For children who have been sexually abused:
Counselling gives children and young people who have been affected by sexual abuse an opportunity to share their experience and talk about their feelings in a safe and accepting environment.
Research shows that children who are listened to and believed following their disclosure, and who access counselling are more likely to integrate and heal from their abusive experiences. Many children and young people enjoy counselling and find it helpful.
Counselling aims to:
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Reduce the impact of sexual abuse
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Provide information and education about sexual abuse
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Develop strategies of personal safety and protective behaviour in children and young people, and
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Empower children and families to help regain a sense of control in their lives as they recover from the impact of sexual abuse.
For children who have displayed problematic sexualised behaviours:
Children who have displayed problematic sexualised behaviours often require the opportunity to explore where their behaviours have come from, including feelings and triggers which may influence these behaviours, feelings they may have about themselves and how they can change these behaviours.
For young people who have caused sexual harm:
Counselling supports young people to take responsibility for their actions, empathise with their victims, and learn strategies to change and control their behaviour. It also helps a young person identify and understand their thoughts, feelings, actions, and problematic situations. This enables them to develop control over these factors that may previously have placed them at risk.
It is often difficult for young people who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviours to change without professional guidance. Indeed, a young person may be more likely to re-engage in sexually abusive behaviours if they have not received therapeutic support as they may not have the internal resources that can assist them in not repeating these harmful behaviours.
Many adult offenders report that their offending began during adolescence. Research shows that early intervention is highly successful in stopping young people from sexually offending in adulthood.