RCSL CYP children standing in a circle, holding hands, viewed from above.

children, young people (cyp) & families

We provides specialist trauma-informed counselling and therapy for girls, young women and children aged 4 to 24 who have experienced rape, sexual abuse, sexual violence or related trauma at any point in their lives.

We offer play and creative therapy, and trauma-informed counselling. Support is available to those who live, study, work, or are under the care of services in our South London boroughs: Bexley. Bromley. Croydon. Greenwich. Kingston Upon Thames. Lambeth. Lewisham. Merton. Richmond Upon Thames. Southwark. Sutton. Wandsworth

We know that with the right support, children and adults can find ways to re-build and move forward from the sexual violence they have endured. Our services provide a safe and structured space for recovery.

For referral information, please contact CYPCounsellingAdmin@RapeCrisisSouthLondon.org

OUR APPROACH

gentle & empathetic

RCSL Stars

Our counselling is shaped by RCSL’s values, trauma-informed practice, and each young person’s individual needs. We aim to match each young person with a therapist who has the right skills, experience and availability to support them safely.

PROFESSSIONAL

RCSL Stars .

Our counselling is provided by qualified, specialist trauma therapists with experience of supporting survivors of rape, sexual abuse and sexual violence. Our therapists work in line with recognised professional and ethical frameworks, including bodies such as BACP, UKCP and other relevant counselling and psychotherapy organisations.

RESPECT & HONESTY

RCSL Stars

We understand that trusting a counsellor can feel difficult, especially after sexual violence or abuse. We will take things at your pace, be honest about how counselling works, and provide support throughout the process.

play and creative therapy Age 4+

We offer specialist trauma-informed play and creative therapy for children aged 4 and over who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual violence or related trauma.

Children do not always have the words to explain what has happened or how they feel. Play, art and creative work can help children express themselves safely and at their own pace.  Sessions are facilitated by qualified trauma therapists with experience of working therapeutically with children who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual violence or related trauma.

For referral information, please contact CYPCounsellingAdmin@RapeCrisisSouthLondon.org

RCSL Child drawing with finger paints on paper,

referrals

Referrals can be made by parents/carers, social workers, schools, CAMHS, police, health professionals and other agencies, including organisations such as the NSPCC.

Young people (age 15+) may also be able to contact us directly to ask about counselling. We will talk with the young person about what support they want, whether counselling feels right for them, and what consent or safeguarding arrangements may be needed. Where appropriate, we may need to involve a parent/carer or another professional, especially where there are concerns about safety, consent or support needs.

All referrals are reviewed to make sure our service is appropriate and safe for the young person at this time

For referral information, please contact CYPCounsellingAdmin@RapeCrisisSouthLondon.org

RCSL CYP children holding various toys, including a plush doll, dinosaur, toy bus, building blocks, children's book, and a toy drone,

available support

  • Aged 4 to 12+
    Play and creative therapy - For children and younger young people, counselling may include play, art, stories and creative activities. This can help them express feelings and experiences in a way that feels safer and more manageable than talking alone.

  • All ages welcome

  • Aged 12 to 24 (up to 30 sessions) - online, face-to-face in our Croydon help centre, in an educational setting, at one of our hubs, or by telephone. Longer term talking therapy offers a safe and confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts and experiences at the young person’s own pace. They do not have to talk about anything before they feel ready. Counselling will look different depending on the young person’s age, needs and what feels safe and helpful for them. 

  • A specialist therapy for trauma recovery, only available when therapist capacity allows. 

  • Grounding and stabilisation support is usually offered as a short block of up to 6 sessions. These sessions focus on helping young people manage difficult feelings, flashbacks, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed. This work does not involve deeper trauma processing, but can help young people feel more present, safe and able to cope.

  • One to ones up to 6 sessions

    We offer supportive sessions for parents and carers of children and young people accessing our service. This space can help you better understand the impact of trauma, explore ways to support your young person, and feel supported yourself throughout the therapeutic journey (when available).


  • Parent/young people groups. 8 persons per group for up to 8 sessions

    We offer therapeutic and support groups for children, young people, and families where appropriate. Groups provide a safe and supportive space to connect with others, build confidence, reduce isolation, and explore recovery through shared experiences and guided activities (when available)

Your counsellor:

    • Be supportive and understanding.

    • Help you to explore your feelings, thoughts and experiences relating to your experiences of sexual violence 

    • Beneficial options these may include grounding exercises, working together to make a safety plan or accessing additional support from our CYP or Safeguarding Teams

    • Support you to make empowered choices within our safeguarding and confidentiality boundaries about what comes next, which may include accessing medical support 

    • Call emergency services if you are being seriously harmed by yourself or someone else whilst in a counselling session or in an in-person space

    • Speak to the CYP counselling service Clinical Manager/Safeguarding team if she believes there might be a risk of harm to you or someone else

    • Judge or tell you what to do 

    • Minimise or dismiss your feelings

    • Close the door on our offer of therapy. If you find it too difficult the first time, you can come when you are ready

  • We will actively protect information about you from unauthorised access or disclosure.

    However, there are limitations to the confidentiality we can offer. This means that circumstances such as life-threatening harm to you or others, or when in compliance with the law, we may be required to break confidentiality and contact third parties such as emergency contacts or your GP.

    We will always give careful consideration as to how we manage situations like this and be transparent with you as much as possible.

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Support for Non-English Speakers

If English is not your first language, we will explore options for providing an interpreter. If you have been referred by a professional organisation, we may ask them to assist with language support. If we are unable to meet your needs, we will refer you to organisations that can provide specialist assistance.

If we are unable to provide support, we will attempt to refer you to other organisations who may be able to help you.