Adult Services
CEA offers an Integrated 3 Stage Trauma Recovery Model (pioneered by Dr Judith Herman since 1992). This is based on the premise that trauma recovery is an individual process that requires adapting the form of support to each individual’s unique needs depending on different stages of recovery.
Stage One: Adult Crisis Intervention Service
Concerned with safety, re-establishing safety without which recovery to a functioning life is not possible.
Addresses issues of physical then emotional health and wellbeing.
When you self-refer or are referred to CEA Stage One Adult Service you may receive support from an IDAA (Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate) or Crisis support Worker.
Explanation of the IDAA Role
The role of the IDAA (as defined by Safe Lives) is to coordinate a multi-agency response to victims of domestic abuse assessed to be at high risk of serious physical harm or homicide. The IDAA will provide independent representation and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse through the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) process and will be their voice at the MARAC meeting. Referring to an IDAA service offers those assessed as being at high risk of serious harm, the opportunity to access specialist domestic abuse support. The focus of the IDAA is on safety and stabilisation for clients when in crisis. The IDAA’s working within CEA often support with those clients who may not be deemed to be at high risk of harm.
Explanation of Crisis Support Role
The Crisis Support Worker provides urgent support and advice regarding all matters on domestic abuse. The service is for those who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse whether or not they are at high risk of further harm. Support can be offered to those who are fleeing abuse or choose to remain in their home. The Crisis Support Service can help with an immediate risk assessment and safety planning to keep clients safe and help them to make informed choices around accommodation, legal, financial options. The Crisis Support Service liaises with partner agencies such as Police Scotland, Children & Families Social Work and many more.
Stage Two: Psychological Therapies Service
What is psychological therapy?
Psychological therapy refers to a range of interventions offered in a safe and confidential space (*). Through therapy, we aim to collaboratively explore the difficulties you are currently experiencing. Our qualified mental health professionals will support you on this journey. With the use of psychological theory and research, we will help you gain a better understanding of your difficulties and how these have developed. Following this, a therapy plan will be collaboratively developed to help you manage these difficulties better through the use of evidence-based psychological interventions. Therapy can help relieve distress and improve functioning in daily life.
As a domestic abuse service, we support people in managing difficulties related to having been in unhealthy relationships eg. Anxiety, low confidence, negative self-image, low mood, depression, panic attacks, isolation, lack of energy and motivation, unhelpful thinking habits, difficulties with sleep, re-experiencing certain events and other difficulties.
*There are limits to confidentiality and these will be explained when you are referred to our service.
How to access our services
Internal referrals are required to access therapy within our organisation.
As a psychological therapies team, we do not accept direct self-referrals or referrals from the community.
You would initially work with a Crisis Support Worker or Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (please see the relevant description on our website). When risk is well managed and you have reached a place of stability eg housing, finances and safety, you would then have the opportunity to be referred to the psychological therapies team for an initial consultation and assessment. The referral is made by the professional supporting you within our service.
Clients referred to the Psychological Therapies Team will initially be offered an appointment for assessment with a clinician. The aim of this appointment is to gain a joint understanding of the difficulties you face. Following this appointment, we will consider and discuss treatment options in accordance with your needs. Treatment may be offered by us, or if more appropriate we will discuss options with other services in the area.
Therapeutic Approach
Our approach is to work collaboratively with you to gain a joint understanding of the difficulties you are experiencing and to form an intervention plan to support you.
Our work is informed by developments in research in the field of psychology and we use evidence-based approaches to support you. Our extensive knowledge and experience in the area of domestic abuse and psychological trauma also informs our work.
Some of the therapy modalities we use to support you, are listed below:
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Person Centred Therapy (PCT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
- Schema Therapy
Stage 3: Community Services
Re-integrating the survivor into a full and liberated lifestyle where the trauma is no longer affecting lifestyle choices and decision making. This stage also offers male and female support groups.
ASK FOR ANI CODEWORD
‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.
Find Out More
If you would like to learn more about our work, volunteer with us or make a donation to help us continue our work, please contact us by phone on:
01324 635 661