We know that people often handle experiences of harm on their own. Still, at times, you may have concerns, such as trying to figure out how to make things feel like normal again or how to navigate spaces where you live, work, do research, or are in class. You also may be trying to make sense of an experience or are not sure about how you would describe something that happened. 

Whether you are a student, staff member, faculty member, or postdoctoral fellow, you do not have to figure things out on your own. 

We can support you whether the harm happened recently, in the past, or is ongoing. You get to choose what support is right for you. 

We understand that your needs may change over time and that having choices about your body can be a part of healing. We support people’s right to self-determination, bodily autonomy, and reproductive healthcare choices. For more information about some of these options and choices, please visit Options and Resources.

To schedule a meeting with a SHARE counselor, you are welcome to call, email, or stop-by in person and let us know that you would like to meet with a SHARE counselor. Our office is open 9:00am–5:00pm ET, Monday through Friday.

We generally schedule a first meeting for 45-50 minutes, although you do not have to stay the whole time if you do not want to. All meetings are free, voluntary, and confidential.

You might be curious what it is like to meet with a SHARE counselor for a first conversation. When you meet with us for the first time, we will move at your pace. You can expect that we will ask you what name and pronouns you’d like us to use. We will often explain who we are, the work that we do, review confidentiality, and be curious about what brings you in for a meeting. 

We will often ask you questions such as, “What brings you in?” or “What would be helpful?” to understand your main concerns. We welcome you sharing as much or as little as you feel comfortable. You do not have to tell us the details of any harm you have experienced if you do not want to. A first conversation would usually not be more than 50 minutes, and you can leave at any time. We can meet in person or virtually via secure zoom. We look forward to meeting you and collaborating!

SHARE counselors offer a range of confidential support to all members of the Harvard community, including students, staff, faculty, and postdoctoral fellows impacted by harm or who are supporting someone impacted by harm. This includes:

• Trauma-informed counseling and support
• Education and support groups
• 24/7 Confidential hotline
• Consultation
• Advocacy
  • Going with community members to meetings, medical appointments, the hospital, court, police, etc.
  • Support in deciding whether or how to connect with a Title IX Resource Coordinator about things such as making a disclosure and seeking supportive measures
  • Information regarding the University’s formal complaint process
  • Information and accompaniment regarding legal processes, such as how to file a police report, apply for a restraining order, or break a lease
• Community Referrals 

For more information about any of these options and resources, please see Options and Resources