Healing and Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence Through Counseling

Safety, Healing & Justice are the pillars of the Selene Center programs

Counseling is essential for recovery for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. It is not only a therapeutic intervention but a critical pathway to long-term safety, emotional stability, and empowerment. For women, counseling addresses the deep psychological effects of abuse—such as fear, shame, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress—and supports them in rebuilding self-worth and autonomy. Through trauma-informed therapy, survivors are guided toward healing and are equipped with tools to navigate complex emotional and legal challenges.

Children exposed to domestic violence face increased risks of developmental delays, behavioral issues, and intergenerational trauma. Early counseling interventions provide a safe space for these children to process their experiences, develop emotional regulation skills, and begin to heal from trauma that, if left unaddressed, can persist into adulthood.

The impact of counseling is both immediate and long-term. Survivors gain not only emotional support but also the resilience and confidence to pursue independent, violence-free lives. With consistent access to professional counseling services, women and children are significantly less likely to return to abusive environments, and more likely to thrive socially, academically, and economically.

Funding for counseling services ensures that no survivor is left to navigate the aftermath of abuse alone. It enables organizations like ours to provide trauma-informed care, reduce barriers to mental health access, and deliver measurable outcomes in safety, emotional well-being, and long-term self-sufficiency.

Engaging Our Target Audience in Program Design

The Selene Center has consistently centered the voices of domestic violence survivors in the development of our counseling services. Through direct feedback from past clients, we have shaped a program that meets their most urgent needs—accessibility, immediacy, and privacy.

Survivors who have previously received counseling through our center expressed deep appreciation for the ability to access services quickly during a crisis, without the delays often associated with insurance approvals or financial barriers. Many shared that traditional mental health systems felt out of reach due to cost, fear of judgment, or complex intake processes. In response, we designed our counseling program to be free, confidential, and accessible via Zoom or phone—ensuring support is available even when survivors cannot leave their home or safe location.

We continue to refine the program based on client feedback, including the importance of trauma-informed care and the value of building a trusting, consistent relationship with a licensed counselor. Their input has directly influenced our commitment to offering services without requiring insurance, ID, or formal documentation—recognizing the unique barriers faced by those escaping abuse.

By listening to survivors and adapting to their lived realities, we’ve developed a counseling program that is responsive, survivor-centered, and aligned with their expressed priorities for healing and recovery.