Counseling and Referral Center
Psychotherapy, Care Coordination, Support, and
Personal and Professional Development
*NOW OFFERING TELEHEALTH SERVICES*
The YWCA Counseling and Referral Center (YWCRC) serves the community by offering trauma-informed, multi-lingual, multicultural services for individuals, couples, families, youth and groups. Services provided include mental health therapy and support, consultation referrals to Care Coordination, life skills and personal empowerment programs, and professional development training.
YWCA Greater Austin was founded in 1907 and has a progressive history. In the early 1980s our mental health and substance abuse services were designed to fulfill our mission from a mental health and wellness perspective. Since then the program has expanded to encompass not only women and girls but also their partners, families, and children. In the 2010's, the addition of Care Coordination, self-empowerment programs, and professional development rounded out our holistic approach.
Our Theoretical Approach
Following our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, we believe that all people have inherent value and internal strengths. We acknowledge the impact of racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, ableism, ageism, discrimination based on size, etc. and the corrosive effect they have on individuals, relationships, and society as a whole. All of our work is framed by the following concepts:
Relational Cultural Theory maintains that people grow and thrive through their relationships with others. In our therapy, we seek to connect with clients and nurture relationship-building skills that may be underutilized by clients for whom relationships in the past have not been safe or healthy. The therapeutic relationship serves as a model for other relationships that a client will have by being honest, kind, and genuine. In order for that to be the case, therapists utilize supervision and consultation to explore their own experience of the clinical relationship. YWCRC therapists must be able to acknowledge their own challenges in relation to others and explore their own power, assumptions, and biases.
The YWCRC recognizes that people in socially targeted groups (e.g. women/girls, people of color, immigrants, gender-diverse people, people with physical or intellectual disabilities, elderly people) are more often the recipients of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. We also recognize that those in socially targeted groups who have not experienced a specific traumatic event have lived with the enduring trauma of being undervalued and disrespected. For those reasons, we utilize a trauma-informed framework in our services. We are explicitly non-victim-blaming. We understand that reactions to a perceived threat are survival mechanisms, not mistakes or failures. Our therapeutic practices strive to create an environment of physical and emotional safety so that clients are able to move from a place of self-protection to a place of growth.
We believe in an individual's right to self-identify in terms of gender, race/ethnicity, sexuality, and other aspects of identity. We recognize the destructive effect of internalized "-isms" and bring that into conversation with clients about how they have chosen to identify. We subscribe to the idea that identity is fluid (it changes over time), that identities exist on spectrums (not binaries), and that identities are socially constructed (not inherent). We support clients' rights to resist being coded or categorized as belonging to an identity that they do not claim as their own.
We recognize that all people have many aspects to their being that overlap and shift throughout their lives, including identities, roles, and values. Each person is an intersection of all the different aspects of their being. Specific aspects of who we are have different levels of social privilege or targeting. In order to support our work in a Relational Cultural context, we maintain an awareness of our own intersecting identities as well as those of clients.
We recognize that within any social systems of oppression, some people are afforded social privilege while others are socially targeted. Those who receive privilege typically do not choose to receive that privilege, it is bestowed upon them by others. In the simplest sense, "privilege" can be thought of as "not having to think about something." For example, a cis gender individual usually does not have to think about whether there will be a bathroom in a public building that she or he can use since there is usually a women's bathroom and a men's bathroom. Privilege can also be much more explicit, such as members of certain groups being included while others are excluded.
Social targeting can also be subtly exercised through micro-aggressions or other actions that cause a person to feel increased discomfort or anxiety, as well as more overt actions such as hate crimes. Being a member of a socially targeted group means that someone does "have to think about it" because her or his emotional or physical security is often not assured. At the YWCRC, we expect our therapists to examine the aspects of their identities that receive privilege and the aspects that are targeted. We encourage therapists to discuss social power dynamics with supervisors, colleagues, and clients as part of building genuine relationships. We expect all staff to work towards being conscientious allies to targeted members of our society.
Services
To set up an appointment or if you have any questions, please call our intake line 512-326-1222.
Our psychotherapy/mental health services are provided from a Relational-Cultural model that allows for individualized therapy that considers each person's, family's, or community's culture, needs, and perceptions including people's experiences of racism and discrimination, as well as, systemic, social, and environmental impact.
