Individual and Group Clinical Counseling
When a child is abused or neglected, their life is altered. As a community we cannot change that, but what we can do is make sure that their life is not forever defined by it. Counseling for child victims is not a luxury; it is a necessity for healing — just as if a child had a broken arm or leg that needed to be set.
Deirdre’s House provides individual clinical counseling to child victims, effected family members, and non-offending caregivers (NOC’s) who do not have private insurance or an open case with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Each child’s treatment is unique and based on their individual needs. Therapeutic techniques include art and play therapy, family sessions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR. Support is also provided during court proceedings. Counseling sessions are free of charge and can be conducted in either English or Spanish.
Research shows treatment is more successful when parents and caregivers are involved in the process. The most important way a caregiver can help the child is by supporting them and listening when/if they choose to share. Practicing the skills and techniques they learn in therapy and reinforcing positive behaviors, can greatly contribute to the progress made in therapy.