Counselling for adults

CARA provides one-to-one counselling support for adult victims and survivors of any type of sexual violence at any point in their lives. We offer confidential, compassionate and specialist support to adults of all genders, backgrounds and abilities. We aim to create a safe space where people feel believed, listened to and treated with respect.

Our team of specialist sexual violence practitioners provide remote and face-to-face weekly sessions usually for a period of 6-20 weeks.

We can also offer counselling for people who are supporting a victim or survivor, including partners, parents and other family members.  

What can I expect from counselling?

Counselling provides a space where you can explore your feelings around your experience of sexual violence or child sexual abuse. Your counsellor will never force you to talk about anything you are not ready to, and you and your counsellor will review whether you feel the counselling is meeting your needs on a regular basis.  Although you may not always find your sessions easy or comfortable, deciding to have specialist sexual violence counselling can be a very powerful and life-affirming choice, providing an opportunity to explore and accept your past experiences and to move forward positively with your life.   You can find more information about what you can expect from counselling at CARA  and read our tips for making the most of your CARA counselling here.

CARA can provide counselling from women-only spaces.   If you would like to receive counselling in a women-only enviroment, please let us know.  

“I feel, above all that I have found a way to put my past behind me to enjoy the life I want. I'm more confident and kinder to myself.”

“Fantastic support.  I no longer blame myself for what happened.”

“I’ve been depressed for around 18 years.   Being heard has given me relief.  I feel like I can now live my life.  I’m in control.”