Sexual Abuse Counselling in Abbots Langley

Photo of Mandy Williams, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Mandy Williams
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Abbots Langley WD5
I have considerable experience working with those affected by domestic violence, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual violence and rape.
I am a fully qualified and experienced Integrative Psychotherapist/Counsellor offering individual or couples therapy face to face or online, I am also a counselling supervisor. Taking the first steps to access counselling may feel a little overwhelming but this can lead to increased self esteem and knowledge, better relationships with loved ones and a greater quality of life. I offer a safe, warm and comfortable environment to work together to explore what may be going on for you and discover opportunities for change.
I have considerable experience working with those affected by domestic violence, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual violence and rape.
I am a fully qualified and experienced Integrative Psychotherapist/Counsellor offering individual or couples therapy face to face or online, I am also a counselling supervisor. Taking the first steps to access counselling may feel a little overwhelming but this can lead to increased self esteem and knowledge, better relationships with loved ones and a greater quality of life. I offer a safe, warm and comfortable environment to work together to explore what may be going on for you and discover opportunities for change.
01923 603692 View 01923 603692
Photo of Samantha Amanda Miller, MBACP, Counsellor
Samantha Amanda Miller
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Abbots Langley WD5
I have a deep understanding of childhood sexual abuse and trauma originating in childhood.
A warm welcome to you. As a humanistic counsellor, my focus is to support you in re-discovering your innate sense of goodness and wholeness. Whether your troubles are underpinned by trauma or depression, our work together can build an understanding of who you are and what you need in order to find the best direction for yourself. I am also a trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist and my focus is embedded in here and now experiences. The Gestalt (roughly translated into 'Whole') approach is often helpful in grounding ourselves in 'what is' and provides a slowing down that offers space to move beyond a fixed way of being.
I have a deep understanding of childhood sexual abuse and trauma originating in childhood.
A warm welcome to you. As a humanistic counsellor, my focus is to support you in re-discovering your innate sense of goodness and wholeness. Whether your troubles are underpinned by trauma or depression, our work together can build an understanding of who you are and what you need in order to find the best direction for yourself. I am also a trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist and my focus is embedded in here and now experiences. The Gestalt (roughly translated into 'Whole') approach is often helpful in grounding ourselves in 'what is' and provides a slowing down that offers space to move beyond a fixed way of being.
01727 649241 View 01727 649241
Photo of Errol John Hendrickse, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Errol John Hendrickse
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Abbots Langley WD5
Asking for help is not an easy step to take. The prospect of sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone else is quite a leap of faith and if you have not experienced counselling before you may be wondering what to expect. I would like to offer you a comfortable space where we can talk and get to know each other; and when you are ready, we can start to explore and make sense of your thoughts and personal difficulties, working entirely at your own pace. By exploring our past experiences and relationships we can often gain a new and fresh perspective on our issues which can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Asking for help is not an easy step to take. The prospect of sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone else is quite a leap of faith and if you have not experienced counselling before you may be wondering what to expect. I would like to offer you a comfortable space where we can talk and get to know each other; and when you are ready, we can start to explore and make sense of your thoughts and personal difficulties, working entirely at your own pace. By exploring our past experiences and relationships we can often gain a new and fresh perspective on our issues which can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
01923 932792 View 01923 932792
Photo of Elaine Appleford, MBACP, Counsellor
Elaine Appleford
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Abbots Langley WD5
Whatever you are struggling with just now, you are not alone. Taking the first step towards finding help can be daunting but I am here to listen to your concerns and to provide a free initial conversation to help decide if I am the right person for you.  I offer a calm and confidential space where you can feel safe to explore your feelings and make sense of any issues that are troubling you or causing you pain.
Whatever you are struggling with just now, you are not alone. Taking the first step towards finding help can be daunting but I am here to listen to your concerns and to provide a free initial conversation to help decide if I am the right person for you.  I offer a calm and confidential space where you can feel safe to explore your feelings and make sense of any issues that are troubling you or causing you pain.
