Sexual Abuse Counselling in St Albans

Photo of Samantha Amanda Miller, MBACP, Counsellor
Samantha Amanda Miller
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
I have a deep understanding of childhood sexual abuse and trauma originating in childhood.
A warm welcome to you. As a humanistic counsellor, my focus is to support you in re-discovering your innate sense of goodness and wholeness. Whether your troubles are underpinned by trauma or depression, our work together can build an understanding of who you are and what you need in order to find the best direction for yourself. I am also a trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist and my focus is embedded in here and now experiences. The Gestalt (roughly translated into 'Whole') approach is often helpful in grounding ourselves in 'what is' and provides a slowing down that offers space to move beyond a fixed way of being.
I have a deep understanding of childhood sexual abuse and trauma originating in childhood.
A warm welcome to you. As a humanistic counsellor, my focus is to support you in re-discovering your innate sense of goodness and wholeness. Whether your troubles are underpinned by trauma or depression, our work together can build an understanding of who you are and what you need in order to find the best direction for yourself. I am also a trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist and my focus is embedded in here and now experiences. The Gestalt (roughly translated into 'Whole') approach is often helpful in grounding ourselves in 'what is' and provides a slowing down that offers space to move beyond a fixed way of being.
01727 649241 View 01727 649241
Photo of Mandy Williams, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Mandy Williams
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
St Albans AL2
I have considerable experience working with those affected by domestic violence, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual violence and rape.
I am a fully qualified and experienced Integrative Psychotherapist/Counsellor offering individual or couples therapy face to face or online, I am also a counselling supervisor. Taking the first steps to access counselling may feel a little overwhelming but this can lead to increased self esteem and knowledge, better relationships with loved ones and a greater quality of life. I offer a safe, warm and comfortable environment to work together to explore what may be going on for you and discover opportunities for change.
I have considerable experience working with those affected by domestic violence, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual violence and rape.
I am a fully qualified and experienced Integrative Psychotherapist/Counsellor offering individual or couples therapy face to face or online, I am also a counselling supervisor. Taking the first steps to access counselling may feel a little overwhelming but this can lead to increased self esteem and knowledge, better relationships with loved ones and a greater quality of life. I offer a safe, warm and comfortable environment to work together to explore what may be going on for you and discover opportunities for change.
01923 603692 View 01923 603692
Photo of Carrie Pollard, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Carrie Pollard
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
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 Izzy Ross, MBACP, Counsellor
Izzy Ross
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
St Albans AL4
Life can be a struggle for all of us at times, and how many of us can say we have a space to think and process what is going on for us. Therapy is the time where you matter and where you can sit in a calm space, explore your feelings, tell your story and just having a moment to think clearly without judgement or interruptions. Talking can be confronting, but it can also be freeing. I will offer you a safe, non-judgemental space to bring whatever you need to work through. I have lots of experience with young adults, who have struggled with anxiety, relationships, sexual abuse and loss.
Life can be a struggle for all of us at times, and how many of us can say we have a space to think and process what is going on for us. Therapy is the time where you matter and where you can sit in a calm space, explore your feelings, tell your story and just having a moment to think clearly without judgement or interruptions. Talking can be confronting, but it can also be freeing. I will offer you a safe, non-judgemental space to bring whatever you need to work through. I have lots of experience with young adults, who have struggled with anxiety, relationships, sexual abuse and loss.
01582 377928 View 01582 377928
Photo of Dr Mohammadrasool Yadegarfard, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Mohammadrasool Yadegarfard
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1  (Online Only)
I am qualified to work with people with anxiety, bereavement and loss, depression; identity confusion and change; coming out; self-esteem and shame, trauma and post-traumatic stress and also survivors of sexual abuse. I work with both individuals and couples. I am experienced in working with young people and adults and with people in a range of relationship styles including monogamous, polyamorous and open relationships. I work with all members of LGBT+ and those who do not identify as such but are questioning or exploring this aspect of their sexuality, regardless of their sexual orientation.
I am qualified to work with people with anxiety, bereavement and loss, depression; identity confusion and change; coming out; self-esteem and shame, trauma and post-traumatic stress and also survivors of sexual abuse. I work with both individuals and couples. I am experienced in working with young people and adults and with people in a range of relationship styles including monogamous, polyamorous and open relationships. I work with all members of LGBT+ and those who do not identify as such but are questioning or exploring this aspect of their sexuality, regardless of their sexual orientation.
