Counseling for children affected by domestic violence

Provides individual, group, or family counseling or other therapeutic services for children who have been exposed to domestic violence.

Offers programs that identify, assess and provide individual, group or family counseling or other therapeutic services for children who have been exposed to domestic violence. The therapy helps children cope with their emotional reaction to the violence, reduce problematic symptoms/behaviors (e.g., nightmares, insomnia, aggressiveness, outbursts of anger, withdrawal), understand, to the extent they can, why their parents are fighting and be reassured that it is not their fault. Children who are not ready to discuss what they have witnessed may be asked to use drawing of their family or their home, play with dolls or engage in other activities as a way of expressing what they are unable to say. Therapists also work to help the family create a safe and stable environment that will support the childâs ability to heal. Specific therapeutic approaches will vary depending on the child's age, their level of traumatization and other factors.