YWCRC therapy practices are strong, evidence-based, documented in a written manual, and emphasize sound therapeutic practices. YWCRC therapists use active listening techniques, challenge clients to think through their options, assist clients in resolving their problems, provide support, and provide realistic feedback. Services are provided in individual, couple, family, and group modalities. Staff is trained and utilizes a number of evidence-based and promising practices including but not limited to Somatic Experiencing®, Trauma-Based Relational Intervention, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Relational-Cultural Therapy, Narrative therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care.
YWCRC counseling services are performed by licensed clinicians (Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists), licensed clinicians seeking higher licensure status (LMSWs, LPC-associates, LMFT-associates), and graduate level student interns (Social Work, Counseling, and PhD candidates).
To set up an appointment or if you have any questions, please call our intake line 512-326-1222.
Our psychotherapy/mental health services are provided from a Relational-Cultural model that allows for individualized therapy that considers each person's, family's, or community's culture, needs, and perceptions including people's experiences of racism and discrimination, as well as, systemic, social, and environmental impact.
YWCRC therapy practices are strong, evidence-based, documented in a written manual, and emphasize sound therapeutic practices. YWCRC therapists use active listening techniques, challenge clients to think through their options, assist clients in resolving their problems, provide support, and provide realistic feedback. Services are provided in individual, couple, family, and group modalities. Staff is trained and utilizes a number of evidence-based and promising practices including but not limited to Somatic Experiencing®, Trauma-Based Relational Intervention, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Relational-Cultural Therapy, Narrative therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care.
YWCRC counseling services are performed by licensed clinicians (Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists), licensed clinicians seeking higher licensure status (LMSWs, LPC-associates, LMFT-associates), and graduate level student interns (Social Work, Counseling, and PhD candidates).
Care Coordination at YWCA Greater Austin is a trauma-informed holistic program dedicated to assisting clients in eliminating barriers to accessing the services they need. Care Coordinators recognize and acknowledge systemic and institutional challenges in order to restore a client's sense of dignity. Through Care Coordination, we assess needs and goals and work collaboratively with the on-site therapist, external resources, support systems, and community organizations to provide effective comprehensive care.
Care Coordination at YWCA includes: Case-Management, Resource Linking, Referrals, Info Sharing, Direct Assistance, Paperwork Assistance, Advocacy, Psychoeducation Services
Care Coordination at YWCA Greater Austin is a trauma-informed holistic program dedicated to assisting clients in eliminating barriers to accessing the services they need. Care Coordinators recognize and acknowledge systemic and institutional challenges in order to restore a client's sense of dignity. Through Care Coordination, we assess needs and goals and work collaboratively with the on-site therapist, external resources, support systems, and community organizations to provide effective comprehensive care.
Care Coordination at YWCA includes: Case-Management, Resource Linking, Referrals, Info Sharing, Direct Assistance, Paperwork Assistance, Advocacy, Psychoeducation Services.
For more information on Care Coordination services please click here.
Forthcoming
Forthcoming
Our Placements
YWCA Greater Austin works cooperatively with colleges and universities to provide students impactful and inspiring real world experience.
Most of our masters-level interns are social work and counseling students. Students typically receive 15 hours of training, carry a case-load, complete intake assessments, attend individual and group supervision, conduct research and co-facilitate groups.
Our bachelor-level internships are more generalist and offers students the opportunity to develop case-management, advocacy, outreach, group facilitation, research, and administrative and planning skills.
We regularly collaborate with the University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward's University, Baylor University, Texas State University, and The University of Texas at San Antonio. We anticipate fostering relationships with other universities and colleges as students express an interest.
Clinical Volunteers
The YWCA Counseling and Referral center accepts people with LPC-Is and LMSWs working towards completing their clinical hours for advanced licensure. Clinical volunteers formulate a plan with their supervisor, carry an on-going caseload, co-facilitate groups, and attend individual and group supervision.
Supervision
Within the YWCA Counseling and Referral center program, students, clinical volunteers, and community volunteers work under the supervision of the Clinical Director, the Clinical Supervisor, or a Lead Counselor. They receive individual and group supervision on a weekly basis.
To Apply
If you are a professor or student interested in the social work/counseling intern/practicum program, or if you are interested in the clinical or community volunteer positions, please contact Volunteer & Training Institute Coordinator Haleigh Campbell at haleigh@ywcaaustin.org.
