Rape counselling
Rape is not about sex. Rape is an act of power by the rapist over the victim. Rape is always wrong and in the eyes of the law a crime has been committed.
Rape takes on different forms but in its simplest form rape is sex you do not agree to. Be it with someone you know, within or outside of a marriage, as a victim of crime where your attacker may or may not be known to you or with the use of objects rather than body parts. Whether the abuse is between heterosexuals or homosexuals if anyone is forced or coerced into sex, they are a victim of rape.
Rape is not about sex. Rape is an act of power by the rapist over the victim. Rape is always wrong and in the eyes of the law a crime has been committed.
Dealing with trauma of rape isn’t something anyone should have to go through alone. Not only am I qualified to assist in Rape Counselling, but I have personally been affected and through my experience I can offer a safe, accepting and supporting environment so that you can come to terms with what you’ve been through and move forward with your life.
By ‘moving forward’ I do not mean existing through each day, I mean living fully, joyfully and comfortably with who you are. Becoming the strength of your experience is a truly beautiful thing and walking with me, you will find this space inside of you.
Different forms of rape
Rape can occur in many other ways and it is critical to remember that whatever form of rape occurs, it is always the fault of the rapist and never the fault of the victim.
Date rape
Date rape is when you are raped by someone you know, for example a boyfriend or a friend. Date rape may also include drugs, which often have no smell or taste, and can be given to you without you knowing, for example in your drink. This is especially significant when alcohol is involved as alcohol makes you less aware of your bearings and possible dangers. Alcohol reduces your ability to think clearly and less resistant to sexual assault. If you are given a date rape drug, you may not be able to say ‘no’ to sex and you may not have a clear memory of what happened. Even if you were drinking alcohol, sex without your consent is still rape. If you were unable to stop what was happening because of a date rape drug, it is still rape. It is not your fault that this has happened. Get medical help as soon as possible to gather evidence of what has happened.
Marital rape or spousal rape
Marital rape or spousal rape is the act of sex with a partner without consent. Marital and spousal rape is a form of domestic violence and sexual abuse. It is now recognised by the law as wrong and as a crime.
How does rape affect people?
Rape and sexual assault affect people in different ways. Our feelings about our experiences vary and there is no right or wrong response to what you are going through.
You may find that you have very strong feelings about what’s happened and that it lasts for some time. Some of these may include feeling too upset to eat or sleep. You may be tearful or angry suddenly – angry with your attacker, yourself or other people for not protecting you. It’s common to feel ashamed, guilty or embarrassed. You may become afraid of being left alone or feeling unsafe as if your attacker may find you. Often you can experience high levels of anxiety and feel overwhelmed by life. Being physically close to your loved ones, especially your partner can feel uncomfortable as you work through your ordeal.
When you experience a traumatic event like rape, your body may have physical and emotional effects like stomach pain or headaches. You may begin to feel depressed or have panic attacks or flashbacks. If you find yourself wanting to use alcohol or substances to numb yourself, this is a sure sign that you need to speak to someone. If these feelings persist for a long period of time, consider the possibility of having post-traumatic stress disorder.
What you can do to start healing?
You begin healing by offering yourself the best level of nurturing and care you can. Be gentle with yourself. If you don’t feel ready to reach out to a professional, then look at the support you have around you. Is there anyone you can speak to who is able to emotionally support you? Often, just speaking about what has happened can lessen your feelings of emotional overload. Choose someone to confide in who you can trust.
Do your best to eat well and sleep regularly to give your body an opportunity to heal. Prepare a calming night time ritual like a hot bath and hot drink before bed. This will comfort you and relax your body. Keep a dull light on so should you wake up, you can see your environment clearly. Surround yourself with those whom you love and feel safe with. It is ok to avoid places and situations that trigger old memories of your ordeal in the short term. Eventually you will begin to face the reality of what happened as part of your recovery. Should this persist long in to the future, it is worth taking guidance from a professional to help you create coping mechanisms so that day to day living feels manageable.
It may be useful to sign yourself up for a self-defense class or another workshop that will empower you and leave you feeling more confident in your ability to protect yourself. This will leave you feeling safer in the world.
Dependent on your decision to press charges against your attacker, you may have a long road ahead of you. Ensure you have the best possible support to make this as stress free an experience as possible.
Join a support group where you can be around people who understand what you are going through and who can show you how far, you too, can come in becoming a survivor.
What you can do to help others who have experienced rape?
Be available to listen to your loved one when and if they choose to share their traumatic experience with you. So many rape victims spend their lives believing that they were responsible for what happened to them. The most valuable thing you can say to them is that this was not their fault. It may be hard to hear their story but give them space to share and show them you are listening. You don’t need to have a solution for them, just be there. Ask them if they would like to have a hug for comfort instead of assuming they would. It can be hard to know what to do in a situation like this, so don’t feel afraid to ask your loved one what you can do for them? Often it’s the action you least expect that is meaningful to them.
