Sexual Abuse Counselling in Hitchin

Photo of Carrie Pollard, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Carrie Pollard
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG5
I am experienced working with trauma specifically domestic abuse, sexual abuse and adults who experienced childhood abuse.
Hello and welcome. I'm Carrie. I wonder why now feels the right time for you to start your therapy? Does life feel heavy? Or relationships feel difficult? Perhaps you are finding you are experiencing anxiety in your day to day life. Or experiences from your past feel so difficult. Whatever has prompted you to make your way here today, rest assured I provide a non judgemental, confidential and safe space to explore emotions, relationships and life experiences. We can think about your past and present, creating a feeling of safety and processing the pain.
I am experienced working with trauma specifically domestic abuse, sexual abuse and adults who experienced childhood abuse.
Hello and welcome. I'm Carrie. I wonder why now feels the right time for you to start your therapy? Does life feel heavy? Or relationships feel difficult? Perhaps you are finding you are experiencing anxiety in your day to day life. Or experiences from your past feel so difficult. Whatever has prompted you to make your way here today, rest assured I provide a non judgemental, confidential and safe space to explore emotions, relationships and life experiences. We can think about your past and present, creating a feeling of safety and processing the pain.
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Photo of Chemene Victoria Game - Self - Person Centred Counselling , MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Self - Person Centred Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG5
Whether you're and adult or young person experiencing a difficult time in your life. Struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem. Coping with difficult emotions through self-harming. A couple or a family experiencing relational difficulties and estrangement. Transitioning through peri-menopause and menopause and feel out of control or invisible? Suffering Trauma from previous or recent sexual assault. Suffered a bereavement or complex grief and struggling to grieve and want to be able to manage that loss. Are you neurodivergent and want to be able to thrive in your relationship and understand your pre/post/self diagnosis.
Whether you're and adult or young person experiencing a difficult time in your life. Struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem. Coping with difficult emotions through self-harming. A couple or a family experiencing relational difficulties and estrangement. Transitioning through peri-menopause and menopause and feel out of control or invisible? Suffering Trauma from previous or recent sexual assault. Suffered a bereavement or complex grief and struggling to grieve and want to be able to manage that loss. Are you neurodivergent and want to be able to thrive in your relationship and understand your pre/post/self diagnosis.
01462 419195 View 01462 419195
Photo of Heather McKenna, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Heather McKenna
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hitchin SG5
Do you feel overwhelmed by your feelings? Do they impact on your confidence and day-to-day life? Or perhaps you have experienced painful losses, abuse or traumatic events that are affecting you? Do you have patterns of behaviour that no longer feel beneficial to you? Sometimes we think and act in certain ways that function to protect and preserve us. These have felt necessary in the past, but are no longer useful and can instead impact negatively on our life.
Do you feel overwhelmed by your feelings? Do they impact on your confidence and day-to-day life? Or perhaps you have experienced painful losses, abuse or traumatic events that are affecting you? Do you have patterns of behaviour that no longer feel beneficial to you? Sometimes we think and act in certain ways that function to protect and preserve us. These have felt necessary in the past, but are no longer useful and can instead impact negatively on our life.
01462 413850 View 01462 413850
Photo of Suzi Jane Robisnon, MBACP, Counsellor
Suzi Jane Robisnon
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG5
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or struggling with low mood and anxiety? perhaps you are trying to overcome the effects of long-term trauma or bereavement, or perhaps you feel you aren't living the life you want. Whatever your reasons, counselling can really help you achieve positive changes in your life as you develop a greater self-awareness and understanding.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or struggling with low mood and anxiety? perhaps you are trying to overcome the effects of long-term trauma or bereavement, or perhaps you feel you aren't living the life you want. Whatever your reasons, counselling can really help you achieve positive changes in your life as you develop a greater self-awareness and understanding.
01462 412146 View 01462 412146
Photo of Gillian Titmuss, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Gillian Titmuss
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hitchin SG4
If you feel you've got unanswered or unresolved questions, I offer a dedicated time and a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental space to explore your past, present and future. Getting back in touch with ourselves instead of feeling lost is fundamental to having satisfaction with life. Giving to ourselves means we can enjoy being alive as well as fulfilling our responsibilities and having pleasurable and rewarding relationships. If you have any questions, please feel free to make contact.