YWCA Professional Development Series | PDS
Through the innovative and informative Professional Development classes, YWCA Training Institute harnesses the skills and talent of locally-known speakers and professionals to educate Greater Austin women about emerging issues in the ever-changing workplace.
Our Placements
YWCA Greater Austin works cooperatively with colleges and universities to provide students impactful and inspiring real world experience.
Most of our masters-level interns are social work and counseling students. Students typically receive 15 hours of training, carry a case-load, complete intake assessments, attend individual and group supervision, conduct research and co-facilitate groups.
Our bachelor-level internships are more generalist and offers students the opportunity to develop case-management, advocacy, outreach, group facilitation, research, and administrative and planning skills.
We regularly collaborate with the University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward's University, Baylor University, Texas State University, and The University of Texas at San Antonio. We anticipate fostering relationships with other universities and colleges as students express an interest.
Clinical Volunteers
The YWCA Counseling and Referral center accepts people with LPC-Is and LMSWs working towards completing their clinical hours for advanced licensure. Clinical volunteers formulate a plan with their supervisor, carry an on-going caseload, co-facilitate groups, and attend individual and group supervision.
Supervision
Within the YWCA Counseling and Referral center program, students, clinical volunteers, and community volunteers work under the supervision of the Clinical Director, the Clinical Supervisor, or a Lead Counselor. They receive individual and group supervision on a weekly basis.
To Apply
If you are a professor or student interested in the social work/counseling intern/practicum program, or if you are interested in the clinical or community volunteer positions, please contact Volunteer & Training Institute Coordinator Haleigh Campbell at haleigh@ywcaaustin.org.
YWCA Professional Development Series | PDS
Through the innovative and informative Professional Development classes, YWCA Training Institute harnesses the skills and talent of locally-known speakers and professionals to educate Greater Austin women about emerging issues in the ever-changing workplace.
For more information on these services please click here.
Life Skills is designed to increase client knowledge and skills necessary for everyday living. The courses emphasize goal-setting, decision making, and problem-solving, communication, healthy lifestyles and relationships, citizenship, career guidance, and thoughtful consumerism.
Life Skills is designed to increase client knowledge and skills necessary for everyday living. The courses emphasize goal-setting, decision making, and problem-solving, communication, healthy lifestyles and relationships, citizenship, career guidance, and thoughtful consumerism.
In an effort to alleviate the stressors and isolation created by COVID-19, YWCA Greater Austin is providing a Warm line to assist people who may want to speak with someone to feel connected. The Warmline is staffed by volunteer mental health professionals and peers with shared experiences that have been trained in providing emotional support and assistance.
The Warmline is for people with emerging non-emergency thoughts and feelings that have arisen or have been exacerbated by the current health crisis and who may benefit from receiving emotional support and a space for connection. YWCA understands that connection to others and emotional support are basic human needs and help to cope in difficult situations. The Warmline is designed to prevent a mental health crisis.
If you have felt out of sorts, confused, preoccupied, extra stressed, scared, lonely, anxious, isolated, or just feel like talking with someone about the challenges you are facing, please call our Warmline. Our caring trained team offers non-judgmental and confidential support. No need to go through this alone, we are here for you!
Number
512-548-YWCA (9922)
Hours of operation:
Monday through Thursday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Interested in Volunteering: Warmline Volunteers are Needed
YWCA is searching for mental health professionals and people with shared experiences to staff a new Warmline that will be launched in the next few weeks. The Warmline has been developed as a response to the increase in calls from people needing a space to talk about the stressors and isolation related to COVID-19, but not necessarily seeking therapy. Through the Warmline, people can share their experiences, receive emotional support and/or get connected to YWCA services if they choose.
All volunteers will receive training on providing Warmline services, connecting to other YWCA services, and be oriented to other community resources. Volunteers can sign up for flexible shift hours to help staff the line. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Haleigh Campbell at haleigh@ywcaaustin.org, Volunteer and Education Coordinator for more information.
In an effort to alleviate the stressors and isolation created by COVID-19, YWCA Greater Austin is providing a Warm line to assist people who may want to speak with someone to feel connected. The Warmline is staffed by volunteer mental health professionals and peers with shared experiences that have been trained in providing emotional support and assistance.
The Warmline is for people with emerging non-emergency thoughts and feelings that have arisen or have been exacerbated by the current health crisis and who may benefit from receiving emotional support and a space for connection. YWCA understands that connection to others and emotional support are basic human needs and help to cope in difficult situations. The Warmline is designed to prevent a mental health crisis.
