We get lots of emails asking questions about our services. To help us to help you as quickly as possible please review these commonly asked questions before submitting your query:
Check out our FAQs by clicking on the image to the left
If your question isn’t listed above then please feel free to use our contact form below:
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If you contact HAVOCA we will not share your details with ANY third party.
HAVOCA’s full list of organisational documentation and disclaimers can be found here.
Answers to some frequently received questions;
HAVOCA is an online organisation. As such we do not run support groups, one to one services and we don’t offer a telephone service.
Is there a support group in my area?
We keep a database of support groups and survivors organisations. You can search our database here. It makes much more sense for you to search the map yourself, looking for suitable places, rather than asking us to search on your behalf. This allows you to select alternative venues depending on your location and circumstances. If there isn’t an organisation or group in your area then I’m afraid that means there are none on our database for your area.
Can you recommend a therapist or support group in my area?
We link to several therapist databases that you can use to find a therapist. The links to all of those places can be found here. It makes much more sense for you to search the database yourself by entering your location. Please don’t ask us to search on your behalf. This allows you to select alternative therapists depending on your location and circumstances. If there isn’t a therapist or counsellor in your area then I’m afraid that means there are none on our database for your area.
There are specific types of issues that therapists advertise as their ‘speciality’. For example, depression, anxiety, bereavement etc. This is because these issues are extremely prevalent in our society and lots of studies have been done to prove the effectiveness of counselling in these areas. Psychological issues that fall outside of these norms don’t feature as heavily in a therapist’s resume by the sheer nature of their uniqueness. That doesn’t mean a therapist can’t (or won’t) employ normal methods to help deal with the issue. Countless studies show that therapy – which teaches patients strategies and tools to manage and resolve unhealthy behaviours and thoughts – is effective for treating a whole range of psychological issues.
By seeking a therapist who specialises in a niche field dramatically reduces the catchment pool of potential individuals, when in reality most, if not all, therapists would be able to help.
However, finding the right therapist for you (rather than your specific condition/issue) can be daunting. Perhaps an even bigger challenge is trying to decide which type of therapy you should receive. There are countless therapists, not to mention myriad schools of thought in psychology. All too often, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options.
Our therapy section offers lots of advice to help unravel the apparent plethora of decisions. We also have a search facility which allows you to search for therapists in your area using your post or zip code.
After you’ve narrowed your choices to a handful of mental health professionals – we recommend scoping out at least three before making a final decision – you should feel them out via phone or an initial consultation to see whether their personality and skills mesh with your needs. You’ll get a ‘gut’ feeling about someone before proceeding. You could be working with them for a long time so it’s worth making sure you at least ‘like’ them. Finally, don’t forget, you can always walk away from a therapist if after a few sessions it doesn’t work out. Like any service, you can always vote with your feet.
We keep a database of support groups and survivors organisations. You can search our database here. It makes much more sense for you to search the map yourself, looking for suitable places, rather than asking us to search on your behalf. This allows you to select alternative venues depending on your location and circumstances. If there isn’t an organisation or group in your area then I’m afraid that means there are none on our database for your area.
Can you provide financial assistance?
No. We are a not for profit voluntary organisation. Any funds we receive are used to keep the website and services running. We are unable to offer financial assistance for therapy, relocation or legal support.
We are a voluntary organisation and as such are run by volunteers. Although some of us have experience in the legal arena we just aren’t permitted to provide official legal advice. However, we are teamed up with the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL).
http://www.childabuselawyers.com/
The Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL) is an association set up for the benefit of victims, lawyers, experts and other professionals involved in the field of obtaining compensation for the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children and adults abused in childhood.
Find out more by following this link: http://www.childabuselawyers.com/survivors
Do you provide one to one support?
No, we are an online organisation and don’t offer any face to face or telephone services.
Find answers to other Frequently Asked Questions here