Counselling Service

STARS counselling service provides one to one, trauma-informed counselling, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at anytime in their life.

We operate a person-centred approach, combined with a trauma model. We create a safe and confidential space, allowing the client to explore and address thoughts and behaviours that are overwhelming. Through psycho-education, our counsellors help clients understand the impact of their trauma on their brain and their body, giving them control and choice. All our counsellors have completed or are completing a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling or equivalent, are DBS checked and are members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). If you would like to see any specific staff training certificates please email [email protected] with your request.

Our counselling service is a confidential service and all information remains within the organisation. However if the counsellor feels that someone is at risk of serious harm or abuse, or that a client is in danger, we will pass information onto other agencies in line with the Dorset-wide Safeguarding Protocols.

Survivors wishing to access our counselling service can make a self-referral or ask a professional they already receive support from to refer on their behalf. They will be offered an initial assessment appointment, once the referral has been received by our team. Counselling will usually commence within three to four months of referral.

Counselling sessions are 50 minutes long and usually take place in our office in Poole, though we are able to offer appointments in Weymouth and Dorchester.

To make a referral you can either download our self-referral form here or a professional referral form here (where a professional can refer you in). If you want any further information or help with a referral, please call 01202 308858 or email [email protected]

If you would like to provide feedback please feel free to fill in one of our Counselling Feedback Forms here.

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What we do

STARS Dorset is a pan-Dorset charity that offers one to one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
Social Media Volunteer

This role involves helping us design some of our resource packs & helping us plan and design our social media content. We have lots of great information that we want to share, but we need someone to come and wave their creative wand and make it look great.
Schools Workshop Facilitator Volunteer

This role involves going into local schools to deliver workshops on sexual harassment and consent to young people in year groups 8-12.

How the Brain Works in Response to a Traumatic Event

In this blog by Alison Woodward, Clinical Supervisor at STARS Dorset, we look at How the Brain Works in Response to a Traumatic Event. The 5 Fs, Fight, Flight, Freeze, Flop and Friend.
Why do we victim blame?

In this blog by Ellie Rowe, MSc Investigative Forensic Psychology student at Bournemouth University, we look at Victim Blaming. Victim blaming often involves false beliefs or thoughts that attempt to shift the blame from the perpetrator of the crime to the victim
Locked Up for Killing Your Abuser. Why the Law Does Nothing to Protect Domestic Abuse Victims who Protect Themselves ‘Too Far’.

We currently live in a country with laws which perceive domestic abuse victims as mentally ill or cold-blooded killers for killing their abuser after years of prolonged abuse.
Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
Jobs

STARS Dorset are looking for a Part Time Business Support Assistant for our Dorchester Centre and a Full Time Independent Sexual Violence Advisor for Elder People.
Counselling Service

STARS Counselling service provides one to one, trauma informed counselling, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at anytime in their life.
The problematic use of past sexual history as evidence in rape trials

The problematic use of past sexual history as evidence in rape trials by Kez Bhola-Dare, 2ND Year Law Student, Bournemouth University, and Jamie Fletcher, Lecturer in Law, Bournemouth University. Whilst there are a range of sexual assault myths that can influence rape trials, this blog focuses on the myth that a women’s sexual history is an indicator of consent to the act in question.
The lies rape myths tell us and why we have to dispel them

In this blog by Jessica Smythe, MSc Investigative Forensic Psychology, we look at rape myths, the stereotyped and false beliefs about sexual assaults, rapists and rape victims which often serve to excuse sexual violence, create hostility toward victims and can lead to bias in criminal prosecution.
Green Flags vs Red Flags

We all know about red flags in relationships. Those little (or big) things that trigger our warning system and get the alarm lights flashing. But how much do you know about green flags?
Need support?

If you've been affected by some form of sexual violence at any time in your life STARS Dorset can help. You can access emotional support such as our counselling service or practical support from our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service. Fill in our online referral form and email it through to us or call us on 01202 308 840 and one of our team can talk through what support we can offer you and how you can access it.