Sexual Abuse Counselling in Manchester

Photo of Georgina McKavanagh, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Georgina McKavanagh
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
If you’ve spent most of your life holding it together for everyone else, it can be hard to know what you actually need. I work with thoughtful, high-functioning women who feel overwhelmed, stuck in relationship patterns, or disconnected from themselves. Together we explore where these patterns began and how to start changing them.
If you’ve spent most of your life holding it together for everyone else, it can be hard to know what you actually need. I work with thoughtful, high-functioning women who feel overwhelmed, stuck in relationship patterns, or disconnected from themselves. Together we explore where these patterns began and how to start changing them.
01942 925808 View 01942 925808
Photo of Oliwia Poddana, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Oliwia Poddana
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
I am experienced in working with clients who have experienced childhood trauma, sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, attachment difficulties, relationship breakdowns and dissociation.
If you are going through a tough time in your life, a lot of emotions are coming up right now, and it all feels a little overwhelming - my heart goes out to you. The hardest step is often reaching out for support and I am honoured you are considering working together. Having a dedicated space to be heard, explore our inner world and past experiences in a compassionate space can offer clarity and healing. My intention as a therapist is to create a space for you where the masks can drop, your authenticity can emerge and you feel supported in slowly reconnecting to the wisdom within.
I am experienced in working with clients who have experienced childhood trauma, sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, attachment difficulties, relationship breakdowns and dissociation.
If you are going through a tough time in your life, a lot of emotions are coming up right now, and it all feels a little overwhelming - my heart goes out to you. The hardest step is often reaching out for support and I am honoured you are considering working together. Having a dedicated space to be heard, explore our inner world and past experiences in a compassionate space can offer clarity and healing. My intention as a therapist is to create a space for you where the masks can drop, your authenticity can emerge and you feel supported in slowly reconnecting to the wisdom within.
0161 524 6680 View 0161 524 6680
Photo of Adrian Carrier, Counsellor, BACP
Adrian Carrier
Counsellor, BACP
I provide a supportive environment in which we can explore together the difficulties that you're experiencing. I feel that holding warm, and understanding space in which you can grow is paramount and wholeheartedly respect that you are the expert of your own unique way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing. As such, I will trust, encourage, and support you to guide us on our journey together.
I provide a supportive environment in which we can explore together the difficulties that you're experiencing. I feel that holding warm, and understanding space in which you can grow is paramount and wholeheartedly respect that you are the expert of your own unique way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing. As such, I will trust, encourage, and support you to guide us on our journey together.
01707 954010 View 01707 954010
Photo of Kershia Williams, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Kershia Williams
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Online Only
I specialise in early trauma, sexual assault, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and issues within familial, spousal, and LGBTQ+ relationships.
I draw on an integrative blend of approaches that explore both your early experiences and present circumstances, using tailored techniques to support you with compassion and care. Many present challenges stem from the past, and together we’ll explore how these experiences have shaped you, your relationships, and the way you see yourself and the world.
I specialise in early trauma, sexual assault, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and issues within familial, spousal, and LGBTQ+ relationships.
I draw on an integrative blend of approaches that explore both your early experiences and present circumstances, using tailored techniques to support you with compassion and care. Many present challenges stem from the past, and together we’ll explore how these experiences have shaped you, your relationships, and the way you see yourself and the world.
0115 697 5854 View 0115 697 5854
Photo of Lisa Howarth - Lisa Howarth Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
Lisa Howarth Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Warm, humorous, and down-to-earth, I offer a welcoming space and support for individuals and couples of all genders to explore anxiety and depression, relationships, loss and bereavement, sexual, childhood or institutional abuse, sexuality or complex PTSD. You may be feeling low, grieving, or stuck in patterns such as people pleasing, self-blame or emotional disconnection. Whether that's from yourself or others, I can support you to understand your relationships or sexuality more deeply.
Warm, humorous, and down-to-earth, I offer a welcoming space and support for individuals and couples of all genders to explore anxiety and depression, relationships, loss and bereavement, sexual, childhood or institutional abuse, sexuality or complex PTSD. You may be feeling low, grieving, or stuck in patterns such as people pleasing, self-blame or emotional disconnection. Whether that's from yourself or others, I can support you to understand your relationships or sexuality more deeply.