If you feel you've got unanswered or unresolved questions, I offer a dedicated time and a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental space to explore your past, present and future. Getting back in touch with ourselves instead of feeling lost is fundamental to having satisfaction with life. Giving to ourselves means we can enjoy being alive as well as fulfilling our responsibilities and having pleasurable and rewarding relationships. If you have any questions, please feel free to make contact.
01462 418466 View 01462 418466
Photo of Dr Sola Osindero, MBBS, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Dr Sola Osindero
Psychotherapist, MBBS, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
You might be unhappily confused or have difficult and dark feelings about issues and arrangements in your self and your life. You imagine there must be a way out of your difficulty or perhaps wish to coexist peacefully with it. But things are just not getting better. Many of us have difficulty working out ways of sorting out and resolving such difficulties alone. Perhaps gaining insight by working with a skilled 'other person' could help you.
You might be unhappily confused or have difficult and dark feelings about issues and arrangements in your self and your life. You imagine there must be a way out of your difficulty or perhaps wish to coexist peacefully with it. But things are just not getting better. Many of us have difficulty working out ways of sorting out and resolving such difficulties alone. Perhaps gaining insight by working with a skilled 'other person' could help you.
01462 418057 View 01462 418057
Photo of Dr Reena Devi Ali, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Reena Devi Ali
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
Hi, my name is Reena and I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist. I have significant experience helping people who are experiencing emotional distress including but not limited to low mood, anxiety, trauma and more. I offer evidence based, psychological therapy to individuals. I am an integrative psychologist, drawing on specialist interventions. I also offer therapeutic coaching and consultations. In our sessions we work collaboratively to help make sense of your distress and offer treatment that is tailored to your needs. I have worked in the NHS for almost 15years in a variety of roles and settings including CAMHS
Hi, my name is Reena and I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist. I have significant experience helping people who are experiencing emotional distress including but not limited to low mood, anxiety, trauma and more. I offer evidence based, psychological therapy to individuals. I am an integrative psychologist, drawing on specialist interventions. I also offer therapeutic coaching and consultations. In our sessions we work collaboratively to help make sense of your distress and offer treatment that is tailored to your needs. I have worked in the NHS for almost 15years in a variety of roles and settings including CAMHS
01582 377620 View 01582 377620
Cedar Counselling
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
I am here to help with all kinds of things which may be troubling you, from your relationships with families, friends or work, to depression, anxiety and addiction or simply finding that you are going through life without as much zest or happiness as you would like or perhaps feeling that you don't belong in your own life. I am also able to see couples in need of help with their relationship or family members who have problems relating to each other.
I am here to help with all kinds of things which may be troubling you, from your relationships with families, friends or work, to depression, anxiety and addiction or simply finding that you are going through life without as much zest or happiness as you would like or perhaps feeling that you don't belong in your own life. I am also able to see couples in need of help with their relationship or family members who have problems relating to each other.
01462 413871 View 01462 413871
Photo of Sandra Brown - Sandra from Elsali CBT, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Sandra from Elsali CBT
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hitchin SG5
Its all about you... Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a type of talking therapy that can help you make connections between what you think, what you feel and how you behave. Having this knowledge about yourself can help you to break cycles of Depression or Anxiety. The point of therapy is that you get what you need to feel able to live the life you want to. You are the expert of your life and I know CBT, so lets work together to improve your emotional wellbeing. (Pricing is from £80).
Its all about you... Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a type of talking therapy that can help you make connections between what you think, what you feel and how you behave. Having this knowledge about yourself can help you to break cycles of Depression or Anxiety. The point of therapy is that you get what you need to feel able to live the life you want to. You are the expert of your life and I know CBT, so lets work together to improve your emotional wellbeing. (Pricing is from £80).
01462 558877 View 01462 558877
Photo of Richard Munn, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Richard Munn
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG5
I often work with people who have tried other forms of therapy but haven't been supported with sexual function difficulties. I work in a practical but sensitive way with erectile dysfunction, compulsive/addictive sexual behaviour, vaginismus, affairs and trauma with both couples and individuals.
I often work with people who have tried other forms of therapy but haven't been supported with sexual function difficulties. I work in a practical but sensitive way with erectile dysfunction, compulsive/addictive sexual behaviour, vaginismus, affairs and trauma with both couples and individuals.
