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Our
support programme |
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We
have launched a new Support Programme, based near Stratford-Upon-Avon,
for women who have suffered sexual abuse or sexual violence.
Who will benefit most from this Support
Programme?
This group is designed for the adult woman who was sexually assaulted in childhood
and is now at a particular point in healing. It is structured and time-limited,
having a closed membership. A suitable candidate will probably have received
some counselling and is now ready to move into a self-help situation where she
can benefit from meeting other women in similar circumstances and begin to build
her self-esteem and assertiveness. She must be able to handle concentrated work
on past sexual abuse as well as on current patterns of behaviour without displaying
extreme dissociation, interruption of the group process, inability to share,
or similar behaviours that disrupt the work of the group.
The format and exercises are designed for those who have relatively clear memories
of sexual abuse, memories that have been present for at least a year.
The group is not constructive for those who are under psychiatric care for recent
suicide attempts, or currently suffering from chronic drug or alcohol abuse.
How will the Support Programme work?
The group will meet for 12 weekly sessions over a period of a term, after which
further support will be available as appropriate. The structured format of the
group offers some predictability and sense of control for the participants. Each
two-hour session begins and ends in the same way. The group covers a series of
topics, focussing on one topic per session, which enables participants to work
on one issue at a time.
Who will be facilitating?
There will be two group facilitators: an experienced psychotherapist and an experienced
counsellor.
How can I join the Support Programme?
You may be referred by your GP, or counsellor, using our referral form. In this
case the form should be completed by your GP or counsellor, with input from yourself
if you wish. Once the form has been reviewed by our psychotherapist, you will
be formally advised with a start date for your programme, and an information
pack. You may be advised of other routes for support if our psychotherapist feels
that the programme is not suitable for you at this point in your healing.
You may prefer to apply to join the programme yourself. In this case, please
contact us by email, telephone
or in writing - giving your name, telephone number, and your address - and we
shall arrange for you to be contacted.
You can download our referral form as an Adobe PDF, which can be printed off,
filled out and either posted or faxed to Women For Change. [Download
referral form] If you are unable to download a form, either e mail us with
your name and address to request one, or call us.
If you would like more information about the Support Programme, please
call 01789 490715, or email info@womenforchange.org.uk |
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support
programme