Business Details
Specialist Therapy for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors in Bristol
The Green House is a specialist support service dedicated to children, young people, and families affected by childhood sexual abuse. Established in the 1970s, we have evolved from the Avon Sexual Abuse Centre to focus exclusively on child and family support since 2022. Our evidence-based, creative arts therapies and family support programs are designed to foster connection and community, guided by the voices of survivors. With over 30 years of experience, we operate from our St. Agnes Lodge facility in Bristol, offering tailored services across Avon and Somerset. Our multidisciplinary team combines clinical expertise with lived experience to deliver innovative, whole-family solutions.We prioritize safety, creativity, and resilience, ensuring services are co-designed with those we support. Our research-driven approach informs national policy, while our commitment to safeguarding and transparency maintains trust. We serve over 150 children annually, with measurable outcomes showing significant mental health improvements and increased resilience. Our values of hope, connection, and authenticity underpin every interaction, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives.
Services
Play Therapy
Art Therapy
Family Support
Creative Outdoor Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialist experience in childhood sexual abuse support
- Our creative arts therapies address trauma through non-verbal expression
- We co-design services with survivor input for authentic, effective support
- Our multidisciplinary team includes clinical experts and lived experience specialists
- We maintain strict safeguarding standards and evidence-based practice frameworks
What people say
Safe to express feelings
Improved mental health
Supportive team
Creative therapy approach
Helped rebuild family relationships
Services
Play Therapy
Play Therapy uses creative play techniques to help children process trauma non-verbally. This approach is particularly effective for younger children who struggle to articulate their experiences. Sessions are conducted by trained therapists in safe, child-friendly environments, allowing natural expression of complex emotions through play activities.
Art Therapy
Art Therapy enables emotional expression through visual media for children and young people affected by sexual abuse. This modality helps access traumatic memories stored non-verbally, using drawing, painting, and sculpture to facilitate healing. Sessions are tailored to individual needs, with no artistic skill required, focusing purely on therapeutic expression.
Family Support
Family Support provides guidance for parents and carers supporting child abuse survivors. Our specialists help families develop coping strategies, improve communication, and rebuild trust. This service includes one-to-one sessions and group work, focusing on creating supportive home environments essential for recovery.
Creative Outdoor Therapy
Creative Outdoor Therapy combines nature-based activities with therapeutic support in green spaces. This program helps young people connect with nature while processing trauma, using outdoor activities to build resilience and self-confidence. Sessions promote physical engagement and environmental connection as part of the healing process.
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy addresses the specific psychological impacts of sexual abuse through evidence-based interventions. Our specialists use age-appropriate techniques to help children process traumatic memories safely. This structured approach includes gradual exposure and cognitive restructuring to reduce distress and improve emotional regulation.
People
Dr Gemma Halliwell
CEO
Dr Halliwell leads The Green House with over 20 years' experience in child protection services. She has developed innovative trauma-informed practices and expanded the charity's reach across Avon and Somerset. Her leadership focuses on survivor-led service design and research integration.
Becky Parkhill
Clinical Manager
Becky oversees clinical operations with 15 years' experience in child mental health. She specializes in trauma recovery and supervises our therapy team. Her work focuses on maintaining clinical excellence and ensuring evidence-based practice across all services.
Steve Livings
Chair of Board
Steve brings 30+ years' policing experience with Avon & Somerset Constabulary. As former Chief Superintendent, he focuses on safeguarding standards and strategic governance. His leadership ensures robust child protection frameworks across all organizational operations.
Pip McGrath
Treasurer
Pip manages financial governance with 25 years' charity sector experience. As qualified accountant, she oversees budgeting and financial strategy. Her work ensures sustainable funding for critical support services while maintaining fiscal accountability.
Dr Janet Reibstein
Trustee
Professor Emerita in Psychology, Janet contributes expertise in family therapy models. She developed the Exeter Model for couple therapy and advises on relationship dynamics. Her academic background enhances our evidence-based approach to family support services.
Questions
What therapy options are available for children?
We offer play therapy, art therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and creative outdoor therapy sessions tailored to individual needs.
How can I make a referral?
Professionals, parents, or young people aged 16+ can complete our online Request for Support form after discussing with the individual.
What areas do you cover?
We support children and families in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes, we provide online therapy sessions for young people aged 14 and above across our service areas.
What support exists for parents?
Our Family Support Team offers one-to-one sessions and group work to help parents develop coping strategies and communication skills.
How long do therapy programs last?
Programs typically run for 12-24 sessions, with duration tailored to individual needs and therapeutic goals.
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