The Counseling Department offers free counseling to women, men and children in our domestic violence shelter and community clients. We also offer a community domestic violence support group, a resident domestic violence support group, and a Latino support group, all of which are held once a week. Groups are offered in English and Spanish.  Child care is provided for each of the support groups at no cost to the parents.
 

A sexual assault support group is held weekly and is open to anyone. A therapeutic group for the resident children who are age appropriate is also offered. This is held at the same time as the women’s group. We also offer play therapy in a therapeutically designed playroom to age appropriate children.

 

Counseling allows clients to process their trauma experiences related to sexual assault and domestic violence.  In addition, many clients have a significant social history that contributes to clients being vulnerable to domestic abuse and having difficulty removing themselves from a domestic violence relationship/situation.  Typically, our clients suffer from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance abuse and other mental health issues.  Our counseling services assist with helping clients process their emotions, traumatic events and develop healthy coping skills/strategies.  If needed, clients are provided with community resources and referrals that may assist them with stabilizing their conditions.  Counseling also promotes the empowerment of individuals and children/families to move forward with their lives after experiencing or being exposed to sexual assault or domestic violence.
 

The Counseling Department also speaks to community groups, providing education on domestic violence and sexual assault.
 

For more information, please contact Tanya Toyer at 770.423.3595 or ttoyer@ywcanwga.com.