0161 524 5095 View 0161 524 5095
Photo of Jack Rose, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Jack Rose
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Some of my clients feel stuck, overwhelmed by emotions, unresolved past experiences, or uncertainty about their direction. They may struggle with anxiety, stress, low mood, or relationship challenges, or be navigating identity, childhood trauma, or gender and sexuality issues. They seek a safe, supportive space to explore patterns influencing their thoughts and behaviors, gain insight, and develop coping tools. Their goals include fostering self-awareness, building resilience, and creating lasting change to move forward with confidence and purpose, supported by a collaborative therapeutic relationship.
Some of my clients feel stuck, overwhelmed by emotions, unresolved past experiences, or uncertainty about their direction. They may struggle with anxiety, stress, low mood, or relationship challenges, or be navigating identity, childhood trauma, or gender and sexuality issues. They seek a safe, supportive space to explore patterns influencing their thoughts and behaviors, gain insight, and develop coping tools. Their goals include fostering self-awareness, building resilience, and creating lasting change to move forward with confidence and purpose, supported by a collaborative therapeutic relationship.
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Photo of Barbara H Lyons - Shadowplay Counselling & Training, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Shadowplay Counselling & Training
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Are things that have happened in your life preventing you living as you deserve to? Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, or feeling numb and disconnected from others? Do you find you're reaching for alcohol, drugs, food, damaging relationships to try to feel better? Or did you grow up with a parent struggling in this way? You don't need to have suffered an obvious trauma or adversity to be be feeling fearful, despairing or battling with a low sense of self worth. Modern life is hard and the pressures sometimes difficult to navigate.
Are things that have happened in your life preventing you living as you deserve to? Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, or feeling numb and disconnected from others? Do you find you're reaching for alcohol, drugs, food, damaging relationships to try to feel better? Or did you grow up with a parent struggling in this way? You don't need to have suffered an obvious trauma or adversity to be be feeling fearful, despairing or battling with a low sense of self worth. Modern life is hard and the pressures sometimes difficult to navigate.
0161 696 3014 View 0161 696 3014
Photo of Alan Dickinson, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Alan Dickinson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
I specialise in supporting survivors of sexual abuse in processing their trauma in the most painless ways possible, by building a sense of safety and using tools to minimise the distress of difficult memories before helping survivors find new, adaptive ways to live their life rather than be held back by their abuse.
As a trauma-informed counsellor, I have a real emphasis on safety, collaboration, empowerment and trust. I ensure a personalised experience for each and every client by creating a focus on your specific goals and the interventions/steps we can take to get there.
I specialise in supporting survivors of sexual abuse in processing their trauma in the most painless ways possible, by building a sense of safety and using tools to minimise the distress of difficult memories before helping survivors find new, adaptive ways to live their life rather than be held back by their abuse.
As a trauma-informed counsellor, I have a real emphasis on safety, collaboration, empowerment and trust. I ensure a personalised experience for each and every client by creating a focus on your specific goals and the interventions/steps we can take to get there.
01732 443117 View 01732 443117
Photo of Dr Kelly Savery, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Kelly Savery
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
24 Endorsed
If you are a trauma survivor, I see you. I’m here for you. I provide a safe space to explore what happened to you. Together, we’ll find ways to manage the psychological and physiological distress that is a result of trauma. You are not alone. My collaborative process creates a safe space for you to work through your traumatic experience(s) and come out stronger on the other side. I will empower you to make choices to live your life in accordance with your values and beliefs. I am an inclusive therapist and work with everyone who has experienced trauma, including marginalized and under-represented groups of people.
If you are a trauma survivor, I see you. I’m here for you. I provide a safe space to explore what happened to you. Together, we’ll find ways to manage the psychological and physiological distress that is a result of trauma. You are not alone. My collaborative process creates a safe space for you to work through your traumatic experience(s) and come out stronger on the other side. I will empower you to make choices to live your life in accordance with your values and beliefs. I am an inclusive therapist and work with everyone who has experienced trauma, including marginalized and under-represented groups of people.
