a safe and confidential space, where you can begin to make sense of your feelings and to identify how you would like to move forward.
I understand it can be hard to approach therapy for the first time, or maybe you are currently in need of support during an uncertain time or are feeling distressed. It can feel difficult knowing where to start. We would work together to explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviours so you can better understand yourself and others. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy can support you and give you understanding about your emotional responses to life events and insight to help cope in times of stress. I offer a safe and confidential space, where you can begin to make sense of your feelings and to identify how you would like to move forward.
01727 222209 View 01727 222209
Photo of Monika Dedus-Fanthom, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Monika Dedus-Fanthom
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
I am an integrative psychotherapist with specialisation in couple and sexual therapy. I work with all male and female sexual difficulties as well as couple/relationship difficulties. I also have extensive experience in working with people struggling with mood disorders, depression and anxiety as well as loss and life transitions.
I am an integrative psychotherapist with specialisation in couple and sexual therapy. I work with all male and female sexual difficulties as well as couple/relationship difficulties. I also have extensive experience in working with people struggling with mood disorders, depression and anxiety as well as loss and life transitions.
01234 675753 View 01234 675753
Photo of Paulette Adams, MBACP, Counsellor
Paulette Adams
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
There are times in our lives when our ability to cope alone is significantly diminished. You may be there right now. Perhaps negative experiences from the past, or significant life changing experiences have altered the way you think, feel, or behave. You want to move forward, but just can't seem to break the cycle of shame, guilt and fear? You may be unsure who you can trust? My personal experience and faith in God's transforming power fuels my passion to come alongside the hurting, wounded, confused, lonely and voiceless as I witness broken lives being restored.
There are times in our lives when our ability to cope alone is significantly diminished. You may be there right now. Perhaps negative experiences from the past, or significant life changing experiences have altered the way you think, feel, or behave. You want to move forward, but just can't seem to break the cycle of shame, guilt and fear? You may be unsure who you can trust? My personal experience and faith in God's transforming power fuels my passion to come alongside the hurting, wounded, confused, lonely and voiceless as I witness broken lives being restored.
01582 310669 View 01582 310669
Photo of Juliet Grace, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Juliet Grace
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Most of us want a sense of purpose, need meaning, and strive for balance and peace in our lives. My clients are often working through difficult and knotty issues which can evoke confusion, sadness and shame. If you are thinking about therapy you may be feeling sad, lost, confused, anxious, angry, depressed or overwhelmed. Or you may want to take a step back, reassess your life and start to live it differently. Whatever your situation I will work with you to help you reach an accommodation and understanding which helps you to move forwards with your life in a positive way.
Most of us want a sense of purpose, need meaning, and strive for balance and peace in our lives. My clients are often working through difficult and knotty issues which can evoke confusion, sadness and shame. If you are thinking about therapy you may be feeling sad, lost, confused, anxious, angry, depressed or overwhelmed. Or you may want to take a step back, reassess your life and start to live it differently. Whatever your situation I will work with you to help you reach an accommodation and understanding which helps you to move forwards with your life in a positive way.
01727 638128 View 01727 638128
Photo of Gay Lane, MBACP, Counsellor
Gay Lane
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Are you feeling anxious? I am a qualified Person-Centred therapist having specialised in working with anxiety for many years and have helped people to manage and understand what anxiety means to them. Together we will explore and help to begin to make sense of your thought patterns and behaviours. I offer all clients a non-judgmental and confidential space in which to feel safe to talk and express how they feel.
Are you feeling anxious? I am a qualified Person-Centred therapist having specialised in working with anxiety for many years and have helped people to manage and understand what anxiety means to them. Together we will explore and help to begin to make sense of your thought patterns and behaviours. I offer all clients a non-judgmental and confidential space in which to feel safe to talk and express how they feel.
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Photo of Max Ryz - Max Ryz , HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Max Ryz
Psychotherapist, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
If you are struggling with your emotions, relationships or feel stuck in unhelpful patterns, psychotherapy could help bring about meaningful change. I provide a non-judgmental space to explore underlying dynamics and emotional conflicts. Gaining a better understanding of yourself can make it possible to move away from the unhelpful patterns and can help facilitate healthy developments within your personal and professional life.
If you are struggling with your emotions, relationships or feel stuck in unhelpful patterns, psychotherapy could help bring about meaningful change. I provide a non-judgmental space to explore underlying dynamics and emotional conflicts. Gaining a better understanding of yourself can make it possible to move away from the unhelpful patterns and can help facilitate healthy developments within your personal and professional life.
01727 638977 View 01727 638977
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See more therapy options for Harpenden

Sexual Abuse Counsellors

How do therapists treat sexual abuse?

A good therapist will be nonjudgmental and possibly demonstrate active listening, repeating back what the client says to show that they have understood. These skills allow people to feel comfortable discussing their traumatic experiences openly. Some important treatment goals are to restore a sense of safety and to rebuild confidence. In addition to working one-on-one with the patient, a therapist might bring in supportive family members to assist the client.

Do you have to talk extensively about sexual abuse in therapy?

Survivors frequently find it difficult to describe what happened to them out loud. They can even still be in a state of denial if the sexual abuse occurred recently. It is important for survivors to acknowledge that what happened isn’t their fault and to challenge and reappraise any unhealthy feelings or thoughts as they arise. Art therapy and play therapy are useful non-verbal means of communication for some survivors.

How long does treatment for sexual abuse take?

Recovery from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. Some survivors are able to move on naturally on their own, given time, while others require the guidance of a trained therapist. Therapy needs vary and can range from a few sessions to months or even years. Healing from sexual abuse takes time, and everyone’s journey will look a little different.

Can trauma symptoms caused by sexual abuse come back after treatment?

As occurs in many cases of trauma, survivors of sexual abuse may experience PTSD-like symptoms long after the abuse has ceased or after an initial round of treatment has occurred. In such a case, there is evidence that prolonged exposure therapy is a useful treatment for survivors, and may be more efficacious than supportive counseling alone. While triggers may continue to cause distress, the idea is that, with time and repeated exposure, their power will fade, allowing survivors to move on with their lives.