What we offer
Our services may include:
- free counselling in a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment
- short-term one-on-one counselling
- culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including yarning, cultural support, and support to address barriers to care
- respectful and inclusive care that values diversity
- 1 or 2 support sessions for partners, family members, or support people
- group programs to help manage difficult emotions, build helpful coping skills, stay present in the moment, and strengthen relationships
- support from a team that may include psychologists, social workers, clinical nurses, and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advanced Health Worker
- support that understands the effects of trauma and uses proven approaches to care
- support to help build on your strengths and work towards goals that are important to you
- referrals to other services if you need additional or different support
- counselling in person in Toowoomba, or by phone or telehealth when needed to support accessibility and individual needs.
What to expect
When you call, we'll ask some basic questions to help us understand your needs and whether our service is the right fit for you. This may include:
- your contact details and where you live
- when the sexual assault or sexual violence occurred
- how you're coping at the moment
- any supports you're already receiving
- questions about your wellbeing and safety.
You do not need to share graphic or detailed information about what happened.
We'll also explain confidentiality and answer any questions you have about the counselling process.
After speaking with you, our team will review your referral and let you know the next steps, including whether you'll be offered an appointment or placed on a waitlist.
We can also suggest other supports that may be helpful.
Can someone contact SASS on my behalf?
A friend, family member or support worker can contact us to ask for information about our service. However, we'll need to speak with you directly before we can offer counselling.
You're welcome to have a support person with you when you call.
Your first appointment
Your first appointment is an opportunity to get to know your counsellor and discuss how we can support you.
Together, you'll talk about:
- what's been happening for you recently
- how the experience has affected your life
- your goals for counselling
- any concerns you have about your safety or wellbeing
- the supports and strengths you already have.
You can choose how much you share, and it's okay to say "I'd rather not talk about that yet."
Your counsellor may also provide information about common responses to trauma and discuss strategies that may help with challenges such as anxiety, distress, sleep difficulties, or feeling overwhelmed.
Ongoing counselling
If counselling with SASS is right for you, your counsellor will work with you to develop goals and support strategies that meet your individual needs.
This may include support with:
- managing difficult thoughts and emotions
- coping with trauma reminders
- rebuilding confidence and relationships
- self-care and wellbeing
- navigating practical issues, including referrals to other services and support options.
Additional support
You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointments.
If you identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, you can choose to receive additional support from our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Advanced Health Worker.
If appropriate, your counsellor may also discuss other support options available through SASS, including group programs.
Whatever decision you make, you will always be provided with the necessary medical care as well as referrals to counselling and support services.
After a sexual assault, it can be hard to know what to do next.
If you'd like to talk, our Sexual Assault Support Service team can help you understand your reporting and support options in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.
How we manage your information
The Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) keeps separate counselling records that can only be accessed by SASS staff. They are not stored in your medical record, so they will not be seen by other hospital staff when you attend regular appointments.
To help provide safe, high-quality care, members of the SASS team may discuss information about your care within the team. This helps us review treatment plans, monitor progress, and consider additional support options when needed.
To maintain professional registration, all team members participate in professional supervision. Supervision helps staff develop their skills, knowledge, and professional practice, ensuring they continue to provide high-quality services that meet best-practice standards.
Your information will not be shared in supervision without your consent.
Managing your appointments
If you need to cancel an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.
To help us provide the best service:
- arrive on time for your appointment
- let us know if your phone number, address, or other contact details change
- contact us if you miss an appointment and would like to reschedule.
We may no longer be able to offer appointments if you:
- miss 2 appointments without letting us know
- do not contact SASS within 2 weeks of a missed appointment
- do not respond to our attempts to contact you.
We understand that counselling can be challenging at times. If you are finding it difficult to attend or continue counselling, we encourage you to talk with your therapist about any concerns or barriers. If now isn’t the right time for counselling, that’s okay - we support whatever is best for you.
How to get help
View contact details for the Sexual Assault Support Service.
NSQHS Standard 2: Partnering with Consumers
This resource was reviewed by Darling Downs Health consumers to help ensure it meets the needs of our communities. Interested in joining the publication review group? Find out more about joining a committee or group.
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