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​From the editor

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There has been much media coverage of trials of historicÌýsexual abuse, often with a focus on those prosecuted.ÌýIn every such trial, there is a person for whom giving evidence has required them not only to disclose, but alsoÌýto go through with bringing the case to court and all that involves.

In the first of three linked articles in this issue, Peter Jenkins,ÌýJoanne Muccio and Nicky Paris consider the issues involvedÌýin providing counselling and psychotherapy for such vulnerable witnesses. Pre-trial therapy (PTT), as it is known, has itself gained prominence in the media of late, and there has been a seeming reluctance to provide it on the grounds that it might undermine prosecution evidence. Practice guidance by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), however, makes it clear that bothÌýchild and vulnerable witnesses can receive PTT before and during a criminal trial of their alleged abusers. The authorsÌýexplore the implications for therapists providing PTT, andÌýamong the sources they consider is a survey of practitioners’Ìýexperiences and views. Research into the parallel experiencesÌýof clients is now being planned.

Paula Doran’s article reports her research, which explored theÌýimpact on therapists practising in sexual trauma. In reflectingÌýon her findings about the risk inherent in this work for both clientÌýand counsellor, Paula asks for a more open dialogue about theÌýpersonal consequences to therapists of working in this area.Ìý

The third of our linked features, written by Helen Leach, outlinesÌýthe role of the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA).ÌýISVAs aim to support and empower survivors of sexual abuseÌýand violence when engaged with, or considering, criminalÌýproceedings against their perpetrators. Helen’s piece is titledÌýSilent Voices, in an appreciation of the difficulties encounteredÌýby people when speaking out. Historically, a victim-blamingÌýculture has made it difficult, if not impossible, for survivors toÌýbring cases to court. Now, with the help of an ISVA, survivorsÌýcan be provided with a clearer insight into the reportingÌýprocess and the space to explore feelings.

Whatever area we work in as therapists, looking after ourselvesÌýis an important part of what we do. Elsewhere in the journal,ÌýMichelle Oldale charts her journey to self-care via the strengthÌýand conditioning fitness programme, CrossFit. Michelle writesÌýabout how taking part in this physical activity programme hasÌýtransformed self-care in her life as a psychotherapist, andÌýsubstantiates this with links to ideas from psychotherapeuticÌýliterature and beyond.

As the author of two books on breast cancer, Cordelia NevinÌýGalgut has made positive use of her own experiences to throwÌýlight on issues for both therapist and clients, and her article inÌýthis issue is no exception. ‘Redefining the Menopause’ challengesÌýmyths about this phase in a woman’s life, and suggests thereÌýis a need to acknowledge that menopausal symptoms can beÌýchallenging to manage for both clients and therapists.

Finally, the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ Healthcare Executive looks forward toÌýwelcoming you to the Practitioner’s Conference in Leeds on 24ÌýApril. The event is co-hosted by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏÌýHealthcare with Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ Coaching, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ Spirituality, and Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏÌýWorkplace. The division will be represented this year by ourÌýChair, Zubeida Ali, and Executive Committee member andÌýjournal contributor, Neville Tomlinson, so do seek themÌýout to say hello and share your experiences and views.

Sarah Hovington
Editor
hcpj.editorial@bacp.co.uk

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