My friend's adult son (aged 32) was the victim of a serious, prolonged physical (non-sexual) assault by a male relative 10 years ago. He is an African citizen and this took place in Africa. (Case has been legally dealt with in his home country and is now closed).
He eventually emerged from the assault largely physically recovered but mentally traumatised, and has gone from an outgoing, cheerful person to a subdued, still friendly (but no longer outgoing) person. Used to have girlfriends around him, now not so much.
Due to difficult circumstances, his mother (my friend - African heritage, now a British citizen) was somewhat estranged from her family (ex-husband and two children), had heard about the assault but the seriousness of it wasn't immediately related.
Her son has now moved to the UK, has a good job using his university degree, but still isn't 'right'; he is on medication for insomnia, and is generally subdued and a shadow of his former self.
He claims not to need counselling but to anyone that knew him prior to the assault it's clear that something is wrong. The obvious next step is to consult a GP with the aim of receiving a recommendation for a suitable counsellor. This might work out well however she is wondering if there might be other routes to dedicated, specialist counsellors. Perhaps there are relevant organisations? Professionals or skilled volunteers but outside the mainstream. Any recommendations sincerely appreciated. Thankyou.