Sexual Assault Counselling
Counselling services for sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, or molestation
SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELLING - WHAT IS IT?
Sexual assault counselling is meant to free you from the turmoil that sexual violence of any kind can often leave behind. This type of counselling is specialized and requires an individualized approach in order to be effective.
Compassionate, trauma-informed support at your pace.
Importantly, no person’s experience is the same as another’s. For this reason, there are different forms of sexual violence that people receive counselling for such as, sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment, and childhood molestation. Many times these services extend to both survivors of sexual violence and their allies (ie: family, friends, etc.).
As a result of sexual assault, many people experience profound and overwhelming effects on their mental health. Specifically, when someone experiences sexual contact without consent, the trauma often leaves lasting emotional scars, especially if the abuse occurred at a young age before the person could fully understand what was happening.
Trauma-informed counselling that centers your safety and choice.
SYMPTOMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
As a result of sexual assault, many people experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance misuse, relationship difficulties, and, in some cases, long-term personality changes. In turn, unwanted sexual contact can disrupt multiple areas of life, and its impact often feels deep and far-reaching.
Here is a more comprehensive (but not exhaustive) list of symptoms:
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or reliving the assault over and over
- Shock, denial
- Confusion about the event(s)
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Problems trusting others
- Feelings of low self-worth
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inability to complete normal daily functions
- Withdrawing from others, social isolation
- Feeling like it’s your fault
- Issues with sexual identity
- Issues with sexual functioning
- Substance misuse issues
- Relationship issues
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
DO I NEED SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELLING?
First, avoiding help after sexual assault is extremely common. For many survivors, you may not want to relive the trauma you endured, and that reaction is completely understandable. Why live through it more than you already have?
Historically, some counsellors relied on traditional talk therapy; however, the field no longer considers it the gold standard. FreeMind Therapy offers modern, evidence-based trauma approaches that work faster and feel less painful than traditional methods.
Specifically, we use Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, and Rapid Resolution Therapy, to name a few.
Above all, we are committed to your well-being, we specialize in trauma-informed care with all clients. Our master-level therapists actively train to understand the profound impact of trauma on mental health. As a result, this understanding shapes our therapeutic approach and keeps your comfort and overall wellness at the center of care.
Because every healing journey is different, our therapists tailor one-on-one counselling to your specific needs. In a private and confidential setting, you actively process emotions, work through trauma-related challenges, and begin feeling better sooner.
MY FAMILY MEMBER WAS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED
Sexual assault affects survivors but also their loved ones. Therefore, if you support someone who has experienced sexual violence, counselling can help you navigate that role. In addition, a strong support network matters, and learning how to respond and help makes a real difference.
FreeMind extends counselling and support services to friends and family members of survivors. As a result, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to better understand and assist your loved one on their path to healing.
SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELLING APPRAOCHES - WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
At FreeMind Therapy, we select every therapist for their expertise in trauma work. As a result, our team applies trauma-informed care across all services. However, we also recognize that no single approach works for everyone. Therefore, we offer a range of evidence-based therapies that best support healing from sexual violence, including:
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
In EMDR, therapists use a structured psychotherapy approach to help people heal more quickly from distressing experiences. During the process, eye movements guide the brain as it reprocesses troubling memories. As a result, those experiences lose their emotional charge and no longer feel overwhelming.
Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT)
In Rapid Resolution Therapy, clinicians combine mindfulness, meditation, and visualization with precise, intentional communication. As a result, this approach helps reroute the neurological connections linked to trauma memories and limiting beliefs.
Somatic Experiencing
In Somatic therapy, therapists use the body as a resource to access deeper emotions, sensations, and belief systems that cognitive-based approaches often miss. As a result, this approach examines how suppressed emotions and traumatic experiences show up in the body as physical symptoms.
Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting is a powerful and non-invasive method that uses eye-lines to pin point where in the brain the trauma or emotional stuckness is stored. Once identified, the client is directed by the therapist to focus on that eye-line or “brainspot” until the emotional charge is neutralized. This is an amazing modality that is fast, painless and neuroscience-backed.
Trauma/PTSD-focused cognitive therapies
The focus is to improve and address the symptoms of trauma and PTSD. Develop skills to regulate emotions and improve unhelpful feelings and thoughts. Gradual exposure to memories of traumatic events help recondition the mind to ease the emotional distress. Check out our other therapy modalities here.
Please contact us by phone or email to inquire further about these therapy options (info@freemindtherapy.ca)
WHAT IF I AM NOT QUITE READY?
It’s completely natural to feel uneasy when facing past traumatic experiences. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been waiting for the moment when you will be ready to talk about it.
The perfect place to start is with a free 20min phone consultation. You don’t need to go into any details, but it’s a place to see if you connect with the therapist and hear about the approach they might use.
The issue with waiting to start therapy is avoidance. Avoidance is the thing that so often contributes to prolonged, worsening symptoms and therefore delayed healing. Opening up to your therapist about these feelings of avoidance is a perfect first step. You will be met with compassion and no pressure to move in a direction that doesn’t feel good to you.
Support that meets you with compassion, not pressure.
Our dedicated and highly trained therapists genuinely empathize with your concerns and are wholeheartedly dedicated to establishing a safe and nurturing environment to address these concerns and begin healing at your pace or using approaches that you feel more comfortable with.
Start where you are. Go only as far as you’re ready.
Together, you and your therapist will collaborate on crafting a personalized approach, ensuring that therapy is a manageable and supportive process tailored to your unique needs.
Different therapeutic modalities offer distinct approaches, and you have the freedom to discuss any elements you’d like to avoid with your therapist. This way, they can select the most suitable approach for you or adjust things as you go along.
HOW DO I BEGIN?
First and foremost, our primary focus is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where you can express your feelings and thoughts at your own pace. In this space, we understand the complex and sensitive nature of these experiences, and our team of trained professionals is here to support you on your path to healing and recovery.
Next, complete the form below, and we will match you with a therapist that is best suited to you. Alternatively, if you’ve already selected a therapist from our Team page, click the “Book Now” button, and schedule a free 20-minute consultation to explore if it’s a good fit for you.
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