Groups & Therapy

Groups

What kind of groups are offered at The Center?

The Center offers various counseling and educational groups at each of our locations, which are all provided at no cost to participants. Each group is facilitated by a trained advocate or therapist. Sometimes groups are drop-in, open groups that simply create space for survivors to talk and support one another. Some groups require signing up in advance. Some support groups are based on a certain topic or activity, such as art therapy, parenting support, yoga, healthy sexuality, or healing from trauma. At times we also offer groups specific to teens, male victims, Latinas, and other specific groups. Our counselors also provide groups on request at other community organizations such as JADAC or Dismas Charities. Call our crisis line to find out what groups are currently offered or to request a particular group.

Who can attend groups at The Center?

Survivors of sexual assault or intimate partner violence are invited to attend groups. Some groups are also appropriate for supportive family and friends of survivors. Group settings can be a great way for clients to receive support from staff and peers. Group members often report feeling like they aren’t alone in their struggles and that they learn from other group members. The staff facilitators help to maintain an emotionally safe, supportive, and confidential space during groups. Advocates meet with interested participants prior to attending group to make sure that it is an appropriate fit for the participant. If the group setting is not a good fit, advocates may recommend that clients attend one-on-one sessions or refer clients to a more appropriate service provider.

We occasionally offer groups for children who have been exposed to domestic violence or to teens who have experienced dating violence or sexual assault. Unless a group is specifically designed for children or teens, the groups we offer are intended for adults 18 and up. Because of the sensitive nature of the group content, children cannot be brought into groups with their parents or stay alone in the waiting room while their parents attend group. We are occasionally able to offer childcare during groups on a limited basis, when arranged with volunteers in advance. Please make sure that you have childcare arranged prior to attending groups.

Choices Group:

Choices is an educational and supportive group for survivors of intimate partner violence, held in two, 2-hour sessions (you must take Session 1 before taking Session 2). The classes are organized around understanding the dynamics of the Power and Control Wheel. The name of the group indicates our philosophy to intimate partner violence services — through education, resources, and empowerment, the goal is to explore options for participants to navigate their relationships in ways that maximize their safety. We ultimately want participants to have choice in their lives by providing them with all of the important information and resources available about what could be helpful or harmful to them.

Choices is open to all people. Choices does not admit late entries and participants must stay for the entire session. Choices is not a drop-in group and does not provide child care. The group is also offered in Bullitt and Shelby counties.

Please call our team at 502-581-7222 to learn about groups being offered and for more information.

We offer groups to help people heal from violence:

Support Groups: Talking with others who have gone through similar experiences can help you feel better.

Learning Groups: These groups teach helpful skills and information.

Some groups meet in person or online. All groups discuss safety in some way.

Here are some of our groups:

  • Art Group: Using art to express feelings and heal.

  • Building Boundaries Group: Learning how to set healthy limits in your relationships.

  • Choices Class: Understanding how power and control can be used in unhealthy ways and learning healthy ways to care for yourself and children.

  • Financial Empowerment Classes: Learning how to manage your money.

  • Healthy Relationships: Learning about healthy relationships and how to build them.

  • RISE: Learning about healthy relationships, setting boundaries, building self-esteem, and understanding how power and control can be used in unhealthy ways.

  • SPARC-L: A peer support group where you can connect with others who have experienced violence.

  • Coping Skills Groups: Learning healthy ways to manage stress and difficult emotions.

  • Survivors Craft in Community: A group where you can connect with others and create something together.

  • We may also offer other groups throughout the year.

Therapy

While working with an advocate at The Center, you might have needs emerge that could be best addressed in therapy. Advocates in any of The Center’s programs can provide a referral to therapy. Depending on your needs and circumstances, you may be referred to a therapist at The Center or to a community-based therapist or program.

What is the difference between counseling and therapy?

The Center’s advocates are skilled counselors who can provide a safe and confidential space for you to be heard, to learn about options, and to receive emotional support. Counseling is also a process where you can build skills and plan for your safety. Advocates help with meeting your needs by providing community referrals and supporting your decisions.

The Center’s therapists are trained and licensed mental health professionals who specialize in helping clients address concerns related to the trauma of abuse. Therapy is usually longer-term than counseling. Typically, clients meet weekly or biweekly with a therapist for six months to a year, depending on the collaborative goals set at the beginning of the therapy process. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help with recovery from trauma, including talking, art-making, movement, and mindfulness exercises.

Why do people go to therapy?

Clients who experience sexual abuse or intimate partner violence may experience post-traumatic stress symptoms that they would like to decrease. Some clients have other mental health concerns related to the abuse (or made worse by abuse) that they would like to address. Other clients participate in therapy because they want a safe place to process past difficult experiences, for support in making changes in their lives, or to process the effect trauma has on their relationships with others.

Is therapy only for me?

We understand that trauma doesn’t just affect the victim. Many times, the loved ones of the person hurt are also struggling with difficult feelings. We can provide therapy to individuals or to couples and families (with non-offending partners or parents). Please note: if you are still in an abusive relationship, we don’t recommend attending couple’s counseling with your abuser. Attending couple’s counseling with an abusive partner can increase safety concerns. It is recommended that you each receive individual counseling, and that an abusive partner find a counselor who is trained in batterer intervention. For more information on this topic, click here.

To connect with counseling and long-term therapy services, please contact our team at (502) 581-7222 for more information.

Additional Resources:

After Sexual Assault

https://rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-recovery/what-is-therapy

After Intimate Partner Violence

http://www.thehotline.org/2012/08/counseling-for-domestic-violence-survivors/

Free Book on Recovery from Rape

http://www.resurrectionafterrape.org/uploads/1/4/4/2/14422560/rarfree.pdf

If you or someone you know is in need of support, we're here for you. Connect with our advocates 24/7 for confidential help and resources.