If you have felt out of sorts, confused, preoccupied, extra stressed, scared, lonely, anxious, isolated, or just feel like talking with someone about the challenges you are facing, please call our Warmline. Our caring trained team offers non-judgmental and confidential support. No need to go through this alone, we are here for you!
Number
512-548-YWCA (9922)
Hours of operation
Monday through Thursday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Interested in Volunteering: Warmline Volunteers are Needed
YWCA is searching for mental health professionals and people with shared experiences to staff a new Warmline that will be launched in the next few weeks. The Warmline has been developed as a response to the increase in calls from people needing a space to talk about the stressors and isolation related to COVID-19, but not necessarily seeking therapy. Through the Warmline, people can share their experiences, receive emotional support and/or get connected to YWCA services if they choose.
All volunteers will receive training on providing Warmline services, connecting to other YWCA services, and be oriented to other community resources. Volunteers can sign up for flexible shift hours to help staff the line. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Haleigh Campbell at haleigh@ywcaaustin.org, Volunteer and Education Coordinator for more information.
During the intake process, we ask a variety of questions, including demographics, to determine the most appropriate services based on individualized needs. This process is confidential within the organization, allows space to ask questions, and is used to schedule appointments.
Clients are encouraged to inform the intake specialist of the primary reason and goals for seeking services, the level of crisis, and any necessary accommodations. Services are offered on a sliding scale copay for therapy. Care Coordination services are currently offered at no-cost.
During the intake process, we ask a variety of questions, including demographics, to determine the most appropriate services based on individualized needs. This process is confidential within the organization, allows space to ask questions, and is used to schedule appointments.
Clients are encouraged to inform the intake specialist of the primary reason and goals for seeking services, the level of crisis, and any necessary accommodations. Services are offered on a sliding scale copay for therapy. Care Coordination services are currently offered at no-cost.
To contact our intake services please call 512-326-1222.
Therapy is a safe, confidential process where you and your therapist work together to examine a concern and begin to take steps to improve your life.
Therapy involves processing thoughts and feelings, identifying and defining concerns, developing coping strategies, and setting specific goals, in the context of talk and/or play therapy. With the help of therapy, individuals acquire the support they need to access personal power, begin to understand their feelings and take steps to address complexities that may be challenging personal development. Our therapists can assist you with challenges surrounding:
- anxiety
- depression
- trauma
- violence
- attachment
- family dynamics
- grief and loss
- sexuality · immigration
- pre/post-natal mental health
- gender identity/expression
- intimate relationships
- reproductive loss
- miscarriage
- still birth
- infertility
- pregnancy termination
- grief and loss
YWCA counselors incorporate the Somatic Experience approach as well as EDMR in counseling, body-based approaches that has shown excellent promise for genuine trauma healing.
Furthermore, the Rogerian Therapy is the humanistic foundational framework that stands as the pillar of our mental health services.
Rogers strongly believed that in order for a client's condition to improve therapists should be warm, genuine and understanding. Humanistic counselors refer to those in therapy as 'clients', not 'patients' because they see the therapist and client as equal partners rather than an expert treating a patient.
YWCA counselors believe the therapeutic relationship is the critical variable, not what the therapist says or does. Techniques are centered on listening, accepting, understanding and sharing, which seem more attitude-orientated than skills-orientated.
Client-centered therapy operates according to three basic principles that reflect the attitude of the therapist to the client:
- The therapist is congruent with the client.
- The therapist provides the client with unconditional positive regard.
- The therapist shows an empathetic understanding to the client.
"Trauma is not in the event itself; rather, trauma resides in the nervous system." - Peter Levine
Trauma results from any event that overwhelms a person's capacity to cope. The common ingredients are helplessness and feeling stuck. When our capacity to defend ourselves by fighting, running or freezing is not successful the unreleased survival energies stay stuck in our nervous system. We stay in survival mode and we develop symptoms of trauma. If we do not release this energy from our nervous system where it is stuck, we can develop anxiety, panic, depression, and other psychosomatic and behavioral problems.
Trauma resolution work does not require the person to re-tell or re-live the traumatic event. Instead, it offers the opportunity to renegotiate, engage, complete, and resolve the body's instinctual fight, flight, and freeze responses in a supported and slow way. Individuals locked in anxiety or rage then relax into a growing sense of peace and safety. Individuals stuck in depression gradually find their feelings of hopelessness and numbness transformed into, triumph, empowerment, and mastery. This resets the nervous system, restores inner balance, enhances resilience to stress, and increases people's vitality, equanimity, and capacity to actively engage in life.
