Trauma Counselling
Sexual Abuse Counselling — Confidential Support for Survivors
If you have experienced sexual abuse or sexual trauma, specialist counselling is available. You do not need to share what happened to get started — and you never have to, unless you choose to.
NCPS Organisational Member
Professionally registered therapists
Free 15-minute consultation
★ ★ ★ ★ ★“I was certain I couldn’t talk about it. What I didn’t know was that I didn’t have to — and that the work could still begin.”
Hope Therapy client, sexual trauma recovery
5,000+
People supported
90+
Qualified therapists
5 ★
Website testimonials
20+
Counties across England
This page is part of our trauma therapy hub — visit for a full overview of our trauma therapy services.
You do not have to talk about what happened
This is the first thing we want you to know. The free consultation does not ask for any account of events. Beginning counselling does not require you to describe or relive what happened. Many of the most effective therapeutic approaches for sexual trauma — including EMDR — do not require detailed retelling at all.
We understand that for many survivors, the fear of having to go through it again is one of the things that makes reaching out feel impossible. That fear is completely understandable. But it does not have to stand in the way of getting support.
Your therapist will work entirely at your pace, beginning with safety and stabilisation before anything else. Nothing will happen that you have not agreed to. If you decide at any point that you want to slow down or stop, that is your right.
A note on the free consultation. You can book your free 15-minute consultation without sharing what happened — we simply want to understand what kind of support you are looking for and whether we are the right fit. Nothing more.
Sexual abuse and sexual trauma — understanding what it includes
Sexual abuse refers to any sexual act carried out without a person’s full and ongoing consent. This includes rape and sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, non-consensual sexual contact, and any sexual act involving coercion, intoxication, or the abuse of power or trust.
Consent is not given once and held indefinitely — it can be withdrawn at any point. It cannot be given by someone who is intoxicated, asleep, unconscious, below the age of consent, or under coercion. If any of these apply to your experience, what happened was not consensual — regardless of any other circumstances.
Sexual trauma is the psychological and emotional harm that follows sexual abuse. Its effects are real, recognised, and treatable — and they can surface immediately, or months or years after the event. Many people who experienced sexual abuse in childhood only begin to feel its effects as adults, often when a life change, relationship, or other experience brings it into focus.
If you are unsure whether what happened to you qualifies as sexual abuse, you do not need to resolve that question before seeking support. What matters is how you are feeling — and that help is available.
Rape trauma syndrome — the psychological effects of sexual assault
Rape trauma syndrome describes the recognised pattern of psychological and physical responses that commonly develop following rape or sexual assault. It was first described by nurse and researcher Ann Burgess and sociologist Lynda Holmstrom in 1974, based on their work with assault survivors, and is well established in the clinical and legal literature.
It typically unfolds across two phases:
- Acute phase — the immediate period following the assault. Responses vary widely and are all normal: some people experience intense distress, crying, and physical symptoms; others appear calm, controlled, or even flat. Both are recognised trauma responses. Neither is a sign of how seriously the assault affected you.
- Reorganisation phase — the longer-term process of attempting to integrate and process what happened. This can involve intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance of triggering situations, changes in relationships, shifts in how you feel about yourself, and hypervigilance.
The effects of rape trauma syndrome overlap significantly with PTSD and complex PTSD — see our PTSD and trauma page and our Complex PTSD counselling page for more on how these present. Many of the same therapeutic approaches are effective for all three.
How sexual trauma affects survivors
The effects of sexual abuse and sexual trauma vary between individuals and are shaped by many factors — including the nature of the abuse, the survivor’s age and relationship to the perpetrator, the response of others at the time, and the support available afterwards. There is no single or correct way to be affected.
Common effects include:
- PTSD symptoms — intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing
- Shame and self-blame — often the most pervasive and damaging effects, particularly where the perpetrator was known or trusted
- Difficulties with intimacy and sexuality — including fear of physical contact, avoidance of sexual relationships, or difficulties with trust in close relationships
- Anxiety and depression — frequently appearing as persistent, free-floating distress that may not feel obviously connected to the abuse
- Dissociation — a sense of unreality, detachment from the body, or gaps in memory
- Physical symptoms — including chronic pain, gastrointestinal difficulties, sleep disturbance, or other somatic expressions of unprocessed distress
- Effects on identity and self-worth — a persistent sense of being damaged, contaminated, or fundamentally changed by what happened
These effects are not signs of weakness, and they are not permanent. They are the nervous system’s responses to an experience that overwhelmed its capacity to cope at the time. With the right support, they can change.
