A 21-Step Programme for Survivors of Childhood Abuse

Survivor to Thriver Programme

Surviver to Thriver is a Healing Programme for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse

Every journey begins with a first step.

This is a programme created to address the needs of adult survivors of child abuse (sexual, physical and/or emotional). 

It is the only programme that provides a framework for the complex process of healing from child abuse and moving on with life

Child abuse can lead to self-sabotage, low self-esteem, relationship problems, sexual problems, symptoms of trauma, physical symptoms and social alienation.

If you’re reading this, you may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward.

Healing from historic child abuse is a deeply personal journey, and it’s okay to feel scared or uncertain.

This programme is here to help you take the first step toward healing in a way that feels safe and manageable.

What is this Programme About?

This is a 21-step programme designed to help adult survivors of child abuse heal and move forward. It’s written by a survivor, for survivors, and focuses on helping you: 

Process the pain of your past. 

Build self-esteem and confidence. 

Develop healthier relationships and coping skills. 

Create a new sense of self and a brighter future. 

The programme is flexible and tailored to your needs. You can take it at your own pace, spending more time on the steps that feel most important to you. 

How Does The Programme Work?

The programme is divided into three stages: 

Stage 1 - Acknowledging the Past. This stage looks at the abuse and acknowledging it happened before you can move forward into recovery.

Stage 2 - Understanding Your Present. This stage looks at your adult behaviour, connecting your present strengths and weaknesses to the abuse you suffered and the coping mechanisms you have adopted, allowing the child within you to grieve the aspects of childhood that never existed for you.

Stage - Building a New Future. This stage is about creating a stronger sense of self and practising new skills to live the life you want.

Healing is possible, and you are not alone. If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out today. Together, we can help you move from surviving to thriving. 

Why Choose Me As Your Counsellor? 

I have undertaken further training to become a ‘Surviver to Thriver’ Practitioner and have many years of experience helping people with trauma from childhood abuse and related issues. During our sessions I provide a safe and confidential space so that you are comfortable to work towards the changes you would like to make. 

I am an Accredited Member of BACP (No. 380481), which stands for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This means that I have undergone rigorous assessment and evaluation to meet the BACP's strict standards for professional practice, so you can rest assured that you are choosing a qualified and ethical counsellor.

I understand how overwhelming it can feel to take that first step toward getting help. My approach is warm, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs.

Counselling in Chester and Heswall 

f you’d like to explore therapy for historic child abuse and trauma, I’m here to support you every step of the way. You don’t have to face this alone — let’s work together to help you find relief and move towards a brighter future.

I offer in-person therapy sessions in Chester, Heswall and Online Counselling Sessions across the UK and Europe, so you can choose what feels most comfortable for you. The choice is always yours. 

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Counselling is a talking therapy that can go a long way in helping people come to terms with problems they are facing. The sessions give you time to talk about anything that is going on for you in a safe and confidential way.  

    This might be because you want to change things, there might be something you are struggling to come to terms with - whatever the reason counselling could well be the answer for you. 

    By talking about the things that are going on for you, you will be able to get a better understanding of your thoughts and feelings, while at the same time I will help empower you to identify new solutions, allowing you to facilitate change and have the life you would like/deserve.

  • I work with young people aged 16+ and adults.

  • I provide face-to-face counselling in Chester and Heswall. I also provide Online Therapy.

  • Yes, I provide Online Counselling Sessions via Zoom, or sessions by phone.

  • Yes, I am an Accredited Member of BACP (No. 380481), which stands for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This means that I have undergone rigorous assessment and evaluation to meet the BACP's strict standards for professional practice, so you can rest assured that you are choosing a qualified and ethical counsellor

  • I have a special interest and further training in: 

    Anxiety

    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    All forms of historic child abuse and trauma including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, neglect 

    Emotional Eating

    PTSD

    I also have experience of helping people with: 

    Anger management 

    Attachment issues 

    Bereavement and grief, including pet bereavement 

    Bullying (School and workplace) 

    Depression 

    Gender identity 

    Family relationships 

    Self-harm 

    Self-esteem tress 

    Suicidal thoughts 

    Trauma 

    Additionally, I am a Rewind Practitioner which means that I have been trained to use the Rewind Technique to treat trauma and phobias. 

    I am also a Survivor to Thriver Practitioner which means that I can help individuals who have experienced trauma to move beyond simply ‘surviving’. 

    In my time as a counsellor, I have worked with so many different issues.

    Whatever it is, please just reach out so I can give you the support you deserve. Find out more about my experience and qualifications

  • I provide a confidential and safe space so that you are comfortable to work towards the changes you would like to make. 

    Everything you share with me is confidential unless you mention anything which means you or someone you know is likely to come to serious harm, you mention anything to do with the drug trafficking act, the children’s act or money laundering. 

    View my privacy policy to understand more about how your personal data is processed and kept safe

  • Our first session together will include an assessment so that I understand more about the challenges you are facing, and at the same time it gives you the opportunity to see if I am the right counsellor for you. At the end of the first session you can decide if you would like to continue working with me and we can arrange further appointments. 

  • The number of sessions you will need will very much depend on your individual circumstances. For example, someone who needs help with anxiety might not need as many sessions as someone who has experienced years of childhood trauma. I can however say that I will be open and honest with you throughout and we can look at this together. Regular reviews are done to see how well things are going and what the next steps will be. Remember the choice is always yours.

  • Before you first session I will send you information by email that hopefully covers everything you need to know before we meet.

    During your first session we will spend some time going through the counselling agreement together. This gives us a chance to look at what I can offer you as a therapist and gives me an idea what it is you are hoping to get from our time together.

    I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation by video or phone whichever suits, giving us a chance to have a chat before our first session.

  • The main difference between a counsellor, therapist, and psychotherapist lies in their focus and depth of work.  

    Counsellors typically provide short-term, solution-focused support for specific issues like stress or grief, using practical tools and coping strategies. 

    Therapist is a broad term that can refer to anyone providing therapy, including counsellors and psychotherapists, and their approach varies depending on their training. 

    Psychotherapists, however, focus on deeper, long-term emotional work, exploring the root causes of issues such as trauma or chronic mental health conditions. They often have more extensive training and work with both mild and severe psychological challenges. 

  • Yes, of course. You are not locked into any contracts and the choice is always yours.

  • For full details visit my pricing page.

  • For cancellations 24 hours’ notice is required. 

  • Get in touch to arrange a free informal 15-minute chat about what you are looking for and to see if we are happy to work together.

  • What My Clients Say

    "I am beyond grateful for the support and guidance Annabelle has given me over the years. Annabelle is compassionate and every session was tailored to my needs, she made me feel valued and heard, helping me to navigate through some of the hardest parts of my life. Annabelle provided me with the skills to cope with life’s ups and downs, and I cannot thank her enough for everything she has done for me.”

    - Maisy (Google Review)

Take the First Step Towards Feeling Better

If you’re ready to explore how counselling could help, get in touch. We’ll have a chat about what’s going on for you and how I can support you. There’s no pressure — just a chance to see if this feels like the right fit for you.

You don’t have to face this alone. Let’s take that first step together. 

Annabelle

Annabelle Smith

Counselling & Therapy In-Person & Online