Trauma Counselling
Trauma Counseling refers to the therapeutic support where clients are guided in processing the emotional impact of the trauma. To cope with recent trauma, clients can request a Trauma Debriefing.
If you are a First Responder, please refer to the website page entitled "First Responders."
To schedule your counselling session, please contact us now.
Trauma Debriefing
Trauma Debriefings require specialized training and usually occurs 2-3 days after the traumatic event. The aim is to assist clients in navigating the psychological and physiological impact of the trauma as well as developing appropriate coping skills.
For more information, please contact us now.
Two Major types of trauma in South Africa
Domestic Violence counselling
Domestic Violence refers to any instance where a victim is subjected to physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or verbal abuse. it also includes coercive and controlling behavior, economic/financial abuse, exposing a child to domestic violence, elderly abuse, spiritual abuse etc.
When the victim and abuser both meet any of the following criteria, the abuse is considered Domestic Violence:
1) They must be currently or previously married.
2) They must live together within the nature of marriage.
3) They must be the parents of a child or share parental responsibilities of a child.
4) They must related in some way. This can be parent-child, grandparent-grandchild, aunt-niece, uncle-cousin etc.
5) They must share the same residence.
6) They must be currently or previously in an engagement, customary relationship, dating relationship or sexual relationship.
Domestic Violence counselling assists clients in managing the impact of the violence and equips them to make an informed decision about their life. Domestic Violence counselling does mean that the victim will automatically leave the abuser nor does it mean that the victim will open a case against them.
Domestic violence counselling often requires a collaborative approach with other support systems such as medical centers, faith-based organizations (in accordance with the client's beliefs), community support groups etc. Although some shelters may require counselling as a condition of housing, counseling does not guarantee a place in a Domestic Violence Shelter.
For more information, please contact us now.
Sexual Assault, Abuse and related Counselling
Sexual Assault encompasses any form of unwanted sexual contact or sexual acts that take place without a person's permission or *consent. Rape can be vaginal, oral or anal.
Sexual assault, abuse and related offences can occur in a variety of situations and includes various acts including:
1) Any form of rape whether penetration is through a penis, finger, other body part or an object.
2) Attempted rape.
3) Molestation / child sexual abuse.
4) Incest.
5) Inappropriate touching (groping).
6) Exposing children to pornography and or sexual content.
7) Any other form of sexual violation or penetration not mentioned here.
To schedule your counselling session, please contact us now.
Sexual Assault Counselling specifically deals with the trauma and and impact of sexual violence. A core focus is to change the narrative from victim to survivor by equipping clients with the tools they need to cope with the trauma and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
Another related concept is Sexual Harassment whereby a person is subjected to unwanted sexual comments or gestures. This frequently occurs in workplace situations or at learning institutions and is often at the hands of someone known to the victim.
If you need support in coping with sexual harassment, please contact us now.
*Consent is the act of voluntarily agreeing to something and understanding the impact thereof.