Counseling

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.

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

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.

Peace House offers therapy to adults who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape. In addition, Peace House offers therapy to adult survivors of child abuse, as well as children who have witnessed domestic violence or have experienced child abuse.

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 case manager and/or therapist. These sessions begin after paperwork has been created with your help, your therapist/case manager 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.

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.

Group therapy sessions 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: chelsea@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.).

Often times, in abusive relationships, there is a loss of friendships, under-employment or unemployment, unsafe housing, limited childcare, and restricted access to funds. These attributes of abusive relationships take an emotional, physical, and financial toll on the entire family.

Peace House case managers help in many ways. After assessing your situation, the case manager will work closely with you to determine your goals and next steps. Examples include: housing applications, reviewing your resume, connecting you with local resources, etc.

Case management is like having a personal assistant able to help move you along with your goals and hold you accountable for reaching them. Contact us today to set up a meeting with a case manager.