COUNSELLING SERVICE

Talking about your life and feelings can be very frightening but it can help to breakdown feelings of isolation, enable you to make sense of the past and resolve difficult feelings such as anger or guilt. It can also help you to find your own solutions, manage or even overcome your pain. Individual counselling is available for up to six months on a weekly basis. This can be extended if you and your Counsellor feel it would be helpful. Counsellors work in different ways, but all seek to provide the safety and support you need.

WHO ARE WE?

SAIL is a registered charity based in Chesterfield. We offer free, specialist counselling for adults aged 18 and over in Derbyshire who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, incest or sexual violence. Counselling is delivered in locations across the county. All Counsellors are qualified or on placement from Universities and Colleges and have a deep understanding of the recovery journey. Ongoing support and supervision is provided to ensure they are working to the highest professional standards. SAIL follows The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy’s Ethical Framework. Please ask if you would like more information about this.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

IS THIS FOR ME?

Not every survivor of childhood sexual, physical or emotional abuse understands the connection between these experiences and the difficulties they may now be experiencing as adults. Some people find it more difficult to acknowledge the reasons behind their current struggles. Feelings of depression, low self-esteem, guilt, eating or sleeping disturbances and difficulty trusting people, especially partners, are just some of the ways in which abuse can have a lasting impact on mental wellbeing. We know that each individual has their own story to tell. Regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse ended, the physical and emotional distress and fear can still be a very real and intense part of everyday life. It can be extremely hard to admit you have been abused and even more difficult to ask for help. We understand this and do not expect you to share your experiences unless you are ready.

You can refer yourself to our service or an advocate or someone you trust can approach us on your behalf. Other professionals can also refer into the service. If you want to talk to someone, we now have a free dedicted helpline open Monday - Friday (please see top of page for full details). We also offer a drop-in service on those days and during those times. you would like to ask for support or simply to find out more, then call our Appointments Line (below) or email info@sailderbyshire.org.uk. You can also refer yourself using the form below. We aim to offer you an initial meeting to discuss your needs and explore what support is right for you within two weeks of you contacting us. If SAIL is not able to provide what you need, then we will try and help you find alternative support.

HOW DO I START?

CLIENT FEEDBACK

Helped me feel less alone

The relationship and trust that was built with my counsellor, this was the first stepping stone to speak my truth

The Assessment was the Stepping stone into using the excellent service of Sail

group therapy

Online Peer Support Group

SAIL’s peer support group is a space created for the opportunity to connect with others who may also identify in some way as survivors.

Providing a safe and supporting place where each other can share, learn and receive support, compassion, empowerment and understanding. Being free from judgement and full of encouragement.

Online Therapy Group

SAIL's Group Therapy consists of ten weekly, two hour sessions. Contents is user led and centres around psychoeducation with a focus on building resilience and recovery.

Topics covered include safety, stabilisation, self-care and assertiveness. Group members build positive coping mechanisms for symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress such as triggers, flashbacks and dissociation.

Group Therapy

Peer support group feedback form

Feedback Form

Help us to make a difference

Your experience of SAIL is important to us. We value your feedback to help us improve our services. To share your views, or make a formal complaint, please contact SAIL’s Manager, either by phone on 01246 556114 or in writing. Our counselling service is free of charge. However, in spite of our continued efforts, our funding does not meet all of our costs. Please consider supporting this vital counselling service by making a donation. Details of how to donate to SAIL are available on request, or you can donate using the button at the top of the page.