what is counselling?
Counselling is an opportunity to talk with a trained counsellor about things that you need help and support with. This can include feelings, memories, beliefs, attitudes and events that affect a person’s life and their ability to cope with day-to-day life, work and relationships.
Many people feel fearful and anxious about attending counselling - this is perfectly normal. In a counselling setting, the counsellor provides the support to allow the person to go at their own pace. They will receive encouragement, but not pressure or expectations.
For further information on the different kinds of counselling available at the Centre please visit our
services page.
how long does a counselling session last?
Counselling sessions usually last for one hour.
how much does counselling cost?
All counselling services are free at the Sexual Violence Centre Cork.
To find out more, visit our
services page or
contact us today.
are the counsellors fully qualified?
Yes. All the counsellors employed by the Centre are qualified and accredited to professional organisations e.g. the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The Centre also employs an external counselling supervisor.
how long do I have to wait to see a counsellor?
When you make contact with the Centre you will have an initial visit in a matter of days. Your name is then put on a waiting list until a space becomes free. The average length of time someone waits is three months but this can vary. The Centre provides crisis counselling immediately and can offer support counselling to those on the waiting list.
is counselling confidential?
Confidentiality is very important in the work of the Centre. What is discussed in your counselling sessions is confidential. The only exceptions arise if the Centre becomes aware of a child at risk or if the counsellor is concerned that the person in counselling could be at serious risk. In either of these rare situations, the counsellor will discuss everything fully with the client as there is an obligation to report to the relevant authorities.
is counselling available to men?
Yes. The Centre provides counselling to men who have been raped, assaulted or are survivors of child sexual abuse.
is it possible to recover from such a traumatic event?
The simple answer is yes. There is a wealth of information available from people who have written about their recovery from such traumatic experiences. What recovery means to one person will mean something else to another but the effect is the same - you can move beyond the trauma to live a fuller and happier life.