DV counselors

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-11-2005
DV counselors
3
Tue, 05-24-2005 - 11:16pm
Hi there,
I have been reading some posts that mention DV counselors, and I am trying to find out where to locate them. I would like to go by myself initially. We have a local women's shelter that has group meetings, but I would really like to have a counselor. Do the women't shelter's have a referral possibly?
Just thought I'd ask for any info on this and what your experiences have been with DV counseling. Thanks so much
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2005
In reply to: westieluvr
Tue, 05-24-2005 - 11:56pm
It depends on the counselor. It depends on you. Sometimes not every counselor is a good fit for every person. It takes time sometimes to find the right counselor for you. You should ask if they offer individual counseling as well. Personally, I found DV counseling confining. I didn't want counseling but I wanted my daughter to have it is how it started out. So that should be a first clue if some one doesn't want counseling but are forced into it in a way there will be little benefit. But they had their inflexible rules and I went and of course benefited nothing. Then things got worse, but that's just my experience, probably ten posters can tell you about the wonderful helpful experiences they had.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2005
In reply to: westieluvr
Wed, 05-25-2005 - 12:39am

Yes, the women's shelter should have a list of DV counselors. If not, you could call your local clinic and ask to speak to someone in behavioral health. That's how I found my counselor. And she was a God send! She helped me work through so many fears. I am now almost fully recovered from what my XH did to me. For years I would have nightmares. The last nightmare I had re: his abuse was two and half years ago, when I was pregnant with my last child.

In my experiences, I found her to be VERY comforting! It's amazing what you find out about yourself through DV counseling. :)

GOOD LUCK!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2005
In reply to: westieluvr
Wed, 05-25-2005 - 7:02am
I agree w/the other two ladies, you can contact your local women's shelter and see what kind of DV counselors they have.
5yrssm