Trauma does not have to stem from a major catastrophe, it is a common occurrence and can result from:
Obvious causes of trauma:
- Childhood/adult emotional, physical or sexual abuse
- Severe neglect, abandonment, betrayal during childhood
- Experiencing or witnessing violence
- Sexual assault
- Terrorism and war experiences
- Major health conditions and injuries
- Less obvious potential causes of trauma
- Falls
- Medical or Dental procedures
- Auto accidents
- Birth stress for both mother and infant
- Loss and grief
- Oppression
Common symptoms of trauma:
- Anxiety/Panic attacks and phobias
- Feeling disconnected and detached
- Feeling isolated and alone
- Depression
- Fears and Helplessness
- Hyper-vigilance
- Hyperactivity
- Mood swings
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Loss of memory
- Physical pain
- Chronic Fatigue, fibromyalgia
- Loss of vitality
- Constriction
- Dissociation
- Reduced ability to deal with stress
Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) is a holistic resiliency-focused treatment modality for resolving trauma symptoms and relieving chronic stress. It is the life's work of Dr. Peter A. Levine. Dr. Levine was curious about the fact that animals in the wild aren't traumatized by their life-and-death existence, while people can be traumatized by events that seem inconsequential to many of us. What he realized was that animals will complete the full sequence of responses to danger. Humans often interrupt it. Somatic Experiencing facilitates the completion of self-protective motor responses and the release of thwarted survival energy bound in the body, thus addressing the root cause of trauma symptoms. This is approached by gently guiding clients to develop increasing tolerance for difficult bodily sensations and suppressed emotions.
"Trauma is a fact of life but it doesn't have to be a life sentence".
~Peter Levine, PhD
Please contact us at 512-326-1222 to explore options to start your healing process.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of traumatic life experiences. EMDR uses a body-based technique called bilateral simulation during which a therapist will guide a client through eye movements, tones, or taps in order to move a memory that has been incorrectly stored to a more functional part of the brain.
Trust Based Relational Interventions (TBRI) has been designed to address the issues of children who have experienced relationship-based traumas. It integrates empowering, the foundation of neuropsychological theory, research, and humanitarian principles along with connecting and correcting principles.
For more information on TBRI, please click here.(child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri/)
Therapy Modalities
Individual therapy is a mutual process between a therapist and an individual client focused on the goals and needs of the client and improving their well-being. Many times people seek individual therapy to process past experiences, current life challenges, changes, and decisions.
Individual therapy is a mutual process between a therapist and an individual client focused on the goals and needs of the client and improving their well-being. Many times people seek individual therapy to process past experiences, current life challenges, changes, and decisions.
Couples therapy helps partners with skills of self and mutual emotional regulation, identifying and enhancing relational strengths, and understanding the underlying feelings and needs that are at the base of conflict. Through this process we aim to strengthen their relational assets and bring mutual compassion to their conflicts.
Couples therapy helps partners with skills of self and mutual emotional regulation, identifying and enhancing relational strengths, and understanding the underlying feelings and needs that are at the base of conflict. Through this process we aim to strengthen their relational assets and bring mutual compassion to their conflicts.
Family therapy is a modality that helps identify strengths and values as well as attitudes and behaviors that damage its harmonious functioning. By providing developmentally appropriate activities, we facilitate giving voice to the youngest or most disempowered, help parents transmit their values and concerns, and find strategies that lead to a functioning relationship for all.
Family therapy is a modality that helps identify strengths and values as well as attitudes and behaviors that damage its harmonious functioning. By providing developmentally appropriate activities, we facilitate giving voice to the youngest or most disempowered, help parents transmit their values and concerns, and find strategies that lead to a functioning relationship for all.
At the YWCA our counselors use a combination of talk therapy, physical activities, and artistic expression to connect with the worlds of adolescents and teens. Although, legally, parents and guardians have a right to access their child's medical records, including therapy notes, it is imperative that they understand and respect the confidential nature of psychotherapy and be assured that they will be informed of any issues regarding their safety and well being.