How We Can Help
How therapy supports sexual trauma recovery
Recovery from sexual abuse is a process, not an event — and the right therapeutic approach matters. At Hope Therapy, we offer several evidence-based approaches that are effective for sexual trauma.
EMDR
EMDR has strong evidence as a treatment for PTSD and sexual trauma. Crucially for survivors of sexual abuse, it does not require detailed retelling of events. It works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge at a pace and depth that you control. Available online across the UK.
Learn more about EMDR →
Trauma-Informed Counselling
A confidential relational space that understands the impact of sexual trauma on the whole person. Often the foundation that makes other work possible — providing the consistent, non-judgemental, safe relationship that many survivors have never experienced around this part of their lives.
Learn more about counselling →
What our clients say
Real experiences
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I had convinced myself I wasn’t ready to talk about it. My therapist showed me a different way of working — and I began to heal without having to go through it all again.
Hope Therapy client, sexual trauma recovery
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Being matched with someone who genuinely understood meant I didn’t have to explain or justify anything. That made everything easier.
Hope Therapy client
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The online sessions felt safer. Being at home mattered — it was one less thing to worry about when everything else felt enormous.
Hope Therapy client
Client experiences are unique. Results vary between individuals.
Getting Started
What to expect
Starting counselling for sexual abuse is a significant step. Here is how the process works — simply and clearly.
1
Free consultation
Our free 15-minute consultation is a brief, confidential conversation — you do not need to share your full story, and there is no obligation to book sessions afterwards. We simply want to understand what kind of support you are looking for and whether we are the right fit.
2
Matched with a specialist
Based on your situation and preferences, we match you carefully with one of our 90+ qualified therapists — someone whose experience and approach suit your specific needs. If the match does not feel right, we will find someone else at no extra cost.
3
Begin at your own pace
Sessions are available online or face-to-face, which means you can access support privately and safely from wherever you are in the UK. All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence.
Most clients hear back from us the same working day, and typically begin sessions within a week of the free consultation — depending on your preferences and therapist availability.
Standards you can trust
Our approach at Hope Therapy
Specialist matching, completely confidential, entirely at your pace.
Confidential, specialist support for adults (18+)
Sexual abuse and sexual trauma require a particular kind of therapeutic approach — one that understands the specific dynamics of shame, trust, disclosure, and the fear of not being believed. We match you carefully with a therapist who has genuine experience in this area.
All sessions are online, which means confidential support from anywhere in the UK — without needing to travel to a fixed location or be seen attending a therapy practice. The free consultation can take place from wherever you feel safe.
You will never be asked to provide police reports, medical records, or any documentation of what happened. Your account of your own experience is sufficient.
A careful match, not a long list
Therapist availability changes from week to week, so rather than asking you to choose from a directory, we take time during your free 15-minute consultation to understand what you are looking for — and then match you with a therapist suited to your needs.
During the consultation, we will ask about:
- What you would like the work to focus on, and any specific concerns you would like support with
- Whether you would prefer face-to-face counselling, online sessions, or a combination of the two
- Any preferences around therapy approach (counselling, CBT, EMDR, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, ACT, compassion focused therapy and others)
- Day and time availability that works around your life
- Any specialisms that matter to you — for example LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, neurodiversity-affirming support, or particular life experiences
- Practical preferences — for example therapist gender, age range, or shared lived experience where that matters to you
All therapists we work with are qualified and registered with appropriate UK professional bodies, and we will confirm the most suitable options with you before any sessions begin.
Professional standards across our team
Hope Therapy & Counselling Services has been operating since 2014, and we hold Organisational Membership with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). We work in line with the NCPS Code of Ethics and BACP Good Practice, and our wider clinical standards include:
- Qualified, professionally registered therapists across the team — registrations vary per therapist and are confirmed before matching
- Ongoing clinical supervision in line with professional body requirements
- Continuing professional development to maintain and develop practice
- Clear confidentiality standards, with limits explained before sessions begin
- Client-centred, non-judgemental and inclusive practice across all areas of identity and experience
- Founder-led clinical oversight from Ian Stockbridge — MBACP (Senior Accredited) – who continues to lead the practice and oversee its standards
Whether you choose face-to-face counselling near you or online therapy from anywhere in the UK, you can expect to be matched with a therapist who is appropriately qualified and suited to the support you are looking for.