01923 961355 View 01923 961355
Photo of Dawn Davies, MBACP, Counsellor
Dawn Davies
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Abbots Langley WD5
Hello and thanks for looking at my profile. I am a qualified counsellor and have worked from my private practice based on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley since I qualified in 2009. During this time I have worked with many hundreds of clients offering long and short term counselling. I have gained wide experience working with many presenting issues including but not limited to : anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loss or bereavement, anger or difficult relationships. Feelings of disconnection from self and others, or feeling disillusioned with life; lacking purpose and meaning.
Hello and thanks for looking at my profile. I am a qualified counsellor and have worked from my private practice based on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley since I qualified in 2009. During this time I have worked with many hundreds of clients offering long and short term counselling. I have gained wide experience working with many presenting issues including but not limited to : anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loss or bereavement, anger or difficult relationships. Feelings of disconnection from self and others, or feeling disillusioned with life; lacking purpose and meaning.
01442 952370 View 01442 952370
Photo of Kathryn Nicolai, MBACP, Counsellor
Kathryn Nicolai
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Abbots Langley WD5
You're probably wondering how you got here, searching through profiles to find the right person who can help you. Maybe you're feeling low, maybe life just feels all too difficult now. I can help you see a way through. We can work together, discovering what brought you here, at a pace that feels right for you.
You're probably wondering how you got here, searching through profiles to find the right person who can help you. Maybe you're feeling low, maybe life just feels all too difficult now. I can help you see a way through. We can work together, discovering what brought you here, at a pace that feels right for you.
01923 932780 View 01923 932780
Photo of Silvia @ Center Therapy, BACP, Counsellor
Silvia @ Center Therapy
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Abbots Langley WD5  (Online Only)
Change and being your unapologetically authentic self. This discovery led me to become a therapist/counsellor. As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a variety of therapeutic approaches to create sessions that are uniquely tailored to your needs. I offer a safe and compassionate space where you will feel truly seen and heard. With full presence, empathy, and curiosity, I will support you in exploring your inner world. Together, we can work with playfulness, creativity, inquisitiveness and humour at times, as you embark on your journey toward healing and personal growth.
Change and being your unapologetically authentic self. This discovery led me to become a therapist/counsellor. As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a variety of therapeutic approaches to create sessions that are uniquely tailored to your needs. I offer a safe and compassionate space where you will feel truly seen and heard. With full presence, empathy, and curiosity, I will support you in exploring your inner world. Together, we can work with playfulness, creativity, inquisitiveness and humour at times, as you embark on your journey toward healing and personal growth.
01923 961898 View 01923 961898

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kay Parkinson - Place2Talk Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Kay Parkinson - Place2Talk Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Watford WD25
Alongside my work at PLACE2TALK, I also work as a counsellor at STARS, a specialised Sexual Trauma Agency in Dorset, where I provide support to clients who have experienced recent sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse or domestic violence.
Life can be messy & rarely turns out exactly as we hope or plan. Perhaps relationship or work-life difficulties are causing you emotional pain and mental suffering. Maybe you have been signed off from work, college or university with anxiety or stress, or you’re simply not able to enjoy the ‘sunshine‘ moments of life. Counselling can help you navigate the difficulties that are causing your emotional & mental suffering & provide support as you work towards building a more fulfilled & contented life. Shame is a common theme associated with low self-esteem, however, working together we can reduce its impact to improve your well-being.
Alongside my work at PLACE2TALK, I also work as a counsellor at STARS, a specialised Sexual Trauma Agency in Dorset, where I provide support to clients who have experienced recent sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse or domestic violence.
Life can be messy & rarely turns out exactly as we hope or plan. Perhaps relationship or work-life difficulties are causing you emotional pain and mental suffering. Maybe you have been signed off from work, college or university with anxiety or stress, or you’re simply not able to enjoy the ‘sunshine‘ moments of life. Counselling can help you navigate the difficulties that are causing your emotional & mental suffering & provide support as you work towards building a more fulfilled & contented life. Shame is a common theme associated with low self-esteem, however, working together we can reduce its impact to improve your well-being.
