1. Why is counselling beneficial for survivors of sexual abuse ?

We underestimate the impact sexual abuse has on the mental health of survivors. There is no set timeline for recovering from the trauma one may face due to the abuse. The truth is that; talking about what you went through and how you felt is very important as it helps you to move past your traumatic experience. Professional help in this regard is more important because even while having your best at heart, your friends and family may not be the best equipped to help you deal with the trauma and ordeal. Here is where the counsellor’s role proves to be unbiased, safe and helps you realise that someone is there to help you out through the rehabilitation and recovery process.

• Counselling helps people to shift their outlook from being victims to survivors and then thrivers.
• Counselling can empower you to speak up.
• Counselling can provide you the support to open up about your experience, let go of the pain and begin healing.
• Counselling can help you expand your viewpoint and see things in a new light.
• Counselling can provide you support to re-prioritise things in your life and resume with a fresh mind.
• Counselling can help you deal with the flashbacks and unpleasant recollections from your past.

2. Is there any downside to counselling? Will I be judged for seeking help ?

There is no downside to deciding to help yourself and see a counsellor. It’s unfortunate that as a society, we put such a premium on our physical heath, but neglect, or even to an extent ostracise our mental health. As survivors, it is important to prioritise yourself and your holistic well-being. Studies worldwide have indicated that counselling is an important vehicle for survivors towards improvement and recovery. As for anyone judging you for seeking help, your journey towards healing is your own. Your struggles are unique to you and it takes a lot of courage to speak up and seek help. Don’t let anyone’s own ignorantly insensitive prejudice hold you back from doing what is right for you.

3. How much will the counselling cost ?

While we’re making all efforts from our end to provide counselling sessions free of cost, we urge you to voluntarily donate any sum towards your counselling, if you can afford to. An hour long session of counselling costs us about INR 1500. All donations received, help our initiative to be available to more people. However, our services are still open to you if any kind of donation is not within your means.

4. How do I make an appointment ?

We realise that taking the first step and reaching out to us when you do not know us may be difficult. We assure you that all information shared with us remains confidential and we take all necessary steps to ensure that we sensitively handle every individual’s case. The first step would be to fill in the application form at the bottom of this page.

You will hear from us within 2-3 business days. Alternatively, you can also contact us on +91 9820188782 for any queries.

5. How soon will my appointment be scheduled ?

An Initial Assessment session for you will be scheduled with one of the SheSays team advisors, which will allow us to better understand your case and see if what we are offering suits your needs. It also gives you a chance to meet our team and ask us any questions you may have, prior to signing up with our initiative.
Any information shared with us shall remain strictly confidential. Post this session, which will be scheduled within 2 weeks of you registering with us, we will schedule your first counselling appointment.

6. What does the Initial Assessment session entail ?

• It takes about an hour.
• You are scheduled to see a female advisor from the SheSays team unless you specifically ask for a male one.
• Once we have your vital information like name, address, any health issues; to understand your situation better and make sure our help is effective; we’d like to know if you are receiving help from anyone else simultaneously.
• Please be assured that you won’t be hard-pressed for any details you don’t wish to share about the sexual abuse you were subject to, however we will ask you to give us some indication about the incident, nature of the abuse and when it happened. This helps us ascertain what kind of support you would need from our end to best suit you specifically.
• We also welcome you to ask us any questions during this assessment and clear any queries or apprehensions you may have. Your comfort is paramount to us.
• We understand that the step you’ve taken to seek help and talk to people you do not know is not an easy one, especially when sharing private details. Hence, we will do everything in our power to make this assessment process as comfortable for you as possible right from the very beginning.
• Please feel free to call in case you have any queries about approaching us, we’d be happy to provide you with any relevant information.

7. Can I bring someone along for the Initial Assessment session ?

Yes, you may bring someone along with you, whom you trust and feel comfortable sharing your details in front of.

8. What do we mean by confidentiality ?

We understand the sensitivity of the issue we’re handling and assure you that details shared by you with us on email, during the Initial Assessment Session and with your Counsellors, at every stage of the way are kept absolutely private.

Exceptions to confidentiality:

• If you share with us information about a child currently being sexually abused, the counsellor and our team is legally obligated to notify the authorities about it.
• If you are between the age of 16 – 18 and display serious suicidal risks, the counsellors and SheSays team would have to notify your immediate family to ensure speedy intervention from irreversible danger to your life.

9. Where do these counselling sessions take place ?

Our counselling sessions can be scheduled in the following areas:

• Bandra
• Dadar
• Marine Lines

10. Do I get to choose my counsellor ?

Yes, some clients prefer a male counsellor, while others prefer a female. These details can be chalked out during the Initial Assessment session.

11. For how long does counselling go on ?

There is no hard and fast rule for counselling. However, we generally recommend weekly sessions for the first 12 weeks which would be later reduced to once a fortnight for the following 6 sessions, as the case may be