Transparent Pricing
Our fees
No hidden costs. Your therapist and fees are discussed during your free consultation.
Counselling
From £65
per 50-minute session
- Trauma-informed counselling
- Online — confidential, no travel
- Face-to-face where available
EMDR
From £95
per 50-minute session
- No detailed retelling required
- Available online across the UK
- NICE-recommended for PTSD
CBT
From £85
per 50-minute session
- Addresses shame and self-blame
- Practical, structured support
- Online or face-to-face
Looking for a more affordable option? We may be able to offer sessions at a reduced rate — just ask during your free consultation.
London clients: Location-adjusted rates may apply. Please ask during your free consultation and we will confirm the exact fee before you commit to anything.
A printable overview of our trauma & PTSD counselling — useful to keep or share.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to describe what happened in counselling?
No. You do not need to share details of what happened to begin counselling — and you never will, unless you choose to. The free 15-minute consultation does not require any account of events. Many effective approaches for sexual trauma, including EMDR, do not require detailed retelling at all. Your therapist will always work at your pace.
What is rape trauma syndrome?
Rape trauma syndrome describes the recognised psychological and physical effects that commonly develop following rape or sexual assault. It typically unfolds in two phases: an acute phase immediately following the assault, and a longer-term reorganisation phase involving intrusive memories, avoidance, changes in relationships, and shifts in self-perception. Its effects overlap significantly with PTSD and complex trauma.
Can I get counselling for childhood sexual abuse as an adult?
Yes. Many people seek counselling for childhood sexual abuse decades later — often when a life transition brings it into focus. There is no time limit on seeking support, and therapy is effective regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
Is EMDR effective for sexual abuse and sexual trauma?
Yes. EMDR has strong evidence for PTSD and sexual trauma. It works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories without requiring detailed retelling — which is particularly valuable for survivors who feel unable to talk about what happened. It is available online across the UK at Hope Therapy.
Does it count as sexual abuse if I consented at the time but feel differently now?
Consent is complex, and many people’s understanding of what happened shifts over time — particularly where power imbalances, coercion, intoxication, or age were involved. You do not need to resolve whether it counts before seeking support. What matters is how you are feeling now.
Is counselling for sexual abuse confidential?
Yes. Sessions are confidential in line with professional ethical standards. There are limited circumstances where confidentiality may need to change — for example, where there is a serious risk of harm to a child. Your therapist will explain these clearly before you begin. You are not obligated to report anything to the police or any other body.
Still have questions? The free consultation is the easiest way to ask them — no pressure to book sessions.
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Meet Our Founder
Built by someone who saw the need from the inside
★
SCoPEd Band C
MBACP & SNCPS Senior Accredited
“Having worked for more than 25 years in senior management, I saw the same thing repeatedly — people struggling with mental health and relationship challenges, and so often struggling to access the right support when it was needed. It was out of this recognition of human need that Hope was born.”
Ian Stockbridge founded Hope Therapy after 25+ years leading large commercial teams – watching colleagues carry stress, anxiety, and personal difficulty with nowhere to turn. He retrained rigorously, now holding Senior Accredited status with both the BACP and NCPS, alongside SCoPEd Band C — the highest independent competence verification in the UK counselling profession.
He remains a practising therapist, clinical supervisor, published author of PMDD Uncovered, and co-presenter of The Talk Room Podcast. Hope Therapy was built on the things he saw were most broken – and designed, from the ground up, to do better.
MBACP (Senior Accredited)
SNCPS (Acc)
SCoPEd Band C
BSc (Hons) CBT
PGCert Supervision L7
Quality Award 2024 — 95%+
Confidential support — at your pace, on your terms
A free, no-obligation 15-minute conversation. No pressure, no script — just a chance to be heard, ask questions, and see whether we feel like the right fit.
Get in Touch
Start your enquiry
Not sure where to start? Send us a message and a member of our team will get back to you. All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“From the very first phone call, I felt heard. They didn’t rush me — they helped me work out what I needed.”
Hope Therapy enquiry feedback
NCPS Organisational Member
Est 2014
90+ Qualified Therapists
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies
Individual registrations vary per therapist. Last reviewed: May 2026.