Historic sexual abuse, also known as non-recent abuse, refers to sexual abuse that occurred in the past, typically when the victim was a child or young person. This type of abuse can range from incidents that happened a year ago to those that took place several decades in the past. It’s important to note that there is no statute of limitations on reporting child sexual abuse, and support is available for survivors regardless of when the abuse took place. The impact of historical sexual abuse can be long-lasting, and many jurisdictions now recognize the need for specialised approaches in investigating and addressing these cases. Rape Crisis

Rape and sexual abuse are serious crimes involving sexual acts carried out without a person’s consent. These offences can have profound physical and emotional effects on survivors, and support is available regardless of when the incident occurred or whether it is reported to the police.

Rape is legally defined as when a person uses their penis to penetrate the vagina, mouth, or anus of another person without their consent

Male historical abuse is also a significant issue. While women are more commonly recognised as survivors, men also suffer from historical sexual abuse. Male survivors face unique challenges, including societal stigma, shame, and fear of having their masculinity questioned. Many men and women delay disclosure of childhood sexual abuse for years. The impacts of abuse on male and female survivors can be severe, including PTSD, dissociative disorders, and relationship struggles. It’s crucial to recognise that abuse affects all genders and provide appropriate support and resources for all survivors. If you are a man, boy or non-binary person then Survivors UK are able to offer you counselling. They are a national charity.

I have completed specialised Cognitive Processing Therapy training (CPT) , equipping me with the skills and expertise to support individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, and sexual violence. This evidence-based approach enables me to help clients process trauma, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and work toward healing and recovery in a safe and compassionate environment.

The loss of a pet can be an emotionally devastating experience, often comparable to the grief felt after losing a human loved one. Pets provide comfort, companionship, and motivation, and their absence can leave a significant void in their owners’ lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to pets for emotional support, making the loss even more profound.

The Role of Pet Bereavement Counselling
Pet bereavement counselling offers a safe space for individuals to process their grief without judgment. Many people feel isolated in their sorrow, as society often minimises the significance of pet loss. Counselling helps validate these feelings, providing a therapeutic outlet for emotions that might otherwise remain unexpressed. Therapists specialising in pet bereavement understand the unique bond between pets and their owners, offering tailored support to navigate the grieving process. I trained with Cruse Bereavement and can offer this service to anyone experiencing pet grief, loss and bereavement.

Seeking Support
Organisations like the Blue Cross and the RSPCA provide resources and counselling services for those dealing with pet loss. Creating a memory box or journaling about cherished moments with the pet can also aid in healing.

In conclusion, pet bereavement counselling plays a crucial role in helping individuals cope with the loss of a beloved animal companion. By acknowledging the depth of this grief and providing compassionate support, counsellors help bereaved pet owners find a path toward acceptance and recovery. I am able to offer you this service or you can contact the Blue Cross for additional information.

Data from NHS England shows a concerning increase in the number of children and young people experiencing probable mental health disorders. The mental health of children and young people in the UK is a growing concern, with increasing numbers experiencing mental health disorders. Data from NHS England highlights this trend, indicating a significant rise in probable mental health conditions among this demographic. Several factors contribute to this complex issue.

Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:

• Increased Prevalence:
  • NHS data demonstrates a worrying upward trend in children and young people with probable mental health disorders. This underscores the urgency of addressing this issue.  
• Contributing Factors:
  • A multitude of factors influence children’s mental well-being, including:
    • Social media and online pressures.
    • Academic stress.
    • Family and relationship issues.  
    • The impact of events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Cost of living crisis.
    • Exposure to negative news, such as war and climate change.
• Access to Services:
  • While awareness is increasing, access to timely and effective mental health services remains a challenge. Long waiting lists and regional disparities in service availability create barriers to care.  
• Support Systems:
  • Schools, families, and community organizations play crucial roles in supporting children’s mental health. Early intervention and prevention are essential.  
  • Many organizations, such as Young Minds, and the NSPCC provide valuable resources and support.  
• The need for early intervention:
  • Many organizations and reports, are stressing the importance of early intervention. This is because providing support early, can stop children from reaching a crisis point.  

Addressing children’s mental health requires a multi-faceted approach involving government, healthcare providers, educators, and families. It is vital that children receive the support they need to thrive

The male suicide rate in the UK is a critical public health concern, consistently higher than that of females. Here’s a summary of key factors:  

• Statistical Prevalence:
  • Official statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) consistently show that males account for approximately three-quarters of all suicide deaths in the UK.
  • In 2023, the suicide rate for males in England and Wales increased to 17.4 deaths per 100,000, which is the highest rate for males since 1999.
  • These statistics highlight a persistent and deeply concerning trend.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Societal expectations and traditional gender roles can play a significant role. Men may feel pressured to suppress emotions and avoid seeking help, leading to untreated mental health issues.  
  • Economic factors, such as unemployment and financial difficulties, can contribute to increased stress and vulnerability.
  • Relationship breakdowns and social isolation are also significant risk factors.  
  • Difficulty in accessing mental health services, and a perceived stigma around men seeking help.  
• Age Groups:
  • The ONS data shows that the age-specific suicide rate is highest for males aged 45 to 49 years. This demographic is particularly vulnerable.  
  • However, it is important to understand that suicide can affect men of all ages.
• Efforts and Awareness:
  • Various organizations and charities are working to raise awareness of male suicide and promote mental health support.  
  • There’s a growing emphasis on encouraging men to talk about their feelings and seek help when needed.
  • Mental health services are striving to become more accessible and tailored to the specific needs of men.  

It’s crucial to recognise that suicide is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Ongoing efforts are needed to address the underlying causes and provide effective support for men at risk.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It can manifest in various ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that has proven highly effective in treating PTSD.  

Here’s a breakdown of PTSD and CPT:

Understanding PTSD:

• Symptoms:
  • Intrusive memories (flashbacks, nightmares)  
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma  
  • Negative changes in thoughts and feelings  
  • Increased arousal (hypervigilance, irritability)  
• Impact: PTSD can significantly disrupt daily life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.  

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT):

• CPT focuses on helping individuals challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the traumatic event.  
• It recognizes that trauma can disrupt how people process information, leading to “stuck points” in their thinking.  
• Key aspects of CPT include:
  • Identifying negative thought patterns: CPT helps individuals recognize how their trauma has affected their beliefs about themselves, others, and the world.  
  • Challenging distorted thoughts: Through structured exercises and discussions, individuals learn to evaluate the accuracy of their thoughts and develop more balanced perspectives.  
  • Written accounts: Often, CPT involves writing about the traumatic experience, which helps individuals process the event and confront avoidance behaviors.  
  • Focus on “stuck points”: CPT assists in working through “stuck points” which are maladaptive beleifs that prevent recovery. Examples of these stuck points are beleifs about safety, trust, power/control, esteem, and intimacy.  
• Benefits: CPT can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall quality of life.  
• CPT is usually conducted over 12 sessions.  

In essence, CPT empowers individuals to regain control over their thoughts and feelings, fostering healing and recovery from the debilitating effects of PTSD

Domestic Abuse Counselling

Domestic abuse counselling focuses on rebuilding a client’s self-esteem and fostering their autonomy. Through a supportive and empathetic approach, the therapist helps the client recognise their inherent worth and challenge the negative beliefs instilled by the abuser. The core of this work lies in empowering the individual, guiding them to rediscover their inner strength and make informed choices. This involves helping them understand the dynamics of abuse, develop healthy boundaries, and reclaim control over their lives. By nurturing their sense of self and providing tools for self-advocacy, counselling for domestic abuse aims to facilitate lasting independence and emotional well-being.