Many survivors experience enduring psychological symptoms. Traumatic events can be internalised as ongoing anxiety, a sense of helplessness and sensitivity to reminders of violence, which can manifest in a range of ways. Most profound is the sense of loss and grief for loved ones who have died or been left behind.

Many of Foundation House’s clients have witnessed or been subjected to the very darkest side of human nature. They have survived unimaginable horrors and often struggle to regain a sense of what it is to be human.

Foundation House recognises that war and torture leave marks on people that don’t simply go away just because they arrive in a new and safe country. As such, professional counselling services are a cornerstone of the work at Foundation House.

In addition to individual and family counselling, Foundation House provides group sessions to offer opportunities for clients to give and receive support from each other. The group work can help address social isolation by allowing clients to make meaningful connections with others who may have similar experiences.

Survivors of torture have very sane reactions to insane events. Such horrific experiences can never be forgotten, but learning to live with the memories and consequences is something that survivors strive for with courage and dignity. The counselling work at Foundation House aims to help survivors find a way forward.