Our emotional well-being shapes how we think, feel, and connect with the world around us. When life feels overwhelming—whether from daily stress, relationship challenges, or loss—mental health counseling can be a great tool and provide a path forward. It can be particularly helpful to survivors of trauma, like sexual violence, because they often face complex, long-lasting, and deeply personal impacts on their well-being. Counseling offers a safe space to process these experiences, rebuild trust, and regain a sense of control. 

At Clove Alliance, we offer free, confidential counseling tailored to meet survivors where they are and offer support on their journey toward hope, healing, and growth. 

Here’s how counseling supports survivors and why reaching out can be a powerful first step.

What Is Counseling and Why Does It Matter for Survivors?

Generally, counseling is where you meet with a trusted, well-trained person called a “counselor” to talk privately about feelings, learn more about yourself, and gain new skills to strengthen your mental health. It offers survivors of sexual abuse a safe space to process trauma, regain a sense of control, and heal. Carmen King, Clove Alliance’s Director of Clinical Operations, explains that survivor counseling “focuses on assisting the survivor with establishing stability,” which includes “creating basic safety guidelines and building skills like how to regulate emotions.”

Survivors often experience a wide range of feelings—sadness, anger, fear, guilt, and vulnerability. These emotions may surface right after the abuse or lie dormant for years until triggered by a life event, relationship, or memory. Left unaddressed, they can affect every part of a person’s life, from daily routines to work, school, relationships, and physical health. Through counseling, survivors gain insight into how the trauma has impacted their lives and learn ways of coping, reconnecting, and moving forward. It’s common to get support with issues like:

• Anxiety, depression, or nightmares
• Trust, safety, and relationship challenges
• Self-esteem and identity
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Rape Trauma Syndrome
• Eating disorders or self-injury
  

A Supportive Space Rooted in Respect

Clove Alliance counselors use an approach that puts the survivor’s priorities first and focuses on their safety, dignity, and empowerment. “We provide a non-judgmental environment where survivors are encouraged to make their own informed choices,” Carmen says. Whether navigating recent trauma or confronting memories from the past, they will be met with compassion.

To ensure that counseling at Clove Alliance is accessible to all survivors in our community, it is always completely free, confidential, and focused solely on the survivor’s experience with sexual violence. We don’t bill survivors or insurance companies, and sessions are available in-person, by phone, or via video. “Our services are tailored uniquely for each survivor,” Carmen says. “They choose how they want their services delivered.”

There’s No “Right Time” to Seek Help

One of the most common barriers to counseling is stigma. Survivors may feel ashamed, worry they won’t be believed, or fear being judged. Others may think their trauma “wasn’t bad enough” to warrant support.

Anyone who’s unsure is encouraged to take the first step by contacting Clove Alliance. You can email counseling@clovealliance.org or call the 24-hour hotline at 815.932.3322. Callers will always speak with a live, compassionate person who will listen, offer support, and make sure whatever they might be experiencing in the moment can be addressed. From there, survivors can decide if counseling is the right next step, on their own terms.

Types of Counseling Services Offered at Clove Alliance

Clove Alliance offers several counseling options, including:

• Individual counseling
• Family counseling
• Couples counseling
• Group counseling and support groups for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, teen survivors, and parents of survivors

Reach out if you have any questions or want to talk about the process. There is no pressure to move forward if you are not ready. 

Healing Is Possible

The work of healing is not a straight line and has its challenges, but it doesn’t need to be done alone! Clove Alliance counselors believe survivors and stick with them as they lead their own journey to self-fulfillment. Carmen has witnessed firsthand the transformation that counseling can inspire.

 “I’ve seen lives changed through Clove Alliance’s counseling services. Our team enhances survivors’ ability to lead lives they want by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, assertiveness, and confidence.”

Begin Your Healing Journey Today

If you or someone you love has experienced sexual violence and is struggling with the effects, you are not alone. Support is always available! Clove Alliance proudly serves Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties in Illinois, offering counseling, advocacy, legal support, prevention education, and a 24/7 crisis hotline. Outside of Clove Alliance’s area? We can refer you to support near you. 

To learn more about free, confidential counseling for survivors and their loved ones, contact:

📧 counseling@clovealliance.org
📞 Office line: 815.932.7273
📞 24-hour hotline: 815.932.3322

You deserve support. You deserve healing. And we’re here with you every step of the way.