COUNSELING

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Counseling offers trauma-informed care after abuse or assault.

Children who have been victimized and participate in counseling are less likely to:

Abuse drugs or alcohol

Grow up to become victims of other crimes

Become involved in criminal activity

Suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder

Develop suicidal ideation and self-harm

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The Family Advocacy Center provides counseling at no charge to the victim and family.

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Does every abused child need treatment?

At the very least, abuse is very confusing for a child. Often there's an investigation that requires the child to speak to a police officer or other professional. It's helpful for non-offending caregivers and children to have support from a mental health professional. In many cases, a child may not need intensive counseling. Still, it's helpful for children and non-offending caregivers to sit down with a trained professional and talk about what happened.  

Children may blame themselves or hold other unrealistic ideas or beliefs about the abuse that needs to be corrected. Non-offending caregivers may also benefit from talking to a professional who can assist them in overcoming the distress associated with discovering that their child has been abused.

Trauma can affect anyone at any age. The effects can be mild or severe, creating extreme psychological issues. In some cases, the results of trauma can manifest months and even years after the event, making it difficult to recognize the symptoms.

Often people have trouble reaching out for help. Just as we need help to heal the physical effects of trauma, we also need help to heal emotional wounds. It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to trauma. There is no guideline as to how and what someone should feel.

We know the sooner we deal with the symptoms of trauma, the better chance you have for a full recovery and to be free of the effects of these events. If left unresolved, emotional trauma can affect daily choices and functioning. Ultimately, it can manifest into severe psychological disorders with lasting effects. Counseling offers a safe and supportive environment to work through these issues.

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