0161 524 4354 View 0161 524 4354
Photo of Anna Daly, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Anna Daly
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Finding the right therapist for you is crucial in order for therapy to be effective and to help you make lasting changes. I offer a free initial assessment. Affordable prices. I work in a broad way. I believe humour is essential in therapy & is often the thing that keeps us going through the darkness. I provide a safe space, in a non-judgemental environment, where people have the freedom to explore themselves. I am warm and I work at my client's pace in a gentle manner. I am an integrative counsellor and use a variety of theoretical models. This collaborative approach enables me to work in a way that suits each individual client.
Finding the right therapist for you is crucial in order for therapy to be effective and to help you make lasting changes. I offer a free initial assessment. Affordable prices. I work in a broad way. I believe humour is essential in therapy & is often the thing that keeps us going through the darkness. I provide a safe space, in a non-judgemental environment, where people have the freedom to explore themselves. I am warm and I work at my client's pace in a gentle manner. I am an integrative counsellor and use a variety of theoretical models. This collaborative approach enables me to work in a way that suits each individual client.
0161 524 9781 View 0161 524 9781
Photo of Dr Kieran Nolan, Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Dr Kieran Nolan
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
I have been working full-time as a psychotherapist since 2002 and have over 16,000 clinical hours of experience. Trained in a number of different types of therapy, I offer a huge depth of experience, formerly as a Senior Psychotherapist with a community mental health team (CMHT) within the NHS and now as a psychotherapist in private practice. Additionally, as I have an unusual dual training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy, I am uniquely placed to offer a flexible and powerful approach to psychotherapy.
I have been working full-time as a psychotherapist since 2002 and have over 16,000 clinical hours of experience. Trained in a number of different types of therapy, I offer a huge depth of experience, formerly as a Senior Psychotherapist with a community mental health team (CMHT) within the NHS and now as a psychotherapist in private practice. Additionally, as I have an unusual dual training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy, I am uniquely placed to offer a flexible and powerful approach to psychotherapy.
0161 524 7962 View 0161 524 7962
Photo of Adrian Askham-Langham, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Adrian Askham-Langham
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am an Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist with nearly 20 years of rich & varied experience of working with a diverse mix of clients in various settings ranging from mental health services, NHS clinics, sexual health & sexual violence services. I work from a non pathological stance and value diversity. In addition to my therapeutic training I have undertaken specialist training enabling me to work effectively with neurodivergent clients. I am also an accredited Mindfulness teacher and incorporate aspects of this into my client work.I hope to enable clients to gain insights and meet themselves with compassion & understanding.
I am an Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist with nearly 20 years of rich & varied experience of working with a diverse mix of clients in various settings ranging from mental health services, NHS clinics, sexual health & sexual violence services. I work from a non pathological stance and value diversity. In addition to my therapeutic training I have undertaken specialist training enabling me to work effectively with neurodivergent clients. I am also an accredited Mindfulness teacher and incorporate aspects of this into my client work.I hope to enable clients to gain insights and meet themselves with compassion & understanding.
01937 221262 View 01937 221262
Photo of Charlotte Hand, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Charlotte Hand
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Serves Area
Welcome, I’m Charlotte. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. Whilst I specialise in working with survivors of sexual violence, abuse, trauma and PTSD. I have supported people with a range of difficulties during my career. I could help you to move on from whatever may be troubling you, including both deep rooted issues and day to day difficulties. I aim to create a safe space, free from judgement to explore the important things which have brought you to therapy. We’ll work in collaboration towards your goals, to help you develop tools to help you cope with future challenges and at a pace which feels comfortable for you.
Welcome, I’m Charlotte. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. Whilst I specialise in working with survivors of sexual violence, abuse, trauma and PTSD. I have supported people with a range of difficulties during my career. I could help you to move on from whatever may be troubling you, including both deep rooted issues and day to day difficulties. I aim to create a safe space, free from judgement to explore the important things which have brought you to therapy. We’ll work in collaboration towards your goals, to help you develop tools to help you cope with future challenges and at a pace which feels comfortable for you.
0161 524 2382 View 0161 524 2382
Photo of Paula Kane, Counsellor, MBACP
Paula Kane
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I help people heal from childhood sexual abuse, domestic or sexual abuse, and harmful relationships.
