Power In Counselling

When a child raises the alarm and finally speak out against their abuser, this can be the start of an even more difficult time for the child. This is because the abuser has conditioned them, playing on the child’s emotional needs of wanting love, approval, wanting to be liked. This coupled with what the abuser has said to them, makes the child feel that they are to blame, it is their fault. If they had of done something better, had not have been a bad child, had of tried harder, done more for the abuser, then the abuse wouldn’t have happened. The truth is, that none of these are correct. The abuser would have continued to abuse and blame the child, there is nothing the child could have done. Children have no power, they own nothing bar their name, and it is the adults who are in the
Children who has suffered abuse may find it easier to write down, or draw about their experiences.
They may find it overwhelming talking to a therapist, and can be a confusing period. The child here needs a strong counsellor, who can maintain a professional distance, who can be calm, and one who can be matter of fact in gaining information from the child in regards to the abuse. It is very important that the counsellor should not lead the child, instead taking it slow, and using open questions. Children also feel that they deserved what happened or that they advocated it because they allowed the abuse to happen, so the counsellor has to help provide a safe, calming environment helping the child to explore many of their fears. It is in situations such as these, where the therapeutic relationship is a crucial factor, as the child will feel supported, or that the counsellor will continue to support them through the ordeals ahead, allowing the healing process to