CHOICES

CHOICES, a well-established charity, offers specialist support to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, registered with a GP in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough.

Clients present with a range of symptoms such as anxiety and depression; some self-harm and may have problems with substance misuse. Flashbacks, sudden intrusive memories, panic attacks and poor sleep patterns are not uncommon. Most report having trust issues and may find it difficult to stay in relationships. A number have chaotic lives and poor support systems. Many have frequent suicidal ideation and have attempted to take their own lives.

Clients are offered a year of individual trauma-informed counselling to enable them to process their childhood abuse. Our aim is to provide a safe place for the stabilisation of symptoms, the processing of traumatic memory, and improve the clients’ connection with ordinary life.

We have developed support options for clients in preparation for counselling: a stabilisation and symptom management programme, psychoeducational webinars, and workshops for survivors and a supportive partner, friend or family member.

All our counsellors have participated in our in-house training “Understanding the effects of childhood sexual abuse: a trauma-informed approach”.  We have a robust recruitment process for counsellors including a DBS check at enhanced level.

Counsellors are supported to do this complex trauma work by internal line management, external monthly supervision and a programme of continuing professional development.

CHOICES is an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adheres to its Ethical Framework, along with its own Policies and procedures.