If your loved one would like to attend the police station, hospital or see a counsellor, you can offer to go with them so that they do not have to go through this alone. If this is something that feels too difficult for you, be honest, then identify someone else who may be able to support them better.
If your loved one suffers from panic attacks, remind them of where they are and reassure them that they are safe. Let your loved one repeat back to you what you are saying and help them to focus on breathing deeply. Stay with them until the feelings have passed.
If your loved one experiences flashbacks or night terrors help support them through this by doing the following: Put a soft light on and speak gently. Tell them that they are having a flashback or night terror, that can feel very real but they are safe with you. Help them to breathe deeply and reassure them. When they are calmer encourage them by explaining that their body is processing what they have been through and it is giving them an opportunity to heal. Be gentle with them and ask them if they need something else from you.
The road to recovery may be a long one, but with unlimited love, patience and support healing can occur. As the bystander, you may find yourself going through your own trauma so take care of you too. If you need someone to help you then allow yourself that opportunity. Read up on rape and how to support rape victims to empower yourself with knowledge, remembering that each process is its own with its own time frame.
How can I help?
If you have been violated in any way you deserve to say so and you deserve for this abuse to stop, if it is still continuing. You don’t need to know how to stop it, or why you don’t feel able stop it, or why you didn’t stop it, all you need to know is where to go to begin to feel safe again. Reaching out for help can feel terrifying, paralyzing even. Be brave, be courageous and take one small step towards your future. Call me and let’s move forward together.
I offer a safe, accepting and supportive environment that allows you to come to terms with what you’ve been through. When the time is right I will support you in moving forward with your life. By ‘moving forward’ I do not mean existing through each day, I mean living fully, joyfully and comfortably with who you are. Becoming the strength of your experience is a truly beautiful thing and walking with me, you will find this space inside of you. I am an example of what you can become, I am a survivor in the truest form. I will show you how to move beyond this.
How I work
My approach
Driven by passion, my working style is open, honest and highly intuitive. If you choose to work with me, I expect you to put the bs story you’ve been telling yourself about why you can’t move on and why you can’t be a success, aside. I am results driven, that means that I am invested in YOU and your recovery. I take my commitments seriously. That being said, I, better than anyone, know that we each move at our own pace, so equally I celebrate individuality and tailor the pace and progress of your success to achieve your goals. Where there is gentleness, there is also strength, my working style embodies both. I dig into your depths and help you build a rock-solid foundation of self-belief and confidence. Whatever is out there, is yours for the taking. I guide you in making that your reality. I see you, all of you, even when you are unable to.
My clients
My passion is helping others and I embrace all people from all walks of life, irrespective of age, race, gender or stature. I work with people young and old, male and female, gay or straight…. Trauma, life, challenges, hurt, pain doesn’t discriminate in my books. So, whoever you are, wherever you are from, when we take each step together, we move forward together and we celebrate your victories together. Building our relationship on trust and nurturing you in a safe and protected space can only have a positive impact on your life.
My training
I have many certifications and accreditation, however, I believe my greatest ‘training’ comes directly from my personal experience. Having been exposed to trauma from a young age through to adulthood, experience has given me the capacity to not only empathise with my clients, but honestly sympathise with where they are in life, because I have been there too. My experience has given me compassion and a deep rooted understanding, my B.A. Honors in Social Science along with many other certifications I have worked hard for, have given me the tools to be able to further my true passion…. helping others with their challenges…because you don’t have to be alone
Becoming my client
If you feel ready to make a change or improve parts of yourself, we are a great fit. If you are unsure about committing to change and feel halfheartedly about growing, I would be doing you a disservice by agreeing to work with you. Time and energy are valuable commodities, invest wisely in yourself and who you work with. You deserve nothing less.
On our journey together you'll
TRANSFORM every area of your life into vibrant success.
REVIVE and awaken yourself from the haze of shock and the aftermath of your ordeal.
ACCEPT what has happened to you and take strength from your situation.
UNDERSTAND who you now are because life has changed you.
METHODICALLY move beyond the limitations that you’ve been creating as a way to survive.
ACHIEVE the best version of you by rising above the superficiality of your experience, owning the depth of your wisdom and the freedom that is yours to have.
Book a free introductory call and learn how I can help you transform your life.
On our journey together you'll
TRANSFORM every area of your life into vibrant success. REVIVE and awaken yourself from the haze of shock and the aftermath of your ordeal. ACCEPT what has happened to you and take strength from your situation. UNDERSTAND who you now are because life has changed you. METHODICALLY move beyond the limitations that you’ve been creating as a way to survive. ACHIEVE the best version of you by rising above the superficiality of your experience, owning the depth of your wisdom and the freedom that is yours to have.
Book a free introductory call and learn how I can help you transform your life.
What my clients say
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I’m Gaelene, a qualified social worker with practices in JHB and Durban, I specialise in creating a safe space for people who feel lost and paralysed by their experiences. A space where people feel accepted and supported through their journey whilst reclaiming the greatest version of themselves.
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We’re not so different, you and me, join my soul tribe and become more of who you were meant to be.