Group therapy is the cornerstone of DAP’s programming, as we believe healing happens in community with others.
Victim Survivor Program
DAP’s Victim Survivor Program works with adult survivors of domestic violence to help them understand abuse as part of a larger systemic issue and to heal from abuse. Our therapists address mental health issues that result from experiencing domestic abuse, which often include anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances, and emotional detachment.
DAP believes that domestic violence affects a wide range of people. Our culturally specific curriculum speaks to disparities connected to race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. DAP acknowledges that racial privilege exists within the system and larger community. Domestic violence affects undervalued and underestimated communities differently, which needs to be taken into consideration. We as an organization acknowledge this difference and try to teach through a cultural therapeutic lens.
Group therapy is the cornerstone of DAP’s program as we believe healing happens in community with others. The typical group is small—about 10 participants—and is 16 sessions, with childcare included for in person groups. We have one group that is specific for women of color. Each group session is led by trained professionals and is structured with a pscyho-education topic for the first half of group and processing/support for the second half of group. This format allows for both traditional educational styles and processing opportunities. This differs from other programs for survivors as it includes therapeutic intervention amid a community of survivors. Individual therapy is also available for survivors, and typically is offered in tandem with group or following participation in group.
