SPECIALISED DOMESTIC ABUSE AND SEXUAL TRAUMA COUNSELLING
Professional Support when you need it most
About Me
Welcome. I'm Hayley, and I am the founder of Open Couch Counselling. I am a fully qualified integrative counsellor working to support those who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse at any point in their lives. I host an online counselling platform making specialised trauma therapy accessible to anyone within the UK .
Open Couch is a professional, confidential counselling service working with adults, and is open to anyone in need. At Open Couch you are at the heart of everything I do. As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy I work within a specific set of ethical guidelines for good practice so you can be assured that your safety and best interests are at the forefront of our work together.
Here at Open Couch I work with you to understand, process and take control of your life experiences. For some people this can be a quick process and for others it can take a lot longer. Whatever your needs, and wherever you're starting from, counselling can be a source of comfort, support and safety to enable you to decide who you are, what you want and where you want to be.
Understanding Domestic, sexual and childhood abuse
Breaking barriers and being clear about abuse:
Domestic Abuse
The UK government’s definition of domestic violence is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.’
Domestic abuse can take different forms, including:
-
physical abuse
-
sexual abuse
-
financial abuse
-
coercive and controlling behaviour, and gaslighting/emotional abuse
-
digital/online abuse
-
‘honour’-based abuse
-
forced marriage
-
female genital mutilation (FGM).
Sexual Assault
Someone commits sexual assault if all of the following happens:
-
They intentionally touch another person.in a way that is sexual.
-
The other person does not consent to the touching.
-
They do not reasonably believe that the other person consents.
-
The touching can be with any part of the body or with anything else.
It could include:
-
Kissing.
-
Touching someone’s genitals, breasts or bottom – including through clothing.
-
Touching any other part of the body for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, stroking someone’s thigh or rubbing their back.
-
Pressing up against another person for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner.
-
The perpetrator making someone else touch them in a sexual manner.
-
Touching someone’s clothing if done for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, lifting up someone’s skirt.
Rape
-
The general definition or meaning of the word 'rape' is when someone didn't give their consent for sex to happen.
-
Rape isn't sex. It's a form of sexual violence and a very serious crime that carries the same maximum sentence as murder: life in prison.
-
No-one ever deserves or asks for rape to happen. 100% of the blame lies with the perpetrator (the person who carried it out)
-
someone commits rape if all of the following happens:
-
They intentionally penetrate the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with their penis.
-
The other person does not consent to the penetration.
-
They do not reasonably believe that the other person consents.
-
This includes if:
-
The two people are married or in a relationship.
-
The other person consented to one type of penetration (e.g. vaginal or oral sex), but not another (e.g. anal sex).
-
Someone removes a condom without the other person’s permission – or lies about putting one on. This is commonly known as ‘stealthing’.
Childhood & Sibling Abuse
Child sexual abuse takes many forms, but research suggests that a significant amount of sexual abuse is carried out by people known to the child, including by family members, uncles, fathers mothers – and by brothers and sisters.
Sibling abuse falls into the following categories:
-
Physical abuse: Physical abuse includes behaviours such as hitting, biting, shoving, choking, punching, or slapping.
-
Emotional abuse: An emotionally abusive sibling targets self-esteem to intimate, express dominance, and gain control. Examples of sibling emotional abuse include name-calling, belittling, teasing, insulting, threatening, destroying property, and relational aggression.
-
Sexual abuse: Sibling sexual abuse involves using power to bribe or threaten a sibling into sexual activity. The abuser is typically older or stronger and wins the trust of their younger, ‘weaker’ sibling. Examples of sibling sexual abuse include touching, penetration, sexual coercion, watching sexually explicit content, or watching their victim get dressed or shower.
What you can expect from Counselling
Support That Makes a Difference
Deciding to try counselling can feel like a daunting decision, with lots of uncertainty attached. Questions like, 'is it right for me?,' 'am I the right sort of person to have counselling?' or 'will I be judged?' are all very common. At Open Couch everyone is welcome to come and give counselling a try, and although I can't say for definite that it will be helpful for you what I can say is you can expect:
-
To always be met with openness and compassion
-
Weekly 60 minute sessions via video calling, or telephone, for as long as you need them
-
To work with a skilled and empathetic counsellor who can hold space for you
-
A safe space to explore and unload whatever may be on your mind.
Our initial Meeting
I believe that the most important part of any counselling work is the relationship we build as client and counsellor, therefore I offer a free initial 30 minute telephone consultation with no commitment. Here we can talk about what you're looking to gain or achieve from counselling as well as giving you the opportunity to find out about how I work and ask any questions you might have. Here we will spend some time looking at your individual circumstances to agree how we can best meet your needs.
Individual Online Counselling Session
Counselling in your own space
I am currently offering appointments online and welcome all enquiries around this. A free 30 minute telephone introductory session with no obligation to book offers you a chance to decide if online counselling will meet your needs.
Sessions are hosted via a secure video calling server which is free to download on PC, tablet or mobile devices. Sessions last 60 Minutes. It is advisable you are able to find a quiet space and have access to WiFi or stable 4G to make the most of your session.
.
Telephone counselling
Telephone counselling is available for those who prefer to use it, or where there may be concerns around having a safe space to talk in.
We recommend choosing a quiet area with strong mobile phone signal if attending your appointment in an outdoor environment.
Costs, Payments & Cancellations
-
PRIVATE CLIENT SESSIONS ARE £45
-
EAP & AGENCY REFERRALS £60
Payments should be made in advance to secure your appointment.
EAP & agency payments will be invoiced after the session with 7 day terms.
My full payment and cancellation policy is available to all clients upon request and at our initial telephone appointment.