01582 349465 View 01582 349465
Photo of Milo Brandon - Milo Brandon - Accredited EMDR Therapist., MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Milo Brandon - Accredited EMDR Therapist.
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
I use EMDR to help people process trauma (PTSD and C-PTSD). My clients are typically living with a range of issues - flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, night terrors, palpitations, catastrophising, insomnia, feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. They also very often experience 'triggering' - making everyday life, work and relationships difficult. Additionally, they may not remember aspects of what has happened to them and others ('dissociation'.) People come to me for EMDR to enable them to reduce the disturbance levels in their nervous systems and hence, get on with their lives.
I use EMDR to help people process trauma (PTSD and C-PTSD). My clients are typically living with a range of issues - flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, night terrors, palpitations, catastrophising, insomnia, feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. They also very often experience 'triggering' - making everyday life, work and relationships difficult. Additionally, they may not remember aspects of what has happened to them and others ('dissociation'.) People come to me for EMDR to enable them to reduce the disturbance levels in their nervous systems and hence, get on with their lives.
01727 638162 View 01727 638162
Photo of Dr Nicola Connolly, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Nicola Connolly
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
Hello and a warm welcome! I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 24 years experience working both in the NHS and in private practice. I have worked with both adolescents who struggle to talk, to adults with a wide range of mental health problems, and couples with relationship difficulties. I am trained in several therapies that I will tailor to your unique needs. It can feel very daunting trying to find the right therapist for your needs and I therefore offer you a free 30 minute Zoom meeting or phonecall to meet with me to put you at ease and to see if I am the right person who can help.
Hello and a warm welcome! I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 24 years experience working both in the NHS and in private practice. I have worked with both adolescents who struggle to talk, to adults with a wide range of mental health problems, and couples with relationship difficulties. I am trained in several therapies that I will tailor to your unique needs. It can feel very daunting trying to find the right therapist for your needs and I therefore offer you a free 30 minute Zoom meeting or phonecall to meet with me to put you at ease and to see if I am the right person who can help.
01494 509324 View 01494 509324
Photo of Juliet Grace, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Juliet Grace
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
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 Annie Morag Lonie, MBACP, Counsellor
Annie Morag Lonie
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
I'm Annie, MBACP registered and highly experienced having spent years in law, industry and media as well as psychotherapy. I use a mixture of tradition and modern therapeutic techniques. My background means I work with professionals who may have anxiety and stress at work or experiencing life's transitions including navigating divorce, relationships or issues with addiction. It might be you feel anxious, overwhelmed or something just feels not right at work or home. Many of my clients find that working with me is often the bridge they need between where they are now and where they want to be and go on to lead fulfilling lives.
I'm Annie, MBACP registered and highly experienced having spent years in law, industry and media as well as psychotherapy. I use a mixture of tradition and modern therapeutic techniques. My background means I work with professionals who may have anxiety and stress at work or experiencing life's transitions including navigating divorce, relationships or issues with addiction. It might be you feel anxious, overwhelmed or something just feels not right at work or home. Many of my clients find that working with me is often the bridge they need between where they are now and where they want to be and go on to lead fulfilling lives.
01727 229969 View 01727 229969
Photo of Sue Pallenberg, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Sue Pallenberg
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
St Albans AL2
Hello, I have been working as a psychotherapist for 35 years, helping people to overcome problems when they are feeling overwhelmed, confused, perhaps depressed and anxious, struggling with relationships, or whatever difficulties life has thrown at them. As a Psychotherapist I can work with you in a unique and individual way that best suits your needs. I offer a safe and reliable therapeutic relationship in which to explore your presenting problems in a comfortable and confidential environment. I am also offering telephone, Skype or Zoom Sessions.
Hello, I have been working as a psychotherapist for 35 years, helping people to overcome problems when they are feeling overwhelmed, confused, perhaps depressed and anxious, struggling with relationships, or whatever difficulties life has thrown at them. As a Psychotherapist I can work with you in a unique and individual way that best suits your needs. I offer a safe and reliable therapeutic relationship in which to explore your presenting problems in a comfortable and confidential environment. I am also offering telephone, Skype or Zoom Sessions.
