Counselling
If you have experienced rape or sexual abuse it may be hard to talk to your close friends or family. Our free, confidential counselling service means that you can speak to an independent counsellor who is qualified and trained to help you work through your emotions.
All of our counsellors are women. Counselling is a safe place for you to talk with someone who understands what you have experienced and will not judge you.
We offer counselling that is tailored to you. Our qualified counsellors will help you to draw on your strengths to heal and recover.
Our counsellors are kind, non-judgemental, and follow the highest professional standards.
If you have reported to the police, you can still access counselling while the investigation is happening. We are independent from the police and social services.
This service is available in women-only and trans-inclusive spaces.
What kind of counselling is it?
We offer integrative, trauma informed counselling from a person-centred perspective.
We also offer Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) which helps your brain process trauma naturally.
How many sessions of counselling can I have?
We offer up to 12 sessions of counselling. This counselling can be in person, online or via telephone. Whichever is easiest for you.
If you feel you need to return to counselling after completing your first set of sessions, you can refer back to our service after a break of 6 months. You can go back on the waiting list to access up to 9 more sessions.
What qualifications do your counsellors have?
All of our Counsellors are women and hold a minimum of a postgraduate diploma in Counselling and many years’ experience. Our counselling service is British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Accredited and we work in accordance with the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions which provides a framework to ensure we are working to sound ethical practices and considerations within our work.
Can I see another counsellor at the same time?
To support your wellbeing and avoid conflicting approaches, you cannot have counselling elsewhere while working with a Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland counsellor.
Where will my Counselling take place?
We offer discreet, confidential spaces, including women-only options, in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. Evening appointments are available, and sessions can be in person, online or over the phone.
Face-to-Face Counselling
We offer person centred therapy in a secure location. We offer counselling in several locations including multiple bases in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland.
Telephone Counselling
Sometimes it can be difficult to leave home and we can offer telephone counselling. All you need is a private phone and a comfortable place to take the call. Your counsellor will ring you on agreed dates and times.
Online Counselling
If you would like to have counselling at home but would feel more comfortable being able to see your counsellor’s face, we can offer online counselling. This takes place via Zoom and your counsellor will send you an invite with a link prior to your agreed session date.
All you need is a device with a camera, such as a computer or mobile phone, and good working broadband.
It is easy to join a session and your counsellor will telephone you first, to explain how to do this, and to answer any questions you may have.
What happens after I refer for counselling?
We will contact you within six weeks to arrange a phone call, this is a pre-assessment. The pre-assessment call is not counselling.
The call will last around 30 minutes. It is an opportunity for you to ask questions; the member of staff who calls you will also ask you some questions.
The call is also a chance to check that counselling is the right service for you at this time using an assessment tool called the CORE-10.
If we identify that counselling is right for you, we will add you to our counselling waiting list.
If counselling is not right for you at this time, the member of staff will let you know and will give you information about services that may be better for you.
Whether waiting for your pre-assessment, on the waiting list, or if counselling is not right for you; you can always use our Helpline.
How can I refer into Counselling?
You can refer yourself into our services, or someone else can refer you with your permission.
To make a referral you can contact us or use our Online Referral Form, see the links below for more information.
If have any questions check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or you are welcome to contact us.