01202 029008 View 01202 029008
Photo of Adam Castle, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Adam Castle
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hemel Hempstead HP3
It's a 'given' that life is complex. Finding a solution to difficulties can be so challenging, perhaps seemingly 'impossible'. However, nothing is impossible .... the very word itself tells us - "I'm-possible!"
It's a 'given' that life is complex. Finding a solution to difficulties can be so challenging, perhaps seemingly 'impossible'. However, nothing is impossible .... the very word itself tells us - "I'm-possible!"
01442 979769 View 01442 979769
Photo of Yvonne Bullen, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Yvonne Bullen
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kings Langley WD4
Waitlist for new clients
As an experienced Psychotherapist & Supervisor, I work with warmth, sensitivity and compassion, fully accepting and being present to your unique situation. I realise beginning therapy can feel daunting, but finding someone you feel able to talk to and share your thoughts and feelings with, can bring immense relief; offering you a pathway towards being able to cope better and lead a more contented life. Perhaps you're struggling with depression or anxiety related disorders, experiencing relationship difficulties or have memories of past trauma or a difficult childhood which are impacting on your ability to cope with day to day life?
As an experienced Psychotherapist & Supervisor, I work with warmth, sensitivity and compassion, fully accepting and being present to your unique situation. I realise beginning therapy can feel daunting, but finding someone you feel able to talk to and share your thoughts and feelings with, can bring immense relief; offering you a pathway towards being able to cope better and lead a more contented life. Perhaps you're struggling with depression or anxiety related disorders, experiencing relationship difficulties or have memories of past trauma or a difficult childhood which are impacting on your ability to cope with day to day life?
01923 961507 View 01923 961507
Photo of Sandy Cutts, MBACP, Counsellor
Sandy Cutts
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Watford WD24
Feedback - Sexually Abused Client : "I started therapy feeling scared, sceptical, lost and a little bit overwhelmed, I was afraid to be vulnerable. You made me feel relaxed and welcome, and that allowed me to be so open and honest, I didn’t feel afraid anymore. A year ago, I didn’t know who I was. I felt that everyone had their own opinions and perceptions about me, and that created a discombobulated identity for me. I could have never progressed to this point without you there to guide me and challenge my thoughts and feelings. I am so grateful and thankful to you." An empathic non judgemental safe space is my utmost goal for you.
Feedback - Sexually Abused Client : "I started therapy feeling scared, sceptical, lost and a little bit overwhelmed, I was afraid to be vulnerable. You made me feel relaxed and welcome, and that allowed me to be so open and honest, I didn’t feel afraid anymore. A year ago, I didn’t know who I was. I felt that everyone had their own opinions and perceptions about me, and that created a discombobulated identity for me. I could have never progressed to this point without you there to guide me and challenge my thoughts and feelings. I am so grateful and thankful to you." An empathic non judgemental safe space is my utmost goal for you.
01628 956339 View 01628 956339
Photo of Rebecca Sare, MBACP, Counsellor
Rebecca Sare
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Watford WD24
I’m a counsellor and therapist based a short walk from Watford Town Centre. I work with individuals experiencing many different challenges. These might include depression, anxiety, issues around relationships and sex, questions around identity, issues with confidence and self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness or struggles finding meaning, and everything in-between. As an integrative therapist, my therapeutic practice and thinking are informed by a number of widely recognised approaches. Above all, I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is what makes it such an effective catalyst for change.
I’m a counsellor and therapist based a short walk from Watford Town Centre. I work with individuals experiencing many different challenges. These might include depression, anxiety, issues around relationships and sex, questions around identity, issues with confidence and self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness or struggles finding meaning, and everything in-between. As an integrative therapist, my therapeutic practice and thinking are informed by a number of widely recognised approaches. Above all, I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is what makes it such an effective catalyst for change.
