We Are Survivors believes that being in contact with people who understand the issues that male survivors face can really begin to help an individual move forward in their life and take back the power and control that was once taken away.
In all of our services, we use a stepped-care model that allows individuals to increase or decrease the intensity of support. Like many trauma-focused support services, we work in a way that is very much in keeping with Judith Herman’s model of Trauma and Recovery.
The model Judith presents describes in detail the healing process of people who struggle with a combination of problems related to unwanted, abusive, or traumatic experiences in their past. Our friends at 1in6 in the USA have described the three-stage model perfectly, which you can see by clicking here.
Before you begin looking at or talking about difficult memories of experiences, the most logical, sensible, and protective way forward is to engage in some of our stabilisation support. That does not mean that we think you are unstable (far from it), but it’s about making sure that before you start building a solid healing structure, you make sure the foundations are solid. You do not have to jump straight in, so why not get settled first and ensure you feel like you have landed?
Therapy is a space that needs to be safe, and so the beginning is often about you and your therapist getting to know each other (do not be surprised if it is all about what was on TV, football, life in general…. hey, even the weather!).
Then, after you feel a bit more connected to your therapist, build up some trust, feel like you are getting used to the surroundings, and like you own a bit of the space, you are more likely to feel able to share some of the more difficult things. It is all in your own time, and you are in the driving seat.
Most of our therapists are qualified, though we have a small number of therapists on placement with us (you will always be informed of this). All our therapists are members of the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy) or similar membership bodies.
We are sure that you will find an option that suits you. While we know how hard it is to take the first step, we can assure you that we will do everything within our power to make it as easy as possible for you to step through the door.
