Counselling Articles

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a physically and emotionally destructive event that, unfortunately, happens often. This form of abuse occurs when a child is used to gratify an older individual. A central theme is that the abuse exploits power over the victim, often to fulfil their need to be powerful at the expense of the child. Sexual abuse happens across all forms of culture, economic status, race, and religion. According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), 17,727 cases were reported in 2010 in England and Wales. However, estimation for the frequency of this form of abuse varies widely, and may be due to the unknown number of occurrences of child sexual abuse that are never reported. (more…)

After the shock of the events in Cumbria this week, the local Samaritans area branch is opening an extra drop in centre to help provide support. The NHS is also offering drop sessions at the local hospital, with people in more remote areas being supported by mobile units run by the British Red Cross. There is also concern for ambulance staff who attended the crime scenes and counselling is being offered to all staff involved.

The need to talk through feelings about what has happened is recognised not only by health professionals but also by organisations in the local community. In the village of Seascale, where three members of the community lost their lives, a local youth project has been acting as an informal counselling service, offering “a cup of tea and a chat”. Locals are using it to talk about the events and some pub landlords are offering free tea and coffee in a bid to help locals gather and help each other work through feelings of shock and loss. (more…)