From Surviving Towards Thriving: A 10-Week Sexual Trauma Recovery Course
From Surviving Towards Thriving (FSTT) is a free, 10-week, facilitated psychoeducational group course from Mankind, designed to support male survivors of sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault and other unwanted sexual experiences. The course helps participants understand the impact of sexual trauma, develop practical coping skills and take an active role in their own recovery.
The course is available in person in Hove and online. It is suitable for people who have experienced sexual trauma in childhood or adulthood, including those who may be living with the effects of trauma many years after the experience.
Who is the course for?
From Surviving Towards Thriving is designed for people who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault or other forms of unwanted sexual contact and would like to develop their understanding of trauma and its effects.
Mankind provides a male-centred service and welcomes cisgender men, transgender men, non-binary people, gender-fluid people and intersex people who feel that a male-centred service best meets their needs.
The course is particularly suited to people who want to learn about trauma and recovery, develop new coping strategies and connect with others who have had similar experiences, without being expected to disclose the details of their abuse.
What does the course involve?
The course runs for 10 weeks, with one two-hour session each week. Participants meet with the same facilitator and group members at the same time each week, providing continuity and an opportunity to build familiarity, trust and a sense of safety.
FSTT is an interactive, therapeutic psychoeducational group rather than a traditional talking or peer-support group. Participants learn about the psychological effects of sexual trauma and explore practical skills to support their recovery.
Participants do not describe or disclose personal experiences of abuse to the group. Participants can take part in activities and discussions at a pace that feels manageable for them.
What will participants learn?
The course aims to increase understanding of sexual trauma and its effects, while helping participants develop practical ways of managing the challenges that can follow an unwanted sexual experience.
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Understand trauma, trauma responses and the recovery process.
- Develop grounding techniques and coping strategies for managing distress.
- Learn about flashbacks, dissociation and ways of feeling more present and connected to the here and now.
- Explore how sexual trauma can affect identity, relationships and emotions.
- Develop a greater understanding of their own experiences and responses.
- Consider what recovery and moving forward might look like for them.
- Connect with others who have experienced sexual trauma, potentially reducing feelings of isolation and helping to develop a sense of belonging.
Course content: the 10-week programme
The programme covers the following topics:
- Beginnings – Introduction to the course and what to expect.
- Understanding Trauma and Recovery – Exploring trauma and the recovery journey.
- The Aftermath of Trauma – Understanding the possible effects of sexual trauma.
- Safety and Grounding – Developing skills to manage distress and feel more grounded.
- Flashbacks, Dissociation and Resourcing – Understanding trauma-related experiences and exploring coping strategies.
- Trauma and Identity – Considering the effects of trauma on identity and sense of self.
- Trauma and Relationships – Exploring how trauma can affect relationships and connection with others.
- Emotions and Trauma – Understanding and managing difficult emotions.
- Integration and Looking Ahead – Bringing learning together and considering the next steps in recovery.
- Honouring the Journey and Endings – Reflecting on progress, recognising personal strengths and bringing the group experience to a close.
A safe and supportive group experience
Joining a group can feel daunting, particularly for people whose experiences of sexual trauma have affected their sense of safety, trust or connection with others.
Many participants feel nervous before starting FSTT. Participants have also described experiencing a sense of belonging and safety through being with others who have had similar experiences.
The course offers an opportunity to learn alongside others without pressure to share personal details. Everyone’s recovery journey is different, and participants are encouraged to engage in ways that feel appropriate for them.
Do I need to have had counselling before joining?
We recommend that people have experience of one-to-one counselling before joining From Surviving Towards Thriving. This helps ensure that the course is appropriate for their individual circumstances and that they have an opportunity to explore their support needs with a counsellor.
An introductory one-hour meeting is required before joining the programme.
Some people choose to attend FSTT alongside the latter stage or their individual counselling, while others prefer to complete counselling first. These are individual decisions that can be discussed with a counsellor.
For Mankind clients
If you are already receiving one-to-one counselling through Mankind, you can discuss whether FSTT might be suitable for you with your counsellor.
For people receiving counselling elsewhere
If you have received or are receiving individual counselling through another organisation and would like to join an FSTT course, please mention this when you contact Mankind. An introductory meeting is required, and suitability will be considered before joining.
Information for organisations and professionals referring clients
Mankind welcomes enquiries from organisations providing counselling and support to male survivors of sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault and other unwanted sexual experiences.
From Surviving Towards Thriving offers a structured, 10-week psychoeducational group that can complement individual counselling by helping participants develop their understanding of trauma, learn practical coping skills and connect with others with shared experiences.
The course may be of interest to sexual violence support services, specialist male survivor organisations, counselling charities, psychotherapists and other professionals supporting people affected by sexual trauma.
FSTT is not a substitute for individual counselling or specialist treatment where these are needed. We generally recommend that participants have experience of at least 18 sessions of one-to-one counselling before joining, and an introductory meeting is required to explore suitability.
To enquire about referring a client or discussing the course for someone you support, please email admin@mkcharity.org.
Course availability and how to access it
From Surviving Towards Thriving is offered free of charge. Voluntary donations are welcome.
Current course times:
- In-person course, Hove: Mondays, 12 pm–2 pm.
- Online course: Mondays, 12.30 pm–2.30 pm.
- Online course: Tuesdays, 11.30 am–1.30 pm.
For information about accessing the course, please contact Mankind.
For professional referrals and organisational enquiries, email admin@mkcharity.org.
From Surviving Towards Thriving (FSTT) is a Mankind course supporting people affected by sexual trauma to build understanding, develop coping skills and move towards recovery.