If you are in need of Genesis services, call or text the 24-hour helpline- 214.946.HELP (4357)

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Genesis serves more than 3,700 women and children each year.

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Through the years, Genesis has served over 35,000 women and children.

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If you are in need of Genesis services, call or text the 24-hour helpline- 214.946.HELP (4357) • Genesis serves more than 3,700 women and children each year. • Through the years, Genesis has served over 35,000 women and children. •

Counseling

At Genesis, we utilize several evidenced-based therapies, allowing our clients to choose which treatments will work best for them. Genesis provides individual and group therapy for women who have experienced intimate partner violence and for children who have witnessed domestic violence. Counseling is also available for teen girls who have experienced teen dating violence.

Counseling services are available at our residential and non-residential locations. Genesis counselors see more than 1,000 women and children each year, totaling more than 17,000 counseling hours.

We provide counseling services for both English and Spanish speakers. Our services are free and available to women of all ages as well as children and teens, including boys up to ages 2-17.

 

Our Approach

At Genesis, we focus on utilizing evidence-based treatments to better serve those in need. We operate from a trauma-informed lens to understand the impact trauma has on the brain and body. Many women and children who see us are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Counselors work with clients to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique life situations.

Genesis counselors are trained in various trauma therapies and best practices.

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is the most common diagnosis we see among our clients. We know that PTSD is a completely normal response to an abnormal situation, including domestic abuse. Recovering from PTSD is difficult without professional help.

    Our goal is to determine how her unique situation has affected her so we can help her on her journey.

    Genesis counselors specialize in recognizing and addressing PTSD symptoms and recommending treatments.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a type of therapeutic intervention that connects what people know to be true with how they feel. EMDR focuses on the body and how it reacts to certain triggers. EMDR effectively works on women and children to connect the heart and the brain to alleviate PTSD symptoms, decrease triggers, increase self esteem and give survivors a better understanding of their situation.

    For more information on EMDR, check out their website: www.emdria.org

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy, or CPT, is a type of trauma therapy for women and older teens. It helps the client become her own therapist by teaching her skills to challenge her thoughts. CPT requires the client to engage in homework in-between therapy sessions and has been proven to decrease PTSD symptoms long-term.

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or TF-CBT, is a therapy model designed for children ages 3-17 to help them process their traumatic experiences and memories. TF-CBT relies on the mother-child relationship to help the child heal from the abuse they have witnessed. Children are guided to create a trauma narrative, learn new coping skills, and increase healthy expression of feelings.

  • We know the natural language of children is play. Play therapy helps children explore their feelings, thoughts, and memories in a safe way at their age and developmental level. Children and counselors engage in play with various materials including dolls, puppets, animal figurines, art supplies, and sandtray.

  • Domestic violence can negatively impact a child's relationship with their mother. Therefore, Genesis counselors use Attachment Therapy to help heal the mother-child relationship (or attachment) through various activities that strengthen that bond.

    Attachment therapy is mostly used with children ages 2-5. Both the mom and child are in the counseling office with the counselor each week. Having positive and fun experiences together increases the child's prosocial skills, decreases the child's trauma symptoms, and improves the child's trust in his/her mother.

  • We know that isolation occurs in 98% of abusive relationships. Genesis uses a group model to help clients build community and combat the isolation they may have experienced in their relationship.

    Group therapy is offered for children, teens and women. Domestic violence education classes are also available for women who have been court-ordered or required by CPS to attend counseling.

    We also offer a Friends and Family Group for those who have a loved one experiencing domestic violence.

 

Types of Counseling at Genesis

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Types of Counseling at Genesis •

  • Woman speaking with Genesis Counselor during Therapy Session

    Individual Counseling

    Individualized counseling helps women and children heal from the impact of intimate partner violence.

  • Group Therapy at Genesis Women's Shelter

    Group Therapy

    Group counseling sessions give clients a chance to share their stories with others who share similar experiences so they can understand that they are not alone.

  • What are the counseling services for kids at Genesis Women's Shelter?

    Counseling for Children

    Genesis counselors work with children ages 2-17 on trauma processing and emotional regulation that can affect academic performance, social skills and their attachment with their mother.

To receive support, call or text the 24-hour helpline. 214.946.HELP (4357)

Text the 24-Hour Helpline

All Genesis services are free, confidential and available in English and Spanish.