You might be stuck in the same painful patterns or relationships, feeling drained, doubting yourself, or carrying pain from childhood or past abuse. Maybe you always put others first or struggle to trust. You want to feel safe, set boundaries, rebuild confidence, and finally take back control of your life and relationships.
I help people heal from childhood sexual abuse, domestic or sexual abuse, and harmful relationships.
You might be stuck in the same painful patterns or relationships, feeling drained, doubting yourself, or carrying pain from childhood or past abuse. Maybe you always put others first or struggle to trust. You want to feel safe, set boundaries, rebuild confidence, and finally take back control of your life and relationships.
028 9433 8832 View 028 9433 8832
Photo of Rachel Woolerton, MSc
Rachel Woolerton
Verified Verified
Online Only
I qualified as a nurse in 1987 and spent many years working primarily as a practice nurse. This role gave me a unique insight into the challenges people face when expressing their sexual needs, both individually and within relationships. Over time, I observed that treatment for sexual difficulties was often over-medicalised and lacked sensitivity, failing to consider the whole person. In 2017, I began training in psychosexual therapy and have since had the privilege of working with the NHS and other specialist organisations, both face-to-face and online. Today, I practice independently as an online psychosexual therapist.
I qualified as a nurse in 1987 and spent many years working primarily as a practice nurse. This role gave me a unique insight into the challenges people face when expressing their sexual needs, both individually and within relationships. Over time, I observed that treatment for sexual difficulties was often over-medicalised and lacked sensitivity, failing to consider the whole person. In 2017, I began training in psychosexual therapy and have since had the privilege of working with the NHS and other specialist organisations, both face-to-face and online. Today, I practice independently as an online psychosexual therapist.
015242 35740 View 015242 35740
Photo of Amanda Ridyard, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Amanda Ridyard
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I think sometimes we just reach that place in life when we say 'enough is enough'. For some it can mean it is time to stop and face something, and to someone else it can mean it is maybe time to 'let it go'. There's no end to the potential meanings for reaching 'that point'. i think we've all been there at some stage or another. Does this sound familiar ? That's okay, i totally understand where you're coming from. What is important is acknowledging that you have had the energy and motivation to seek someone to support you through this - it takes courage and strength to take this step. Well done!
I think sometimes we just reach that place in life when we say 'enough is enough'. For some it can mean it is time to stop and face something, and to someone else it can mean it is maybe time to 'let it go'. There's no end to the potential meanings for reaching 'that point'. i think we've all been there at some stage or another. Does this sound familiar ? That's okay, i totally understand where you're coming from. What is important is acknowledging that you have had the energy and motivation to seek someone to support you through this - it takes courage and strength to take this step. Well done!
01204 589966 View 01204 589966
Photo of Kyle Thurlow, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Kyle Thurlow
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Serves Area
My main areas of expertise is helping people with dissociative disorders/DID, OSDD, PTSD, sexual abuse, trauma, bipolar, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, and grief/bereavement.
I conduct a detailed intake from each client which helps me understand your psychological needs. I work in a time limited format and offer 20 sessions which are tailored for each client. However, if more sessions are required then we simply review and continue.
My main areas of expertise is helping people with dissociative disorders/DID, OSDD, PTSD, sexual abuse, trauma, bipolar, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, and grief/bereavement.
I conduct a detailed intake from each client which helps me understand your psychological needs. I work in a time limited format and offer 20 sessions which are tailored for each client. However, if more sessions are required then we simply review and continue.
01254 961534 View 01254 961534
Photo of Neeru Rishi, Counsellor, MBACP
Neeru Rishi
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I also have specialist training and interest in trauma, miscarriage and sexual abuse.
I am an experienced integrative psychotherapist. I support people through all of life’s challenges,as well as those who wish to maintain a healthy mind or learn to live better, more fulfilling lives. I can help if you are struggling with loss, anxiety, low mood, or experiencing difficulties in your relationships or in the way you attach to others. We will work together to help alleviate any difficult thoughts or experiences you may going through. If you want to delve a little deeper, I’ll be along side you, gently challenging and helping you check-in along the way. We will go at your pace.
I also have specialist training and interest in trauma, miscarriage and sexual abuse.
