A victim of abuse finds out that his/her offender is being released from jail. This triggers fear and past memories that interfere with the person’s sense of well-being and safety. The victim finds him/herself not being able to concentrate, experiencing changed eating and/or sleeping patterns, feeling panicky, etc. He/she calls the Center to request a crisis session. A therapist and the client meet to help find immediate techniques to help the client feel better. These interventions may include development of a safety plan, techniques to help the client stay in the present, activities to help with relaxation, etc.

A child has been sexually abused. The child’s parents recognize changes in the child’s behavior (i.e., sleep disturbances, mood changes, a decrease in school performance, anxiety about parental absence, sexually reactive behaviors, etc.). The parents call the Center to request therapy. An appointment is made for a therapist to conduct an Intake/Assessment interview with the parents and their child. Goals are discussed to monitor progress and specific objectives are outlined to help accomplish these goals. Play therapy may also be conducted, where the therapist and child work through the abuse using therapeutic play activities. (Parents may be included according to the therapist’s recommendation.)

A woman who has been a victim of domestic violence calls for help because she feels like her life is unraveling. She has low self-esteem, she struggles with being taken advantage of, she has difficulty controlling her emotions, etc. After she calls the Center, she and a therapist discuss options for intervention, including individual therapy, participation in our women’s group and/or attendance at our workshops. Working with a therapist, the woman is able to utilize the resources most appropriate to help her improve the quality of her life.