Counselling & Therapay
The Waterford Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre provides counselling and therapy for adult survivors of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and childhood sexual abuse.
You can contact us just to get some information for yourself (or for someone else), or to just take that first step and talk to someone a little bit. Then most people make an appointment to come in to the Centre.
The first intake appointment is a ‘break the ice’ session, where you tell us as much or as little as you wish about yourself, ask any questions you might have and sound us out a bit. We’ll also talk about confidentiality, how counselling works, etc. If you then feel we’re the right service for you, we put your name on our waiting list for ongoing counselling. Support is available while you’re waiting and if you feel you need to start counselling sooner rather than later then we’ll do our best to make that happen.
Long-term therapy for victims of past sexual violence, or childhood sexual abuse
Survivors of past sexual violence, that is, violence which happened outside of the last six months, or past childhood sexual abuse, can also access services by contacting our centre.
Irish sign language and interpreting services can be arranged on request and accommodation will be made for those with mobility issues.
Counselling Outreach
Counselling and Psychotherapy is provided in our outreach centre in Dungarvan, Co Waterford by a professional counsellor/psychotherapist. Contact us to arrange an appointment.
Group Counselling
Group counselling and workshops are available periodically for our existing clients.
For more information on our counselling and therapy services in Waterford and in our outreach centre in Dungarvan, please phone the centre or email us at info@waterfordrsac.ie
You can also see our FAQs page for more information on our counselling services.
Counselling FAQs
What is counselling?
Counselling is a one-to-one relationship which provides the support and encouragement necessary to allow someone talk about the experiences and events which have affected their lives and their way of being in the world. It is the role of the counsellor to offer a safe and confidential space to enable a person to get in touch with and express whatever thoughts and feelings that are necessary for them to move on in their lives.
How does counselling help?
Counselling helps by providing a person the time and space, not always available in other parts of their lives, to explore their feelings in relation to their trauma. It is an enormous relief for someone to be able to talk, perhaps for the first time, about what happened and how it has affected their life. It is helpful over time, and without pressure or expectation to be able to open up to and express painful memories and feelings that may have been bottled up for a long time.
Does the Waterford Rape Crisis Centre see male clients?
Yes, we work with both male and female clients.
Does the Waterford Rape Crisis Centre see children as clients?
We see children from 14 to 17- years -old with parental or legal guardian consent. To find out more, please call the National Helpline 1800 77 8888 during office hours, Mon-Fri.
CARI (Children at Risk in Ireland) offers a service for children and provides information and support to any person or professional with concerns about or who is affected by child sexual abuse or sexualised behaviour. You can call the CARI Care Line at lo-call 0818 924567 Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.
Is it possible to recover from such a traumatic event?
Here in the Waterford Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre we are very clear that the answer to that question is YES – people can and do recover from traumatic events and experiences. We have worked with very many clients who have moved beyond the past to fuller and happier lives.
How do people react to rape or sexual assault?
When someone has been raped or sexually abused they can experience nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive memories and high levels of fear and distress. Counselling helps people become aware that these feelings are a normal reaction to the abnormal events they have experienced.
Here in the Waterford Rape Crisis Centre we look at what resources and support people have in their lives and help them manage their feelings and move beyond their past experiences.
If you are worried about any of these feelings, please call us now.
How long does counselling take?
The length of time counselling takes varies from person to person. Everyone is an individual and each person’s experience is unique, so the duration of their counselling cannot be predicted. It can vary from a few weeks up to a few months or longer. Most people feel some benefit even after a few sessions.
It is always the choice of the individual whether or not they wish to continue with the counselling process. There will always be time to discuss this with their counsellor.
How often does someone attend the Waterford Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre for counselling?
Here in the centre we offer one-hour counselling sessions on a fortnightly basis. This is to allow clients time between sessions to integrate their experience of the session. We believe the pace of counselling is vital and we do not want to rush or overwhelm clients. However, if someone needs more support, weekly sessions are usually offered.
Will I always see the same person?
Clients of the centre will always see the same counsellor and will be able to develop a trusting relationship with that person.
Are the counsellors trained?
All our therapists are professionally qualified, accredited with a professional counselling body and have completed additional training specialised in sexual violence.
Does the centre charge for counselling?
We offer a professional counselling and therapy service free to men and women who have experienced sexual violence and abuse. Client donations are welcomed and vital to sustaining the ongoing service.
No one will ever be excluded from counselling because of money difficulties.