Please click on the questions below for the answers to questions frequently asked by people who contact the centre.
WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
Counselling provides you with a safe space to talk. Counselling creates a confidential space where people can begin to heal with the support of their counsellor. One very popular definition of counselling is “Helping people to help themselves”. The relationship between a counsellor and a client is confidential and is based on respect and trust. The counsellor will help you find solutions that are realistic and workable for you.
WHAT DOES CONFIDENTIALITY MEAN?
All personal information is treated in the strictest confidence and remains confidential to your own Counselling Service.
WHY GO FOR COUNSELLING?
Many people feel they have a difficulty speaking with a close friend or relative. It is often very useful to speak with someone who is not personally involved. You may be able to express worries or concerns which you have to a counsellor that you do not wish others to know. Often it is only when we talk to someone unconnected with our lives that we begin to hear what we are really saying and feeling. Counselling offers you this opportunity.
WHO IS THE COUNSELLING SERVICE FOR?
RCNE counselling service is available to all women, men and teenagers over 12 years of age who has suffered as a result of Rape, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse within the North East Region.
HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP?
A counsellor will be able to provide emotional support by allowing you express your feelings and fears. The counsellor will not tell you what to do, but counselling may help you see things differently and help you find your way through the healing process.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE FIRST COUNSELLING SESSION?
The first session is primarily an initial assessment. This offers the opportunity for you and your counsellor to explore what it is you want from counselling. Some background information will be discussed and the necessary paperwork completed.
HOW LONG WILL COUNSELLING LAST?
The number of counselling sessions varies from person to person. There is no actual limit as to the number of sessions you can receive at the centre. Initially, the client will be offered up to a total of six sessions. At the end of the sixth session it will be decided between the counsellor and the client how many additional sessions may be needed. Usually your counsellor will see you once a week, depending on your needs and availability of the counsellor. Each counselling session will last for one hour.
DOES GOING TO COUNSELLING MEAN ADMITTING FAILURE?
Ironically it can be seen as a matter of strength to go for counselling. Many people think that they are being strong in not seeking help whereas in fact those that can admit to their difficulties could be considered the strong ones. Going to counselling often means you have taken the first step on the road to resolving the problem.
IS THERE A WAITING LIST?
Generally our waiting list is short. However, this can vary depending on the time of year. Assessment appointments are arranged within 5 working days of phoning for an appointment. Check with the counsellor at your assessment meeting for the number of clients on a waiting list.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Rape Crisis North East will fund the costs of the counselling service through funding and support received from the Health Service Executive and the general public at large. There will be no charge to the client.
However if a client would like to make a donation to the centre, this can be secured through “PayPal” operated through our website, fundraising events or a donations box located at the centre.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
An appointment can be made by contacting Rape Crisis North East on:
FREEPHONE HELPLINE
1800 212122
You may also contact the centre directly on 042 933 9491.
CAN I GET A FORENSIC EXAMINATION AT YOUR CENTER?
CONFIDENTIALITY - IS EVERYTHING I TELL YOU IN CONFIDENCE?
Rape Crisis North East regards client confidentiality as a priority in all of its work with the people who access our services for their many different needs i.e. information, support, accompaniment or counselling.
However, issues regarding child protection or the safety of individual clients may arise where there is a legal requirement to furnish information to a child protection agency or the justice system. Rape Crisis North East will discuss any concerns people may have on an individual basis when we are contacted.
IS YOUR SERVICE A 'FREE WALK-IN' SERVICE?
No, we only work by appointment. You would need to contact our service and arrange an appointment.
WHAT SERVICE DO YOU OFFER FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH OR WHO NEED A TRANSLATOR?
Unfortunately, due to funding restrictions we are unable to provide interpreters and because of the confidentiality in counselling we do not allow family members or friends to assist in interpreting what the client is expressing.
WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT OR NEED AN STI (SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION) SCREENING?
If you have been sexually assaulted you may want or need to get yourself examined for a sexually transmitted infection.
HSE public STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) screening services are almost exclusively based in hospitals and special community clinic settings around Ireland. STI screening is free of charge and confidential at any of the following locations:
Louth
Outpatients Dept, Louth County Hospital, Dundalk, 086 8241847
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda – 086 8241847
Monaghan
Outpatients Dept, Monaghan Hospital, 086 824 1847
For more information visit:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/sexhealth/sexualhealthservices.html
Please go to GOSHH.ie, where you will find a comprehensive guide to the entire process.