Counseling

Counseling is, at its core, listening and offering routes to healing and recovery. There are many types of counseling and therapy available at Peace House. Whatever you are going through we are here to help you get back to being the best possible you.

What is trauma?

Trauma is an emotional response to a severely stressful event. Trauma can stem from a natural event such as a natural disaster, or a man-made event such as a war or domestic violence, rape, or child abuse.

Severe trauma can have a lasting emotional effect including PTSD. It's incredibly important that victims of trauma seek help in from a professional. Counseling is a natural first step in securing the assistance you need to work through trauma and begin the healing process.

Know the symptoms of trauma

The symptoms of trauma can vary widely, however there are signs and symptoms that any victim of trauma should be aware of. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please contact us immediately. We will get you the help you need to overcome the effects of trauma and begin a new, healthier life.

Some symptoms of trauma include:

Fatigue
Feeling like you are “going crazy”
Lack of appetite
Inability to concentrate
Quick to anger
Forgetfulness
Guilt/shame/self-blame
Anxiety/fear
Feeling sad/hopeless/disconnected
Isolating from others
Denial/shock/disbelief
Insomnia/nightmares

What to expect from counseling

Entering into therapy and counseling can be intimidating for some people. However, therapy is vitally important for individuals suffering from traumatic experiences.

Therapy at Peace House is free of charge. No payments and no insurance are required to get treatment from Peace House counselors and therapists. Therapy is also 100% confidential. This ensures that anything and everything said in a therapy session stays between the individual and their therapist. The information you share with us is safe.

Individual therapy for adults

Peace House offers therapy to adults who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape.

It is essential that you find a therapist who fits your needs and makes you feel comfortable. At Peace House, we have many therapists with whom you can work. This ensures that you feel safe and in control of your healing process.

Typically, therapy occurs in a 60-minute session. The first session is spent getting to know you and establishing a relationship in which you feel safe and able to share. We work with you to develop goals and set timelines for your goals.

All clients will be offered a minimum of twelve (12) sessions with their assigned therapist. These sessions begin after paperwork has been created with your help, your therapist will meet with the team and their supervisor to determine the length of services and what other resources Peace House can offer you to assist in reaching your goals.

Individual therapy for children

Peace House offers therapy to children who have experienced domestic violence, child abuse, and/or sexual assault.

*For any child receiving services, a legal guardian needs to consent to therapy on their behalf. While the child/minor is the primary client, the guardian will be brought into session periodically to be informed of progress and additional supports needed.

Typically, therapy occurs in a 60-minute session, however, this is dependent on the child's age. These sessions may range from 30-60 minutes. The first session is spent getting to know you and your child, and establishing a relationship in which both parties feel safe and able to share. We work with you and your child to develop goals and set timelines for your goals.

Group therapy

Group therapy is an opportunity to share your experience with others who have had similar traumatic episodes in their lives. Sharing similar experiences can help you understand that you are not alone and provide additional support to your healing process. We offer open groups in our residential services, where the group participants adjust each week and group materials do not build from week-to-week.

Groups offered by Peace House include:

Connections: Connections is a Brene Brown 12-week group session covering feelings of shame and resilience in light of these feelings. Email Chelsea at: ChelseaB@peacehouse.org if you are interested in attending a session.

Seeking Safety: Seeking safety is a group designed to address the symptoms and coping strategies for PTSD and substance abuse. Work with others to learn more about how trauma has affected your relationships, confidence, and health. This group introduces new means of coping and letting go of any dependencies which are causing you more ongoing harm (ie. sugar, sex, food, drugs etc.).

Other groups, as need or interest permits: Children's Support Group, Boundaries Group, Trauma Psychoeducation Group, or Parent Support Group.

Call our helpline at (800) 647-9161 if you are a survivor in need of immediate services (including but not limited to sexual assault services, shelter, or creating an escape plan), or call (435) 658-4739 x 111 to set up an appointment with one of our clinical staff.