Counseling teens is about helping them process their own feelings and needs. It is not about making them compliant with the wishes and expectations of their parents, teachers or other adults. It is our experience that many of the behaviors that parents complain about are the result of teens feeling disempowered and not knowing how to express their needs in a manner that can be received. Acting out, is literally "charades", the only way they know how to express their pain, struggles, fears and other difficult emotions. Teen counseling aims to validate their experience collaborate with them in developing skills and strategies and help them feel they are not alone in their struggles.
At the YWCA our counselors use a combination of talk therapy, physical activities, and artistic expression to connect with the worlds of adolescents and teens. Although, legally, parents and guardians have a right to access their child's medical records, including therapy notes, it is imperative that they understand and respect the confidential nature of psychotherapy and be assured that they will be informed of any issues regarding their safety and well being.
Counseling teens is about helping them process their own feelings and needs. It is not about making them compliant with the wishes and expectations of their parents, teachers or other adults. It is our experience that many of the behaviors that parents complain about are the result of teens feeling disempowered and not knowing how to express their needs in a manner that can be received. Acting out, is literally "charades", the only way they know how to express their pain, struggles, fears and other difficult emotions. Teen counseling aims to validate their experience collaborate with them in developing skills and strategies and help them feel they are not alone in their struggles.
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate way of working with children by using children's natural form of communication -play - to solve problems. Play is their language and toys are their words. We use play to help children gain insight and then to help them learn and practice new, more effective ways of being, engaging with others, and regulating their emotions. Our approach is based on building a relationship with the child, acceptance, trust, nurturing interactions, and attachment.
Filial (parent -Child therapy) We assess attachment relationships and use Child Parent Relationship Training to enhance relational patterns and attachment skills between caregivers and children.
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate way of working with children by using children's natural form of communication -play - to solve problems. Play is their language and toys are their words. We use play to help children gain insight and then to help them learn and practice new, more effective ways of being, engaging with others, and regulating their emotions. Our approach is based on building a relationship with the child, acceptance, trust, nurturing interactions, and attachment.
Filial (parent -Child therapy) We assess attachment relationships and use Child Parent Relationship Training to enhance relational patterns and attachment skills between caregivers and children.
Filial (parent -Child therapy) We assess attachment relationships and use Child Parent Relationship Training to enhance relational patterns and attachment skills between caregivers and children.
Filial (parent -Child therapy) We assess attachment relationships and use Child Parent Relationship Training to enhance relational patterns and attachment skills between caregivers and children.
During the intake process, we ask a variety of questions, including demographics, to determine the most appropriate services based on individualized needs. This process is confidential within the organization, allows space to ask questions, and is used to schedule appointments.
Clients are encouraged to inform the intake specialist of the primary reason and goals for seeking services, the level of crisis, and any necessary accommodations. Services are offered on a sliding scale copay for therapy. Care Coordination services are currently offered at no-cost.
YWCA Greater Austin has long served the veteran community, and has for many years offered free counseling services to women veterans. Our services extend to families, partners and dependents of women veterans, and includes members of the LGBTQ+ community and any veteran who has experienced military sexual trauma (MST) and is looking for trauma-informed, confidential and compassionate therapy. Over the last three years we have partnered with WoVeN (the Women Veteran Network) and offered group sessions & support with topics from transition out of the military, to combat trauma, to identity. The YW also partners with TCCC Programs to offer attachment oriented parenting groups and individual therapy with an emphasis on serving incarcerated Veterans.
Psycho-educational, therapeutic, support and peer-led groups are essential to reduce isolation, increase empowerment, improve coping skills, and reduce distress, depression and anxiety. Groups help people develop a sense of safety and connection, gain information to resources, learn about available options, and heal from their experiences which positively affect physical and mental health over the life-span. YWCRC has historically offered groups both on and off-site depending on the needs of the community at differing locations throughout the years. We have typically responded to the needs in the community and go where the clients will most likely be served such as jail, treatment centers, schools, and other organizational settings.
Psycho-educational, therapeutic, support and peer-led groups are essential to reduce isolation, increase empowerment, improve coping skills, and reduce distress, depression and anxiety. Groups help people develop a sense of safety and connection, gain information to resources, learn about available options, and heal from their experiences which positively affect physical and mental health over the life-span. YWCRC has historically offered groups both on and off-site depending on the needs of the community at differing locations throughout the years. We have typically responded to the needs in the community and go where the clients will most likely be served such as jail, treatment centers, schools, and other organizational settings.