All counseling and therapy services are CONFIDENTIAL and FREE for victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes in Cambria and Somerset Counties.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling

Our counseling services are provided to victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes and their significant others in response to a crisis related to the victimization.  Counseling services are provided by appointment only by professionals with degrees in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field who are specially trained in working with victims of sexual assault and violent crimes.

Support Groups

Support and psycho-educational groups are offered at our Johnstown office and at several other locations in collaboration with other agencies in the community.

  • Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
  • Integrative Healing Group
  • Non-offending Parenting Group
  • Psycho-educational group to local youth

*For a list of current group offerings, please call Victim Services Inc.

“Safe and Unsafe Touches” Individual Education Program for Children

This five session program is designed to educate children on the importance of recognizing safe and unsafe touches.  It covers a broad range of topics, including:

  • The difference between safe and unsafe touches
  • The private parts of their body
  • The difference between a safe and unsafe secret
  • What to do if someone makes them uncomfortable
  • Ways to keep their bodies safe
  • Teaches the difference between a truth and a lie

 

THERAPY SERVICES

Therapy

Our therapy services are trauma-informed and include in-depth interventions provided to victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes and their significant others in response to the longer-term effects of the trauma.  All therapy services are provided by appointment only by master’s level clinicians who are specially trained in working with victims of sexual assault and violent crimes and in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based non-drug, non-hypnosis psychotherapy procedure. The therapist guides the client in concentrating on a troubling memory or emotion while moving the eyes rapidly back and forth (by following the therapist’s fingers). This rapid eye movement, which occurs naturally during dreaming, seems to speed the client’s movement through the healing process.  EMDR is used to treat troubling symptoms such as anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, and post-traumatic reactions. It can also be used to enhance emotional resources such as confidence and self-esteem.  (Adapted from: http://www.childtrauma.com/treatment/emdr/) 

Long-Term Effects of Trauma

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Flashbacks
  • Attachment and Relationship Problems
  • Difficulty Identifying, Expressing, and Managing Emotions
  • Chronic / Recurring Physical Conditions
  • Increase in Risk Taking Behaviors
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Nightmares

 

TRAUMA SENSITIVE YOGA

A free program for survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Held in collaboration with The Women’s Help Center, YogaSong, and BottleWorks Ethnic Arts Center.  If you are interested in participating, please call for more information.

 

 

For more information about our Supportive Services, contact Erika Brosig.

To schedule an appointment for either service, please call the office location closest to you:

Johnstown – 814.288.4961

Somerset – 814.443.1555