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National Telephone and Online Counselling Service
Free Counselling for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors | Telephone and Online | England & Wales
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National Male Survivor
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Free Counselling for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
If you have experienced childhood sexual abuse, you are not alone.
Safeline provides free, specialist online and telephone counselling for adults and young people aged 16+ across England and Wales.
Our experienced and specialist trauma-informed therapists support survivors overcome the impact of abuse, develop coping strategies, manage trauma symptoms, build confidence, improve emotional wellbeing and move towards recovery.
Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, counselling at Safeline can help you process your experiences in a safe, confidential and supportive environment.
I could not recommend Safeline more highly.
My experience from my initial contact to the end of therapy has been incredible. I have really found it life changing and I don’t use that phrase lightly. My therapist has been absolutely brilliant. I have never felt so safe, heard and seen before.
How Counselling Can Help After Childhood Sexual Abuse
The effects of childhood sexual abuse can continue long into adulthood and affect many areas of your life.
You may have:
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression or low mood
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Difficulties trusting others
- Low self-esteem or self-confidence
- Relationship difficulties
- Feelings of shame, guilt or self-blame
- Problems sleeping
- Emotional overwhelm
Specialist counselling can help you understand these experiences, develop coping strategies and regain a sense of control over your life.
Our specialist and trauma-informed therapists understand the complex impact of sexual abuse and provide support at a pace that feels right for you.
Counselling That Fits Around You
Attending face-to-face appointments is not possible or accessible for everyone.
Our telephone and online counselling services allow you to access specialist support from a location where you feel safe and comfortable.
Benefits include:
- Access to specialist sexual abuse counselling wherever you live in England or Wales
- No travel required
- Greater flexibility around work, caring responsibilities or studies
- Support from your own home or another safe space
- Choice of online or telephone sessions
Many people find that remote counselling feels less intimidating and allows them to open up more easily.
Is Telephone & Online Counselling Effective?
Telephone and online counselling offers a different experience from face-to-face sessions. Remote counselling provides an opportunity to access specialist support while remaining in familiar surroundings. Other benefits include, easier access to support, no travel costs, and more flexibility with time.
Research and client experience show that online and telephone counselling can be highly effective for many people.
Many survivors tell us that they quickly develop a strong therapeutic relationship with their therapist and feel comfortable discussing difficult experiences through online or telephone sessions.
“The counselling I’ve had has truly changed my life. I no longer suffer debilitating panic attacks and can deal with problems so much better than I could a year ago.”
If you decide that telephone or online counselling feels right for you, we will support you every step of the way. We’ll provide clear guidance and information to help you get set up so you can access your sessions as comfortably as possible.
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What You Need for Online or Telephone Counselling
To have a private and confidential space for your sessions.
To protect your privacy and confidentiality, it is important that your computer/tablet/phone that you are using for counselling is in a safe and private environment so that our work together remains confidential and is unlikely to be overheard.
To be a confident computer user for online therapy.
To have good reading and typing skills (for using email or instant messaging therapy).
Internet access on a computer that you can use privately for the duration of your session.
A headset or earphones (if you are having telephone or video sessions).
For extra privacy.
A webcam (if you are having video sessions).
Most modern laptops/phones have them built in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access this service?
The service is available to people aged 16 and over in England and Wales who have been affected by childhood sexual abuse.
Child Sexual Abuse is Abuse that has happened before the age of 18.
Is counselling free?
Yes, Safeline’s counselling is free
I am still at school, can I use this service?
Yes, if the abuse happened before you were 18 and you are now aged 16 or over, you can use this service
What if the abuse happened many years ago?
Many people seek support years or even decades after experiencing abuse.
Can men access the service?
Yes, Safeline supports survivors of all genders.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you can contact Safeline directly.
What types of therapy are available?
We offer telephone, instant messaging, email and video therapy
Can I choose telephone or online sessions?
We will discuss available options with you and help identify the most suitable format for you.
Is Online Counselling confidential
Yes. All information is treated confidentially in line with Safeline’s confidentiality and data protection policies.
What if I am in crisis?
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services on 999, Samaritans on 116 123 or Shout by texting 85258.
Telephone or online counselling may not be appropriate during an immediate crisis.
Our Specialist Counsellors
All Safeline counsellors are qualified professional counsellors/psychotherapists who have undertaken additional accredited training to work remotely via telephone and online as well as accredited training in working with survivors of sexual abuse.
Our counsellors are members of recognised professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or equivalent and abide by their ethical framework.
If you would like further information on staff training or qualifications please get in touch.
To find out more please contact us
My therapist was kind, caring, attentive, compassionate, humorous when needed and appropriate, organised and always on time. I thought video therapy might not work for such challenging work but it really did…
I feel I must let you know that your counsellor XX is amazing. Throughout the weeks XX has made me feel safe enough to trust them in our sessions. Trust is a big issue for me, I don’t trust people. XX has had a big impact on my life. I know they are a a trained counsellor & it’s their job, but it’s more than that. It’s what is inside a person & what comes out of them, you can’t work with vulnerable people at their lowest peak without having compassion, empathy, sensitivity & understanding. XX has all these qualities & many more.
The counselling I’ve had with XXX for the past year has truly changed my life. I was able to talk through so many different things that had been on my mind for years and the positive impact the counselling has had is hard to put into words. I no longer suffer debilitating panic attacks and can calm myself down and deal with problems so much better than I could a year ago. I am a happier person, my entire outlook on myself and my life has changed for the better, and my personal relationships have improved massively. My confidence and trust in myself has changed dramatically and I can’t thank XXX and Safeline enough.
I was in a very dark place when I started therapy and am leaving feeling like a different person, with a new job to start and the next positive chapter of my life ahead.
Was happy in the way Safeline dealt with me from start (assessment) and the way my counsellor was very professional. I have learned a lot about making boundaries and some coping techniques that I did not until I came to Safeline
Confidentiality and Data Protection
All information you give us will be kept confidential within our organisation unless your consent is given to share it or there are concerns about serious risk of harm. Learn more about our Confidentiality and Data Protection policies below.