Q. What’s it like coming to KASP?

A. I came to KASP not knowing what to expect. I knew I needed specialised help for my years of trauma but I didn’t think I would be able to express myself and my emotions to the counsellor I was meeting.

I was quickly set at ease as my counsellor was very warm and she explained I was to take my time to put in my own words why I was there and not to feel pressured to divulge too quickly or too much.

KASP is a very supportive place with a relax setting. I am never put under pressure to keep talking. I am always given a safe space to express myself and it’s always met with non – judgmental and caring support.

Q. Has it helped?

A. I have found over the last year of going to KASP that I have made such progress in my emotional journey. I am a shy person but have been allowed to go at my own pace. I have never been made to feel uncomfortable with the information I decide to divulge. On the contrary.

My counsellor works hard with me to break all my memories and emotions down to such a way that I can begin to deal with them and try to process such things. To live alongside them and together we find a way to make that safe for me.

I was in a very bad emotional state and my mental health was at its worst when I first went to KASP, as I had carried all my secrets for nearly 40 years.

I had no belief that talking would be helpful, KASP and my counsellor saved my life. I could no longer cope or manage such trauma on my own. Now a year later I go to KASP weekly as that is what I need, everyone is different.

I am changed as a person.

I now believe I deserve to be recognised as a worthwhile human being. The counsellor was the first person in my life I told my secrets too and she believed me. That was life changing. She is such an anchor to me when I get carried away with the negatives, like the shame and guilt that I experience… She turns it around and offers comfort through our emotionally tough work and I now believe I have a chance at a future.

Q. How hard was it for you?

A. I have had to realise that none of this will be easy. It is emotionally draining and of course I’m facing my secret heart of memories and feelings but I am not alone in the dark anymore… I feel greatly supported and I continue going to KASP because every appointment I achieve and sit for an hour and talk. This has an impact on my lost self, the part of me I haven’t accepted exists. It may be unspoken but I know it happens.

Every year we continually offer clients a place to come and be with their feelings and emotions. The courage to pick up the phone, dial the number, text, attend appointments can be enormous.

Without the continued funding we receive, plus the commitment and loyalty from staff, volunteers and trainees, specialist resources would be limited for our clients, these clients who as children were often denied the presence of another kind, caring , human being at the time when they needed it most.