Psychological support
You may decide that you are ready to speak to a professional therapist or counsellor to process your past experiences. Seeking this help is not a sign of weakness or a source of shame. Talking through your experiences may help to provide you with a sense of healing.
There are different types of counselling and having a good relationship with your individual counsellor is important. If you are not getting on well with them, it might be helpful to change counsellors or to seek a different therapeutic approach.
Getting therapy on the NHS through your GP is possible, but there are often long waiting lists as counselling services in the UK can take a long time to access. Specialist services are sometimes available for those that have suffered severe torture and trauma, but even if they are available in your area, there may be a long wait for an appointment.
If you are a survivor of torture, there are several organisations outside of the NHS that can provide you with health, medical support, treatment and support obtaining medical evidence of torture:
| Organisation | Description | Contact |
| Freedom from Torture | Holistic support to survivors of torture across the UK including medico-legal reports and psychological support |
020 7697 7777 |
| Helen Bamber Foundation | Supporting survivors of torture and trafficking who do not have status in the UK with legal support, therapy, medical advice, housing and welfare |
call 0203 058 2020 or email [email protected] |
| Forrest Medico-Legal Services | Provides medico-legal reports for survivors of torture and human rights abuses. |
07930 363425 |
| Room to Heal | Provides individual therapy as well as psychological support groups including gardening for people who have fled persecution |
07515 461745 |
| Refugee Therapy Centre | Counselling for refugee families, couples and individuals |
02075610402 |
| Baobab Centre for Young Survivors in Exile | Psychotherapy, group activities and casework available for young asylum seekers and refugees |
0207 263 1301 |