Victims Counselling Canberra

Michele is an approved counsellor with Victims Services NSW. Michele facilitates sessions for individuals who have been victims of crime and are approved through NSW Victims Services for counselling. These sessions can be both online through Coviu (an encrypted online platform) or in-person in Canberra. In Australia, victims of crime can benefit significantly from counselling services. These services are designed to provide emotional, psychological, and practical support to help individuals recover and regain a sense of stability. Here’s what victims can typically gain from counselling:

1. Emotional Support
   • Validation of feelings: Counsellors provide a safe, non-judgmental space where victims can express their emotions and feel heard.
   • Trauma processing: Specialized trauma therapy can help victims work through feelings of fear, anger, sadness, or guilt associated with the crime.
   • Reduction of anxiety and stress: Techniques like mindfulness, grounding, and relaxation can help victims manage their emotional responses.
2. Practical Assistance
   • Assisting with the justice system: Counsellors can provide support letters for victim impact statements.
   • Referral to resources: Victims can be directed to financial assistance programs, housing support, or medical services if needed.
3. Improved Coping Mechanisms
   • Resilience building: Counsellors equip victims with tools to manage triggers and regain control over their lives.
   • Cognitive-behavioural strategies: These can help reframe negative thought patterns and reduce feelings of helplessness.
4. Connection to Community
   • Support networks: Counsellors often help victims reconnect with family, friends, or other social supports.
5. Financial Assistance for Counselling
   Victims of crime in Australia may be eligible for financial support through state or territory-based schemes. For example:
   • Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) in Victoria.
   • Victims Services NSW offers free counselling and funding for eligible individuals (up to 22 free sessions).
   • Other state-specific services provide free or subsidized counselling sessions.

How to Access Counselling
Victims can access counselling through:
• Government-funded victim support services (e.g., Victim Support Australia).
• For an application to Victims Services NSW see: https://victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/how-can-we-help-you/victims-support-scheme/make-an-application.html.
• Non-profits and charities that specialize in trauma recovery.
• Private counselling (costs may be covered through victim assistance schemes).

Counselling empowers victims to reclaim their sense of safety and well-being, fostering healing and recovery in the aftermath of a crime. For further information or applications for counselling for a crime in NSW such as being a survivor of domestic violence, go through Victims Services NSW.