Therapy & Support Services

Group therapy sessions can be an important part of the healing experience. They provide an opportunity to develop therapeutic relationships with others and practice trust. Feelings of shame, secrecy, and the social stigma associated with certain kinds of trauma can make it difficult to talk about it with others. Groups provide a confidential, safe space to tell your story, open up, and practice vulnerability.

• Although trauma affects each individual differently, some common associated issues include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (flashbacks, memory issues, insomnia, etc.)  isolation, fear, withdrawal from relationships and support networks, and difficulty controlling one’s feelings and behavior. We understand that experiencing a trauma can impact one’s life in ways that extend far beyond the scope of their physical injury. It can affect the way someone communicates, their immune system function, learning new things, ability to interpret social cues, and sleep patterns
• Support Groups are available to provide education, support, and linkages to other persons with shared experiences in order to facilitate recovery from crime-related trauma or sexual violence. See the “Support Groups” tab to learn more about our different Support Group offerings.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR helps reprogram the memory and emotion so remembering the trauma is not overwhelming. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is recommended for treatments as one of a few evidence-based treatments of choice for trauma victims. EMDR is a therapy approach that places a significant amount of responsibility, power and control in the client side, which can be particularly meaningful when people are recovering from having their power take away by exposure to intense violence and life threatening events.

The rationale behind EMDR is related with the information processing system in the brain. This system has as one of its main functions the transformation of disturbing experiences into mental adaptation to eliminate those aspects of the event (negative thoughts, unpleasant emotions and physical sensations). It is useful with individuals who exhibit including overwhelming feelings of anxiety, horrific nightmares, heightened startle reactions, flashbacks and a profound sense of alienation after the traumatic event had occurred.

EMDR psychotherapy approach consists of a structured treatment package and integrates techniques from cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and body-oriented therapy. Processes identified in EMDR include mindfulness, somatic awareness, free association, cognitive restructuring, and conditioning.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment approach shown to help children, adolescents, and their parents (or other caregivers) overcome trauma-related difficulties. Research consistently shows that TF-CBT is effective for diverse, multiple, and complex traumatic experiences, for youth of different developmental levels and cultural backgrounds.

It is designed to reduce negative emotional and behavioral responses following trauma, including child sexual abuse and other maltreatment, domestic violence, traumatic loss, mass disasters, multiple traumas, and other traumatic events. The treatment addresses distorted or upsetting beliefs and attributions related to the traumas and provides a supportive environment in which children are encouraged to talk about their traumatic experiences and learn skills to help them cope with ordinary life stressors. TF-CBT also helps parents who were not abusive to cope effectively with their own emotional distress and develop skills that support their children.

VSC offers TF-CBT to those who are appropriate for such service based on client age and caregiver involvement.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy tries to identify and change negative thinking patterns and pushes for positive behavioral changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that began with efforts to treat  personality disorders and interpersonal conflicts. DBT is seen as effective in treating mood disorders and for change in behavioral patterns. It is often used for emotion dysregulation, tolerating distress, and interpersonal effectiveness.

The four modules of psychological and emotional function that DBT focuses on include: Mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. Traditionally, skill development in these four modules is approached in a systematic and gradual manner in both individual and group therapy.

VSC offers DBT informed groups and individual sessions for those who are appropriate.

VSC Groups

VSC offers a variety of Support groups and therapy closed groups. Please check our social media for current calendar or call 407-254-9415 to learn more.

Support Groups

Support groups are typically held Monthly however some may be offered more or less often, depending on the group. Most groups are held virtually, however some groups may offer in-person sessions.  A member Prescreening required.

• Women’s Sexual Trauma Support Groups
• Rainbow Resilience (LGBTQ+ Sexual Trauma Support Group)
• Spanish speaking Trauma Support Group
• Parenting as a Survivor Support Group
• Passion Flower Gardening Support Group
• Men’s Sexual Trauma Support Group

 

Closed Therapy Groups

Closed Therapy Groups require prescreening. Closed therapy groups are offered in cycles throughout the year and typically closed to new members until a new cycle opens. Call the VSC office for more information about how to join groups, (407) 254-9415. You can also email Brandi.Godbee@VictimServiceCenter.org.

Require participants to sign participation contract. Closed groups are Typically 10-12 weeks and participants must attend all sessions. Closed groups require participants to have active therapy/counseling with VSC therapist or outside therapist. VSC will request a ROI for communication.

• DBT Group
• Sexual Trauma Processing Groups
• Black/African American Female Healing Group

 

Call the VSC office for more information about how to join groups, (407) 254-9415. You can also email Brandi.Godbee@VictimServiceCenter.org.

 

Page last updated Feb 2022