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Children Who Witness Abuse Counseling Program
For children and adolescents who have experienced serious family conflicts (such as abuse of their mothers)
H.E.A.R.T. Program
For children and adolescents who have experienced serious family conflicts (such as abuse of their mothers)
Research has shown that while some children show overt signs (such as aggression and/or depression) of their exposure to family conflict, other children display less obvious adjustment difficulties (such as inappropriate attitudes about violence and/or poor problem-solving skills). Both types of children can benefit from a group program specifically designed to meet their needs.
For children and adolescents who have experienced serious family conflicts (such as abuse of their mothers)
HOW DOES FAMILY CONFLICT AFFECT CHILDREN?
Children who witness the abuse of their mothers live with fear and anxiety waiting for the next violent episode to occur.Research has shown that while some children show overt signs (such as aggression and/or depression) of their exposure to family conflict, other children display less obvious adjustment difficulties (such as inappropriate attitudes about violence and/or poor problem-solving skills). Both types of children can benefit from a group program specifically designed to meet their needs.
What are the Goals of a Children's Support Group?
- To dispel common myths surrounding family violence and marital abuse;
- To provide a non-treatening environment to talk about feelings and help teach healthy ways to express anger, hurt, fear, etc.;
- To let the children know that they are not alone and help them share their thoughts and feelings with others from similar situations;
- To define abuse (physical, emotional, verbal and sexual) and to let the children know their personal rights;
- To teach problem-solving and coping skills;
- To identify the causes and effects of conflict.
Children's Group
The children's Counseling Group is a support group for children who have witnessed and/or experienced abuse in their families. The goal of this group is to:
- let children know they are not alone;
- provide a safe environment to talk about feelings;
- teach problem-solving skills.
Individual Counseling for Children
- An opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings;
- An understanding that they are not at fault;
- Short term counseling for children who may not be ready for a group.