sexual abuse counselling

Compassionate Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Counselling for Female and Male Survivors of Sexual Violence

If this sounds familiar, sexual abuse and sexual assault counselling services are here to support you. Survivors of sexual assault—women who have experienced sexual violence, men and boys, and other victims—can access sessions, workshops, and referrals from rape crisis centres, community agencies, or a network of sexual violence professionals. Even just one session can help you feel understood and start to make sense of what you’ve experienced.

Invest in Your Mental Health!

Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Counselling for Support and Healing

Experiencing sexual abuse or assault can be overwhelming and isolating. Survivors of sexual assault, regardless of gender, have experienced violence and trauma, and trans individuals often feel fear, shame, or confusion and may find it hard to trust others or maintain relationships. Centres provide counselling services that specialize in crisis intervention, offering a safe and therapeutic space where you can be heard and supported.

Counselling services are provided through appointments, either in-person or online, and may include access to programs, emergency support, or intake sessions tailored to your needs. These services help survivors of sexual assault process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and gradually regain a sense of safety and control. You don’t have to face this alone—support is available to help you navigate the impact of violence and trauma and take steps toward healing.

For Alexa, life had begun to feel heavy and confusing after what she had been through. Like many women who have experienced sexual abuse, even everyday moments—going to work, being with friends, or even sitting alone at home—could trigger fear, shame, or anxiety that seemed impossible to shake. At first, she tried to ignore the feelings, telling herself to “just move on,” but the stress, sleepless nights, and constant worry only made things harder.

When Alexa started counselling, she discovered she wasn’t alone. Her therapist offered a safe, understanding space where she could speak openly about her experiences. Together, they explored ways to feel grounded and safe again, practicing simple techniques like mindful breathing, grounding exercises, and gentle self-care. Alexa also learned to treat herself with compassion, understanding that being a victim of abuse didn’t define her or her future.

As therapy continued, Alexa began to notice how trauma had quietly affected her confidence, relationships, and daily habits. She worked on building practical skills—learning to set healthy boundaries, communicate her needs, and care for herself in ways that truly felt nurturing. She also discovered support networks and resources for survivors, which gave her a sense of strength she hadn’t felt in years.

Now, Alexa feels a sense of peace and resilience she once thought was impossible. She knows healing takes time, but with the right support and tools, it’s possible to regain control and reclaim life. Counselling helped her process her feelings, reduce anxiety, and move forward with confidence, hope, and self-belief every single day.

individual counselling

Free 20-minute Consultation 

Find the Right Counsellor for You 

Our Matching Consultant understands the importance of finding the right combination of personality and therapeutic technique to meet your specific needs. They will listen, guide you through your options, and help match you with the ideal counsellor. This session is your opportunity to ask questions and ensure a customized care path that’s tailored for you. 

Heal and Reclaim Your Life Through Compassionate Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Counselling

Experiencing sexual abuse or assault can leave you feeling unsafe, confused, or overwhelmed. Counselling gives you a quiet, understanding space to talk, process your feelings, and slowly start feeling in control again.

sexual abuse counselling
1

Intake Phase

At the start, your therapist will listen to your story without judgment and help you understand how the experience has affected your life. Together, you’ll make a plan that feels safe and manageable for you.

2

Discovery Phase

This phase is about noticing how trauma affects both your mind and body, like feeling anxious, tense, or constantly on edge. Learning to recognize these reactions helps you take back a sense of control and understand that your responses are normal.

3

Working Phase

You’ll try practical ways to cope, such as grounding exercises, breathing techniques, or slowly talking through memories when you feel ready. Your therapist will support you as you rebuild trust in yourself and take small steps toward feeling safe again.

4

Check-In Phase

During check-ins, you can reflect on what’s helping and what still feels hard, noticing changes in your emotions and reactions. These sessions help you adjust strategies, celebrate progress, and feel supported along the way.

5

Follow-Up Phase

Finally, the focus is on keeping your healing strong through self-care, healthy boundaries, and tools that work for you. Over time, therapy helps you feel more confident, safe, and able to live life without being held back by the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Family TLC offers caring support for survivors of sexual violence through in-person sessions in Kitchener-Waterloo and online sessions across Ontario. Their goal is to help you feel safe, heard, and supported as you start your healing journey.

Emotional support and counselling: You’ll have a space to talk about your experiences, process your feelings, and be understood without judgment.

Crisis support: If you’re struggling right after an incident, Family TLC can guide you through your options and help you feel safer.

Trauma-focused therapy: Sessions focus on managing the emotional impact of sexual violence and building coping skills that really work.

Connection to resources: Counsellors can link you to legal help, advocacy, or other local supports if you need them.

Flexible options: You can choose in-person or online sessions, making it easier to get support wherever you are.

A rape crisis centre can be a lifeline right after an assault, offering guidance, understanding, and immediate help. They make sure you know your options and feel safe while taking the next steps.

Immediate emotional support: Staff listen carefully and validate what you’re feeling, helping you feel less alone.

Safety guidance: They can help you create a plan to stay safe and access medical or legal help if needed.

Information and referrals: Centres connect you with counselling, advocacy, or other supports that fit your situation.

Trauma-informed response: Staff are trained to respond in ways that help you feel secure and supported.

Confidential care: Everything you share is private, so you can make choices at your own pace.

Yes, many services, including Family TLC, focus on providing safe and inclusive support for trans and non-binary survivors. Everyone deserves to feel respected and understood as they heal.

Gender-sensitive counselling: Counsellors recognize the unique challenges trans survivors may face.

Inclusive language and care: Sessions honour your identity and use language that feels right for you.

Tailored strategies: Support is adapted to meet the needs of each person.

Understanding layered trauma: Staff consider how past experiences, discrimination, or identity may affect healing.

Safe space: Survivors can share their story without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

Family TLC’s staff are trained to respond to sexual trauma with care, knowledge, and empathy. This ensures survivors feel safe and supported every step of the way.

Trauma-informed care: They understand how trauma affects emotions and behaviour and respond accordingly.

Crisis intervention skills: Staff know how to help survivors immediately after an assault.

Ongoing learning: Counsellors keep updating their skills to provide the best care possible.

Cultural and gender awareness: Training includes supporting people of all genders and identities.

Active listening and empathy: Staff are taught to truly listen, validate experiences, and make survivors feel understood.

Healing doesn’t stop after the first session—Family TLC helps survivors connect with ongoing support and community resources. Being involved or finding continued support can make you feel stronger and less alone.

Continued counselling: Regular sessions can help process trauma, manage emotions, and build confidence over time.

Peer support groups: Talking with others who’ve been through similar experiences can reduce isolation and provide encouragement.

Community connection: Survivors can participate in advocacy, awareness programs, or volunteer opportunities that empower them.

Specialized resources: Counsellors can guide you to services that meet your ongoing needs.

Building resilience: Ongoing support helps survivors regain safety, confidence, and control in their lives.

Invest in Your Mental Health!