01923 961104 View 01923 961104
Photo of Donna Karpel, MBACP, Counsellor
Donna Karpel
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Watford WD17
Hello and welcome to my profile. If you feel life's pressures and anxieties are proving too difficult for you to cope with, I am able to offer you a safe, non-judgmental space to help you unburden yourself, and express difficult and painful emotions. I like to go at the clients pace and totally respect their privacy. We will work together to explore the past experiences, current difficulties and future possibilities. I am truly passionate about my work, and believe by helping you feel heard and understood, and by helping you find a new perspective on things, together we can facilitate positive change and personal growth.
Hello and welcome to my profile. If you feel life's pressures and anxieties are proving too difficult for you to cope with, I am able to offer you a safe, non-judgmental space to help you unburden yourself, and express difficult and painful emotions. I like to go at the clients pace and totally respect their privacy. We will work together to explore the past experiences, current difficulties and future possibilities. I am truly passionate about my work, and believe by helping you feel heard and understood, and by helping you find a new perspective on things, together we can facilitate positive change and personal growth.
020 3910 6043 View 020 3910 6043
Photo of Carole Scarlett, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Carole Scarlett
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hemel Hempstead HP3
At times we need a place, independent of family & friends, to explore any fears/anxieties we have. Do you have a safe space to explore how your feeling? How can I help? I offer a safe, confidential & non-judgemental space for you to do so talking through any issues you may have. My expertise is extensive, working with issues such as e.g. Abuse, Anxiety/Worrying, Bereavement, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Self-esteem/Confidence, Low Moods, Neuro-diversity & Self-harm. This makes me unique and experienced to work successfully with clients to overcome these setbacks and to build upon your inner resources to move forward.
At times we need a place, independent of family & friends, to explore any fears/anxieties we have. Do you have a safe space to explore how your feeling? How can I help? I offer a safe, confidential & non-judgemental space for you to do so talking through any issues you may have. My expertise is extensive, working with issues such as e.g. Abuse, Anxiety/Worrying, Bereavement, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Self-esteem/Confidence, Low Moods, Neuro-diversity & Self-harm. This makes me unique and experienced to work successfully with clients to overcome these setbacks and to build upon your inner resources to move forward.
01442 953053 View 01442 953053
Photo of Jo Derry, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Jo Derry
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Watford WD25
I am an experienced counsellor/psychotherapist. I consider it of utmost importance that we build a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship within which you can feel safe and trusting enough to discuss and explore whatever is going on for you. I am here to listen and will not judge what you have to say. I'm here to help you feel better by making sense of the things that you think and feel and to empower you to make your own choices about how you move forward in your life. You can trust that I will act in your best interests at all times and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
I am an experienced counsellor/psychotherapist. I consider it of utmost importance that we build a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship within which you can feel safe and trusting enough to discuss and explore whatever is going on for you. I am here to listen and will not judge what you have to say. I'm here to help you feel better by making sense of the things that you think and feel and to empower you to make your own choices about how you move forward in your life. You can trust that I will act in your best interests at all times and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
01923 750844 View 01923 750844
Photo of Cheryl Louise Sandford, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Cheryl Louise Sandford
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Watford WD24  (Online Only)
I am a qualified integrative counsellor, offering individuals a safe and confidential place for support and exploration. I believe that a respectful and non-judgmental environment is crucial to therapy, this is an essential element of the way I work. I always welcome whole authentic feelings from my clients, without putting a negative label on them. In order to explore overwhelming feelings such as: guilt, depression, anxiety, anger, loss, self-harm etc. without feeling judged, trust needs to be present. The decision to come to counselling is a courageous step - facing our difficulties is never easy but can be liberating.
I am a qualified integrative counsellor, offering individuals a safe and confidential place for support and exploration. I believe that a respectful and non-judgmental environment is crucial to therapy, this is an essential element of the way I work. I always welcome whole authentic feelings from my clients, without putting a negative label on them. In order to explore overwhelming feelings such as: guilt, depression, anxiety, anger, loss, self-harm etc. without feeling judged, trust needs to be present. The decision to come to counselling is a courageous step - facing our difficulties is never easy but can be liberating.