01727 875212 View 01727 875212
Photo of Jennifer Kabelis, MBACP, Counsellor
Jennifer Kabelis
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
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 Hannah Wilkinson, MSc
Hannah Wilkinson
MSc
Verified Verified
St Albans AL3
I offer psychanalytic psychotherapy to adults suffering with their mental health. Psychotherapy is a way of relating to each other, patient to therapist, where more formative patterns of thinking can be identified and thought about in a safe and confidential environment. You may need help with a more recent set of circumstances, a loss, stress or pressure, depression or anxiety. You may feel it is now time to put words to and perhaps come to terms with a much earlier experience or traumatic period that seems to have had long term effects. You might have no idea why you feel the way you do. Psychotherapy may offer some relief.
I offer psychanalytic psychotherapy to adults suffering with their mental health. Psychotherapy is a way of relating to each other, patient to therapist, where more formative patterns of thinking can be identified and thought about in a safe and confidential environment. You may need help with a more recent set of circumstances, a loss, stress or pressure, depression or anxiety. You may feel it is now time to put words to and perhaps come to terms with a much earlier experience or traumatic period that seems to have had long term effects. You might have no idea why you feel the way you do. Psychotherapy may offer some relief.
01727 221864 View 01727 221864
Photo of Joanna Morrin, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Joanna Morrin
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
St Albans AL1
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 Max Ryz - Max Ryz , HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Max Ryz
Psychotherapist, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
St Albans AL4
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
Photo of Peter Junior Royal, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Peter Junior Royal
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
Hello and welcome! I am Peter Royal, a licensed and registered counsellor/psychotherapist. I understand that finding a counsellor can be daunting. But rest assured, I aim to make the process smooth for you to start your journey.
Hello and welcome! I am Peter Royal, a licensed and registered counsellor/psychotherapist. I understand that finding a counsellor can be daunting. But rest assured, I aim to make the process smooth for you to start your journey.
01727 649261 View 01727 649261
Photo of Lauren Haycox, MSc, BPC, Psychotherapist
Lauren Haycox
Psychotherapist, MSc, BPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
St Albans AL1
You might be feeling low, anxious, stuck in a rut in a relationship or at work or, alternatively, repeating the same old mistakes. You might have decided it's time to make sense of things that have happened in the past or wondering how to resolve a situation that's happening right now. Perhaps things are feeling very distressing or difficult. You might be looking for clarity and a way forward or just some space to be heard.
You might be feeling low, anxious, stuck in a rut in a relationship or at work or, alternatively, repeating the same old mistakes. You might have decided it's time to make sense of things that have happened in the past or wondering how to resolve a situation that's happening right now. Perhaps things are feeling very distressing or difficult. You might be looking for clarity and a way forward or just some space to be heard.
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Photo of Lucy Shaw, BPC, Psychotherapist
Lucy Shaw
Psychotherapist, BPC
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
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 Harrie Wilson, MBACP, Counsellor
Harrie Wilson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
Therapy is one time when it is all about you. Your experiences, your feelings. When things feel difficult – whether or not you know the reasons why, therapy can really help. How? At the heart of therapy is your relationship with your therapist. When your therapist offers you space to think and to feel, uninterrupted and without judgement, you can start to make more sense of things, together. So it’s important to find a good connection. There are many types of therapist – it’s not necessarily sensible shoes and long silences.
Therapy is one time when it is all about you. Your experiences, your feelings. When things feel difficult – whether or not you know the reasons why, therapy can really help. How? At the heart of therapy is your relationship with your therapist. When your therapist offers you space to think and to feel, uninterrupted and without judgement, you can start to make more sense of things, together. So it’s important to find a good connection. There are many types of therapist – it’s not necessarily sensible shoes and long silences.
01727 638227 View 01727 638227
Photo of Leanne Hooper, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Leanne Hooper
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
St Albans AL1
My name is Leanne and I work as an integrative counsellor, which means that I am trained in different counselling models. Every person is unique, so it is important that I can establish a way of working that is suitable for each individual. Our first session together is an assessment, in order for you and I to ensure we feel comfortable together and to determine what your needs are and what type of support you require.
My name is Leanne and I work as an integrative counsellor, which means that I am trained in different counselling models. Every person is unique, so it is important that I can establish a way of working that is suitable for each individual. Our first session together is an assessment, in order for you and I to ensure we feel comfortable together and to determine what your needs are and what type of support you require.
01727 649264 View 01727 649264
Photo of Amy Engleman, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Amy Engleman
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
St Albans AL4
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
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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.