01462 415364 View 01462 415364
Photo of Dr Sonia Borghino, MSc, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Sonia Borghino
Psychologist, MSc, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG5
I am a licensed Psychologist registered with the BPS and HCPC. I worked in a clinical setting for over 22 years with a variety of client groups including community, outpatients and inpatients hospital. I have worked extensively with clients with mental disorders and neuro-developmental conditions even when these are strongly affected by childhood trauma. I offer talking therapy and also a unique approach to health and wellness including EMDR, neurofeedback an body biofeedback technology to help the body and the brain to better self-regulate and heal naturally without medication or with less reliance on medication.
I am a licensed Psychologist registered with the BPS and HCPC. I worked in a clinical setting for over 22 years with a variety of client groups including community, outpatients and inpatients hospital. I have worked extensively with clients with mental disorders and neuro-developmental conditions even when these are strongly affected by childhood trauma. I offer talking therapy and also a unique approach to health and wellness including EMDR, neurofeedback an body biofeedback technology to help the body and the brain to better self-regulate and heal naturally without medication or with less reliance on medication.
020 3893 2192 View 020 3893 2192
Photo of Dawn Gregory, BACP, Counsellor
Dawn Gregory
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
I am a warm, friendly person and a good listener. I have a very empathic understanding and vast experiences from my own personal life. This has shaped me to be the person I am today. Things from our childhoods and certain traumas, can have us acting out behaviours that can be damaging to us. I have experience working with relationship breakdowns, alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety and self harm. I have worked with adolescents and adults of all disabilities. I've worked a great deal with confidence building and low self-esteem. I can help you recognise these behaviours and what triggers them.
I am a warm, friendly person and a good listener. I have a very empathic understanding and vast experiences from my own personal life. This has shaped me to be the person I am today. Things from our childhoods and certain traumas, can have us acting out behaviours that can be damaging to us. I have experience working with relationship breakdowns, alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety and self harm. I have worked with adolescents and adults of all disabilities. I've worked a great deal with confidence building and low self-esteem. I can help you recognise these behaviours and what triggers them.
01438 300453 View 01438 300453
Photo of Julie Sale, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Julie Sale
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG5
As a sex and relationship specialist my aim is to provide a safe environment in which clients can share their intimate thoughts and problems with no fear of judgement. I honour all sexual orientations and practices, acknowledging that difference does not equal deviance. I am a UKCP Registered and Accredited Psychotherapist, COSRT Senior Accredited Sex and Relationship Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. I also teach a two year post graduate course in Clinical Sexology.
As a sex and relationship specialist my aim is to provide a safe environment in which clients can share their intimate thoughts and problems with no fear of judgement. I honour all sexual orientations and practices, acknowledging that difference does not equal deviance. I am a UKCP Registered and Accredited Psychotherapist, COSRT Senior Accredited Sex and Relationship Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. I also teach a two year post graduate course in Clinical Sexology.
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Photo of Jo Gibson, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Jo Gibson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
I am a post graduate qualified BACP registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with fifteen years experience. I work using the internal Family Systems and Intimacy from the Inside Out models, with a Humanist and Somatic core training. I work with many different life challenges, and over the years have specialised in trauma, complex trauma, relational trauma and shame. Supporting you to process what has happened to you and move on from your past to live your life fully. I work face to face or online with individuals, couples and groups.
I am a post graduate qualified BACP registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with fifteen years experience. I work using the internal Family Systems and Intimacy from the Inside Out models, with a Humanist and Somatic core training. I work with many different life challenges, and over the years have specialised in trauma, complex trauma, relational trauma and shame. Supporting you to process what has happened to you and move on from your past to live your life fully. I work face to face or online with individuals, couples and groups.
01438 300959 View 01438 300959
Photo of Clare Faulkner, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Clare Faulkner
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
Waitlist for new clients
Offering a safe and secure private studio space and also online and telephone sessions where you can explore thoughts and feelings not only through the medium of art and creativity, but also through spoken communication in an non judgemental and welcoming environment. My experience and expertise can help to facilitate your journey, however long or short, to understanding, making sense and acceptance of the issues that may be presenting to you. I aim to provide and facilitate a healing and creative space to bring about change and understanding.
Offering a safe and secure private studio space and also online and telephone sessions where you can explore thoughts and feelings not only through the medium of art and creativity, but also through spoken communication in an non judgemental and welcoming environment. My experience and expertise can help to facilitate your journey, however long or short, to understanding, making sense and acceptance of the issues that may be presenting to you. I aim to provide and facilitate a healing and creative space to bring about change and understanding.