I am an experienced integrative psychotherapist. I support people through all of life’s challenges,as well as those who wish to maintain a healthy mind or learn to live better, more fulfilling lives. I can help if you are struggling with loss, anxiety, low mood, or experiencing difficulties in your relationships or in the way you attach to others. We will work together to help alleviate any difficult thoughts or experiences you may going through. If you want to delve a little deeper, I’ll be along side you, gently challenging and helping you check-in along the way. We will go at your pace.
020 3835 6117 View 020 3835 6117
Photo of Christina Carey, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Christina Carey
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Serves Area
I work with clients who have experienced relational trauma, including coercive control, domestic and sexual abuse and narcissistic relationships.
I’m Christina, a therapist specialising in relationships, trauma and abuse. I also work with a range of mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety and loss of identity and confidence. I may be a good fit for you as a therapist if you have experienced domestic and narcissistic abuse, sexual violence, difficult relationship endings, abuse in childhood and trauma bonds. You may have noticed relationships impact your mood and anxiety. I also specialise in working with disordered eating and body image struggles, including restriction and binge eating. I help people to improve their relationship with food and their body
I work with clients who have experienced relational trauma, including coercive control, domestic and sexual abuse and narcissistic relationships.
I’m Christina, a therapist specialising in relationships, trauma and abuse. I also work with a range of mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety and loss of identity and confidence. I may be a good fit for you as a therapist if you have experienced domestic and narcissistic abuse, sexual violence, difficult relationship endings, abuse in childhood and trauma bonds. You may have noticed relationships impact your mood and anxiety. I also specialise in working with disordered eating and body image struggles, including restriction and binge eating. I help people to improve their relationship with food and their body
01785 904941 View 01785 904941
Photo of Jeannette Roddy, Counsellor, PhD, MBACP Accred
Jeannette Roddy
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Abuse can have a significant affect on mental health. Whether the abuse happened as a child or as an adult, abusive experiences can lead to low mood, high anxiety, flashbacks to incidents, difficulty trusting others as well as low self-confidence and self-esteem, even when the abuse is historic. These are all normal reactions to difficult and painful experiences. I have worked with people who have experienced abuse for the last 15 years. The work has been transformational for some clients and very helpful for others, whether the abuse is within the family, workplace or within a relationship.
Abuse can have a significant affect on mental health. Whether the abuse happened as a child or as an adult, abusive experiences can lead to low mood, high anxiety, flashbacks to incidents, difficulty trusting others as well as low self-confidence and self-esteem, even when the abuse is historic. These are all normal reactions to difficult and painful experiences. I have worked with people who have experienced abuse for the last 15 years. The work has been transformational for some clients and very helpful for others, whether the abuse is within the family, workplace or within a relationship.
01642 056994 View 01642 056994

See more therapy options for Manchester

Sexual Abuse Counsellors
How do therapists treat sexual abuse?
A good therapist will be nonjudgmental and possibly demonstrate active listening, repeating back what the client says to show that they have understood. These skills allow people to feel comfortable discussing their traumatic experiences openly. Some important treatment goals are to restore a sense of safety and to rebuild confidence. In addition to working one-on-one with the patient, a therapist might bring in supportive family members to assist the client.

Do you have to talk extensively about sexual abuse in therapy?
Survivors frequently find it difficult to describe what happened to them out loud. They can even still be in a state of denial if the sexual abuse occurred recently. It is important for survivors to acknowledge that what happened isn’t their fault and to challenge and reappraise any unhealthy feelings or thoughts as they arise. Art therapy and play therapy are useful non-verbal means of communication for some survivors.

How long does treatment for sexual abuse take?
Recovery from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. Some survivors are able to move on naturally on their own, given time, while others require the guidance of a trained therapist. Therapy needs vary and can range from a few sessions to months or even years. Healing from sexual abuse takes time, and everyone’s journey will look a little different.

Can trauma symptoms caused by sexual abuse come back after treatment?
As occurs in many cases of trauma, survivors of sexual abuse may experience PTSD-like symptoms long after the abuse has ceased or after an initial round of treatment has occurred. In such a case, there is evidence that prolonged exposure therapy is a useful treatment for survivors, and may be more efficacious than supportive counseling alone. While triggers may continue to cause distress, the idea is that, with time and repeated exposure, their power will fade, allowing survivors to move on with their lives.