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.

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 or to find out more, please call 01202 308858 or email [email protected]

Latest

Volunteer Fair 2020

Over 20 Dorset charities including STARS will be at the Eco Hub at the Dolphin Centre in Poole on Thursday 16th January from 10am - 3pm. Pop in and have a chat and find your perfect volunteering opportunity. Enhance your future and make a difference.
Understanding Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Bullying & Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

With Safe Space Consultancy & YMCA Bournemouth we're hosting a full day training for Employers, Directors, Managers, Team Leaders & Supervisors. Domestic abuse is everyone's business and as part of the government's consultation to transform the response to domestic abuse for all sectors of our society, it's necessary to have a greater understanding of this complex issue.
Make a Difference in 2020

Make a Difference in 2020. We are looking for volunteers to help deliver a variety of frontline services for the charity across Dorset throughout 2020. The roles we are looking for include: Helpline Listeners, Counsellors, Admin Support and Events Volunteers.
Skydive for STARS Dorset

Have you always wanted to do a Sky Dive but never quite had the opportunity or perhaps the reason to do? Now might be your chance! We are looking for some brave fundraisers to join us on the Friday 17th July 2020 at Go Sky Dive near Salisbury and take on an ultimate challenge, a 10,000ft or 15,000ft sky dive and help raise vital funds for the charity. If you want any further information or to book your place please email [email protected]

Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
Support STARS

At STARS Dorset all our services are provided free of charge, one of the only ways this is possible is through donations. Every donation however small can help make a huge difference.
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.
Clare’s Sky Dive for STARS

STARS Dorset is an incredible charity which offers support to survivors of sexual violence. Over 80 volunteers help provide this free service to anyone who needs individualised support to work through their trauma and rebuild their lives.
Training

STARS Dorset offers a comprehensive range of training courses for those working with or supporting survivors of sexual violence. Our training has been developed from our knowledge and experience of providing a range of specialist support services for over thirty years. We offer both Employer Awareness Training and Professionals Training.
Helpline number
Why volunteer

Our volunteers are essential to our work. We are always looking for men and women aged 18 or over to join our team and support us to deliver a quality service to our clients. We offer induction training and on-going support for all our volunteering roles.
Jobs
Other sources of help
Make a referral

Those wishing to access any of our services can either ask a professional they already receive support from to refer on their behalf or make a self-referral.