TherapEUtic Services

Therapeutic Services Program

NVRDC’s Therapeutic Services Program allows survivors to start processing what happened to them and return to a place of dignity without the delay that is all too common in survivors' journeys. Championing a trauma-informed approach, survivors of violence can receive free short-term therapy sessions after connecting to an NVRDC Advocate or Attorney via hospital response, community advocacy, or office intake. Other services of this program include facilitation of therapy support groups, maintenance of a therapy resource guide for community referrals, and developing training as requested for staff and external stakeholders.

Short-Term Therapy Services

Survivors of violence can receive up to 25 short-term therapy sessions or up to 25 EMDR therapy sessions in an effort to process their experience, identify social support networks, and increase self-compassion after navigating a traumatic event.
The therapeutic orientations of Cognitive Processing Therapy and Humanistic Theory are integrated with the Phases of Trauma Recovery model to support survivors:
Phase I: Safety and Stabilization
Phase II: Remembrance and Mourning
Phase III: Reconnection and Integration

EMDR is a simple but efficient therapy using bilateral stimulation (BLS) ─ tapping, auditory tones or eye movements ─ to accelerate the brain's capacity to process and heal a traumatic memory or event.

Once short-term therapy concludes, survivors are provided referrals to long-term support.

Support Group

NVRDC runs both open and closed therapy support groups. These free and flexible groups allow survivors of violence to process the impact of their traumatic event and focuses on healing through connection, provides support to survivors, and increases knowledge of coping strategies. Support groups are announced throughout the year.

Our Therapeutic Philosophy

Our therapeutic approach is centered in the belief that survivors are the experts in their own lives. We believe that the capacity to heal is innate and it is our job to support the survivor in accessing their internal resources to facilitate the process. We understand that this dynamic process is ongoing and deserves gentleness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. We are honored to maintain a space where all can show up, feel respected, and know that their experience matters.

Want to learn more about our therapeutic services?

If you would like to reach an advocate or to access a medical forensic exam after a sexual assault, you can reach us by calling the DC Victim Hotline at 1-844-4HELPDC (844-443-5732).