01767 668783 View 01767 668783
Photo of Lorraine Diston, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Lorraine Diston
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
Adult and Child centred interventions underpinned by trauma informed practice. Hello...My name is Lorraine Diston, I am a post graduate Person-Centred counsellor, Play therapist and Clinical Supervisor with a specialism of working with trauma, abuse and bereavement. I work with children and young people through the medium of play and creativity as well as adults and families experiencing difficult feelings and discord. I provide freelance counselling services to schools, colleges and charities.
Adult and Child centred interventions underpinned by trauma informed practice. Hello...My name is Lorraine Diston, I am a post graduate Person-Centred counsellor, Play therapist and Clinical Supervisor with a specialism of working with trauma, abuse and bereavement. I work with children and young people through the medium of play and creativity as well as adults and families experiencing difficult feelings and discord. I provide freelance counselling services to schools, colleges and charities.
01438 904190 View 01438 904190
Photo of Eileen Whaymand - The Counselling Connexion Stevenage, MBACP, Counsellor
The Counselling Connexion Stevenage
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
Hello and welcome to my page My name is Eileen Whaymand And I  am an experienced Person Centred counsellor offering confidential counselling for individuals and couples in Stevenage and surrounding areas.
Hello and welcome to my page My name is Eileen Whaymand And I  am an experienced Person Centred counsellor offering confidential counselling for individuals and couples in Stevenage and surrounding areas.
01438 301094 View 01438 301094
Photo of Vicky Betts - The Sadie Centre
The Sadie Centre
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
The Centre’s counselling service is large and diversified: our counsellors work with adults, children, teens, and couples. We also run a low-cost scheme designed for people in difficult financial circumstances, on a low wage, or in receipt of benefits. Our team can help with issues such as: abuse, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, bereavement, relationships, addiction, anger, eating disorders and self-harm.
The Centre’s counselling service is large and diversified: our counsellors work with adults, children, teens, and couples. We also run a low-cost scheme designed for people in difficult financial circumstances, on a low wage, or in receipt of benefits. Our team can help with issues such as: abuse, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, bereavement, relationships, addiction, anger, eating disorders and self-harm.
01462 411135 View 01462 411135
Photo of Sarah Rose, BACP, Counsellor
Sarah Rose
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
Are you feeling anxious? Finding life overwhelming? Struggling with low mood? I can help. Sometimes life gets a bit too much, maybe something happened, either recently or in the past and this is affecting how you feel now. Perhaps you are unsure about why you feel the way that you do and you would like to explore this with someone who is trained to listen. I can provide you with a safe and non judgmental space to navigate difficult times and work through your experiences and emotions.
Are you feeling anxious? Finding life overwhelming? Struggling with low mood? I can help. Sometimes life gets a bit too much, maybe something happened, either recently or in the past and this is affecting how you feel now. Perhaps you are unsure about why you feel the way that you do and you would like to explore this with someone who is trained to listen. I can provide you with a safe and non judgmental space to navigate difficult times and work through your experiences and emotions.
07918 268840 View 07918 268840
Photo of Holly Dorling, COSRT Accred, Psychotherapist
Holly Dorling
Psychotherapist, COSRT Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hitchin SG4
Hello, I'm Holly and I offer support for individuals and couples / multi-partnered people with issues relating to all things sex and relationships. I cover a range of topics, but my specialism sits with young adults (18-35), women's sexual health matters and relationship problems. This might include; dating concerns, low sexual desire, sexual anxiety, vaginismus, erectile problems, sexual health questions and living with STIs, low self-esteem/body image concerns. I also offer therapy for people needing support with recovering from affairs, improving communication or re-establishing intimacy in their relationship.
Hello, I'm Holly and I offer support for individuals and couples / multi-partnered people with issues relating to all things sex and relationships. I cover a range of topics, but my specialism sits with young adults (18-35), women's sexual health matters and relationship problems. This might include; dating concerns, low sexual desire, sexual anxiety, vaginismus, erectile problems, sexual health questions and living with STIs, low self-esteem/body image concerns. I also offer therapy for people needing support with recovering from affairs, improving communication or re-establishing intimacy in their relationship.
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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.