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I have worked at KASP, as a Volunteer Counsellor, for six years. At the moment I work one day per week where I see three clients.
Whilst doing my counselling training I did my placement at KASP and knew, very quickly, that the work I was doing was something I would like to continue with when my training was complete. And so I remained.
Working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse can be demanding and, at times, painful. But it is, at all times, hugely meaningful, rewarding and worthwhile. And, it is a huge privilege to sit alongside those who come to KASP as they embark upon the often harrowing process of dealing with, exploring and processing the abuse they suffered as children.
Thus, as a counsellor, pivotal to my work is the support I get at KASP. Monthly supervision offers a space where I can discuss, openly and honestly, and in confidence, any issues that are troubling me: where I can ask for and receive support and advice.
Care, warmth and understanding are on hand at all times - as is laughter, something so important for both clients and counsellors. Always, there is someone on hand who will listen, without judgement; who will offer support; and who will understand the unique issues that can surface when working in this area.
And…..I am so very, very glad I remained at KASP.
Anne - Volunteer Counsellor
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I started as trainee counsellor at KASP with very little knowledge of the effects of childhood sexual abuse and the trauma suffered by survivors, or how hard it is just for survivors to just function every day. I found the training within KASP invaluable for this. Although all our clients are different and very unique, it gave me a firm basis to start from, a solid foundation of knowledge to help me build my skills for counselling survivors.
I have been volunteering with KASP for several years now and I am always amazed at other volunteers and the staff member’s dedication, commitment, to our clients and each other for making KASP a safe place for survivors to attend, to have time and space just for themselves.
Through my volunteering I have met some wonderful people, both working and volunteering, and not forgetting my clients, whom have all taught me something about myself, or just to trust the process within the counselling relationship.
I have been very lucky to be able offered many external training courses for further development and have learnt a great from training courses. I have counselled both male and female survivors which is rare in some agencies. My experience of volunteering at KASP is one of inclusion, just because I volunteer does not mean I am less important to the team, or to our client’s.
The work is the same. KASP I feel has an ethos of we are all in it together, I feel there is always support, when I feel slightly overwhelmed, or I am struggling to understand in my work, there is continuously a supporting hand, some is always around to talk things through. KASP also offers group supervision where I meet other volunteer counsellors. It is where we can support one other and offer different perspective or just affirm each other I know I am doing a good enough job. I find there is no pressure to have lots of clients, as I feel KASP is grateful for any time the volunteers can offer. I feel KASP is a genuine, real place to offer our many clients a safe place to perhaps heal.
Sandy - Volunteer Counsellor