Help Me Become a Trauma Specialist to Support Survivors
Hi, I’m Kate Elysia (pseudonym) - a survivor, a mental health nurse, and the author of The Patchwork Girl (to be published April 2026 Pre-Order HERE).
Thanks to the generosity of my amazing supporters last year, I raised £890 towards my Foundation Certificate in Counselling Skills and Practice. I’m proud to say I have now completed that course and received my certificate (photo below!). That was the first step on this journey.
Things Have Changed
When I began fundraising, I believed my next step would be a Postgraduate Diploma in Sex & Relationship Therapy. But after completing my foundation course, I realised that while sexual trauma was touched on, it wasn’t explored in enough depth.
This year has shown me just how urgently trauma-specific expertise is needed:
In January, I learned one of my abusers would be released from prison - a triggering and de-stabilising moment.
Between January and June, I was invited onto BBC Newsnight four times to speak publicly as a survivor.
In March, my beloved grandad passed away, his funeral was in April.
On June 16, the Casey Review into Grooming Gang Crime was published, leading to the announcement of a national inquiry.
On July 11, I was invited to meet Jess Phillips MP to discuss survivor issues.
All of this has reinforced that my path must focus on trauma at the deepest level.
The Next Step: MSc in Psychological Trauma
This September, I will begin a part-time MSc in Psychological Trauma with a specialist UK provider.
The course is benchmarked at trauma expert level by the British Psychological Society. On completion, I will have the expertise to:
- Design and lead trauma-informed services and care pathways
- Develop and deliver training programmes for professionals working with survivors
- Provide trauma-specific clinical supervision and leadership
- Conduct research and service development that influences national policy and survivor support
This MSc will position me as a national trauma expert, combining my lived experience, clinical background, and academic training to change how survivors are supported in the UK.
What I Need Help With
The course itself is covered by a student loan (which I will repay). But what I cannot cover alone are the weekly costs of attendance and support:
- Train travel: £37 return per week
- Bus: £5.50
- Overnight accommodation: £30–£50 per week
I have also had to reduce my working hours to make space for the in person attendance, meaning my income is lower while my expenses are higher.
The upcoming national inquiry into grooming gangs will re-open trauma for thousands of survivors. Many will need support that the system currently cannot provide.
I want to be ready to meet that need - not only through direct therapy, but also by helping to shape services, train professionals, and influence policy.
How You Can Help
- Donate: Your gift will directly support my travel, accommodation, and therapy costs.
- Share: Spread the word - survivor-led change matters.
- Encourage: Your words keep me strong when things are hardest.
A Note for Original Donors
If you supported me last year, thank you. Your donations helped me complete my Foundation Certificate... the first step of this journey. I am not changing direction; I am deepening it. The MSc in Psychological Trauma is the natural next step, and I hope you’ll continue to walk beside me.
With gratitude,
Kate Elysia
Mental Health Nurse | Trauma Specialist-in-Training | Author | Survivor
Organizer
