Counseling

Domestic Violence Counseling Program

The Children's Program provides domestic violence counseling to children in the shelter (residential), in the community (non-residential), and in outreach areas (South Valley Outreach).   Clients attend counseling at the main office in Las Cruces and our satellite office in Anthony.   The Children's Program provides counseling to children from approximately six to 17 years of age.  

How can my children begin counseling?  

The process for children to begin counseling requires that one parent be involved in counseling with one of the following: Men's Program, Non-residential Program, Residential Program, or South Valley Outreach.   Once the parent is attending counseling, they inquire with their counselor.   A referral is made to the Children's Program by the counselor.   Once we receive the referral, we contact the parent.  

Domestic Violence Counseling Approach

The Children's Program provides individual and group domestic violence counseling.   The approach to counseling is based on four basic tenets.   During our counseling path with the client, we focus on implementing all four tenets as well as a child's specific counseling goals.   The tenets are domestic violence education, developing empathy, community building, and coping skills.  

Domestic Violence Education

An example of domestic violence education might include an activity in which we learn about the cycle of violence.

Developing Empathy

We try to develop empathy in clients by having the child understand that others are going through the same issues.   This is done in a variety of ways which range from reading a book to having a group session.  

Community Building

By practicing community building, clients participate in activities in which they have to seek resources or work with others in order to be able to complete the activity.   We attempt to have clients build a support map for themselves.   We also focus on creating a safety plan for client and using a support system.  

Coping Skills

The counselors also focus on creating or enhancing a child's coping skills.   An activity to enhance coping skills might include helping the client learn how to express their feelings in a healthy manner.  

 

Educational Services

One of the roles of La Casa's Children's Program is to work with the children as advocates in their educational needs.   We do this by connecting them to educational resources and providing educational opportunities in which they can participate.