Counselling Services
Our counselling services is divided into three phases. Here is an overview of what you can expect. We are attentive to your goals and wishes; we will work collaboratively with you to best support you in facilitating change.
The intention of counselling is to:
Address the impact of childhood sexual abuse, incest and sexual assault (recent or historical)
Manage trauma symptoms related to sexual violation (i.e. depression, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, dissociation, sleep disturbances, self-harm behaviours, body image concerns, relationship issues)
Develop and increase confidence and self-trust
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Initially, you will have the choice to meet with your therapist up to 10 sessions. Emphasis will be placed on what you need, and what will best support you. Phase one focuses on the development of safety and stabilization. This may include but is not limited to: management of symptoms (e.g. depression, anxiety, flashbacks, sleep disturbances), psychoeducation and safety planning. After the 10 sessions, we will take a 2 month break so that you can integrate new choices and ways of being.
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If you make the choice to return, the next 10 sessions will focus on managing memories of the abuse/assault and the impact on your day-to-day life. This work is offered with respect, compassion, care and skill. You and your therapist will stay attentive to how you are thinking, feeling, and physically experiencing this process. Once again, after 10 sessions, we will take a 2 month break so that you can integrate new choices and ways of being.
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In the next 8 to 10 sessions, we review and strengthen the gains from the previous two phases and we further work to consolidate and integrate emotional, social and relational changes and abilities.
(The ISTSS Expert Consensus Treatment Guidelines for Complex PTSD in Adults, p. 7-10, 2012. Completed by the Complex Trauma Task Force (CTTF))
Our Approach: Phased Trauma Counselling Model for Sexual Assault, Incest and Childhood Sexual Abuse
More About our Counselling Services
We provide the following services to people of all genders 16 years of age and older:
Individual assessment and counselling
Counselling in various locations including St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Welland and Grimsby
Group counselling for women and men (separate groups)
Family member support and education
Anonymous third party reporting (Click here to read more about how ATPR works)
Professional consultation and training
All services are:
Provided by Masters level trained therapists specializing in trauma counselling
Confidential and free
Self-referrals are required. Simply call to inquire.