01923 750674 View 01923 750674
Photo of Carolyn Fisher - Safe Harbour Counselling, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Safe Harbour Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Watford WD25
Hi, my name is Carolyn and I am an experienced person-centred counsellor. I bring a humanistic approach to each person, believing that given the right conditions everyone can reach their full potential and work towards becoming their true self. Person- centred counselling is client led, which means sessions will be led by you with me working alongside you to explore your behaviours, thoughts and feelings. This may include your past, how you feel today and how you see your future.
Hi, my name is Carolyn and I am an experienced person-centred counsellor. I bring a humanistic approach to each person, believing that given the right conditions everyone can reach their full potential and work towards becoming their true self. Person- centred counselling is client led, which means sessions will be led by you with me working alongside you to explore your behaviours, thoughts and feelings. This may include your past, how you feel today and how you see your future.
01923 961417 View 01923 961417
Photo of Daliah Slater, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Daliah Slater
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Watford WD17
Counselling can provide you with help and support if you are going through a difficult time. I understand that you may be feeling anxious, a lack of connection, have a sense of loss or just feel stuck. You may even feel disconcerted or ill at ease, and cannot understand why or who to turn to. Coming to counselling may feel daunting, but actually is a sign of strength, and is often the first brave step towards finding a stronger sense of self and inner peace.
Counselling can provide you with help and support if you are going through a difficult time. I understand that you may be feeling anxious, a lack of connection, have a sense of loss or just feel stuck. You may even feel disconcerted or ill at ease, and cannot understand why or who to turn to. Coming to counselling may feel daunting, but actually is a sign of strength, and is often the first brave step towards finding a stronger sense of self and inner peace.
07803 179971 View 07803 179971
Photo of Nicholas Oxley, PsychD, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Nicholas Oxley
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Kings Langley WD4
I draw on a variety of practices to support individuals facing diverse challenges, whether stemming from historic or recent traumas, anxiety, or difficult emotions. This includes life crises, historic or recent traumas, anxiety or difficult emotions, neurodiversity, loss of direction, relationship issues, self-doubt, low self-esteem, and those seeking to understand themselves more deeply. In our sessions together, we'll explore the depths of your experiences and the essence of who you are, using a blend of psychodynamic, humanistic, and existential approaches that best suit your individual needs.
I draw on a variety of practices to support individuals facing diverse challenges, whether stemming from historic or recent traumas, anxiety, or difficult emotions. This includes life crises, historic or recent traumas, anxiety or difficult emotions, neurodiversity, loss of direction, relationship issues, self-doubt, low self-esteem, and those seeking to understand themselves more deeply. In our sessions together, we'll explore the depths of your experiences and the essence of who you are, using a blend of psychodynamic, humanistic, and existential approaches that best suit your individual needs.
01442 501195 View 01442 501195
Photo of Deepa Valji - Here to Hear Therapy - Deepa Valji, BACP, Psychotherapist
Here to Hear Therapy - Deepa Valji
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Watford WD17
At times when life feels unpredictable, overwhelming, confusing or you feel alone and unsure, you may need someone to, not only listen to you, but to really hear you. I am a qualified psychotherapist and psychodynamic counsellor. I am a member of the BACP. I have a wealth of experience in working with anxiety and depression, bereavement, trauma, LGBTQ+ and more. I invite you into a space which enables you to think about, explore, and talk about your feelings in a congruent and authentic manner, without fear of judgement.
At times when life feels unpredictable, overwhelming, confusing or you feel alone and unsure, you may need someone to, not only listen to you, but to really hear you. I am a qualified psychotherapist and psychodynamic counsellor. I am a member of the BACP. I have a wealth of experience in working with anxiety and depression, bereavement, trauma, LGBTQ+ and more. I invite you into a space which enables you to think about, explore, and talk about your feelings in a congruent and authentic manner, without fear of judgement.
01923 932567 View 01923 932567

See more therapy options for Abbots Langley

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.