Man rebuilding life after abuse thanks to charity support
"Harry" is sharing his recovery journey with group therapy and counseling support from FearFree
A survivor of sexual abuse is sharing his story to encourage others to do the same, after seeking help from a Wiltshire charity.
The man, who we're calling Harry, is in his thirties, and has experienced sexual abuse during his teenage years and in his relationships as an adult.
He reached out to FearFree following a conversation with a health professional about his experiences.
Harry chose to join their Journey to Healing group therapy sessions, aiming to connect with other male survivors of sexual violence and explore trauma's effects on the brain, coping strategies, and peer support.
Connecting and healing
In the sessions, Harry found comfort in discussing experiences and thoughts with others, which helped alleviate feelings of isolation.
Alongside group therapy, he opted for individual counseling sessions, providing a non-judgmental space to understand, process, and make sense of his experiences and their lingering effects.
Harry said, "I took part in the Journey to Healing Group and 1:1 counseling sessions; the topics covered in the group were good, and the structure made sense. The duration of support was good; I wasn’t limited to a set number of sessions."
Understanding and recovery
Having a male support worker offered Harry balanced perspectives during his journey to recovery.
Harry explained that he is working through adapting his experiences into manageable ones, exploring various aspects such as the difference between sexual exploitation, negative sexual experiences, and consensual sexual activity.
"It has helped me to recognize the difference between what you think you experienced and what sexual abuse is," Harry shared.
FearFree's Journey to Healing program continues to provide essential support to survivors like Harry, offering guidance and resources to help them navigate and heal from past trauma.
Anyone seeking advice or support for sexual abuse, or any other abuse, can contact FearFree here.