There is currently some confusion regarding the provision of therapeutic options as part of a restorative treatment approach to criminal victimisation. This article aims to clarify the issues surrounding psychological debriefing, early intervention, post traumatic stress disorder and recovered memory therapy as raised by Fattah (1999; 2000). In essence, the evidence to date suggests that whilst debriefing and repressed memory therapy may in fact be detrimental to the well-being of the victim, early intervention with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for those with identifiable disorders who request help is very effective in relieving the suffering following victimisation. It is also suggested that while ‘supportive counselling’ for those with transient personal problems may be of use, this has not yet been demonstrated and is definitely not of use when treating mental disorders. There is no objective evidence to suggest that ‘supportive counselling’, active listening by quasi-professionals or ‘tea and sympathy with Aunt Adie’ are effective.
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