Ruhama supports many women who, as well as being impacted by the sex trade, are experiencing addictions, trauma, substance abuse and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seeking Safety is a therapeutic programme for women such as these and with a particular focus on those experiencing domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. It has been used in many countries and has translated into numerous languages.
Seeking Safety is an evidence-based, present-focused counselling model to help service-users attain safety from trauma and/or substance abuse. It can be conducted in groups or individually. Seeking Safety directly addresses trauma and addiction, but without requiring service-users to examine in detail disturbing trauma memories. It can be conducted over any number of sessions and Ruhama service-users can attend individual sessions or drop in to group sessions as required. Contact your caseworker if you would like to join Seeking Safety.
Traumas are not described in detail. Participants do not have to tell or listen to intense trauma detail. We focus on trauma as it impacts the service-user in the present. The programme allows for harm reduction or abstinence approaches and encourages but does not require 12-step and other self-help groups.
There is a focus on empowerment and choice and it is written in everyday language to be accessible to all. Facilitators meet service-users where they are at in terms of addiction and service-users do not require abstinence or motivation to quit, instead, these often develop as they do Seeking Safety over time.
Speak to your caseworker if you would like to participate in Seeking Safety.
