BASIC SUPPORT TOOLS

Universalising

Links the experiences of the survivor to the experiences of others, eg. "many of the other women I have spoken to say they feel like they are to blame".

Individualising

Recognise any features that are specific to that person’s situation that make their feelings, thoughts and behaviours unlike those of others.

Believing, validating feelings and statements

Do not ignore or misinterpret what a survivor says. Recognise and reinforce their strengths so that they can reclaim the control they feel they lost, eg "it is understandable that you didn’t scream or try to get away, if you had tried either of these things you might have been killed".

Encouraging the survivor to speak for themself

Support the survivor in developing or redeveloping direct, assertive communication rather than covert, manipulative or physically aggressive communication.

Relabelling the experience

Explore and reframe the significance or meaning that can be given to a feeling, thought or behaviour. This is particularly important for survivors who blame themselves.

Contracting

Openly acknowledge the contradictions and the conflict between expectation of the client, counsellor and the agency.

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© Health Department of Western Australia. All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday, 20 March 1998 10:28