Individual Therapy

The goal of psychotherapy is to resolve issues that cause problems and/or difficulties. In the case of child sexual abuse, therapy is designed to not only reduce current symptomology but also to help symptoms that are most likely to occur in the future. This is done by providing insight to identify problems, skills to help the child resolve those problems and ultimately to have mastery over the problems resulting from the trauma experience. Additionally, education and tools are presented in efforts to prevent future abuse.

The primary modality of therapy used at Bridges of Courage Counseling in Trauma Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). TF-CBT is currently the most evidenced based treatment for this population, which means it has the most research behind it proving it is effective and helpful to children who have been abused. Because all trauma is difficult to put into words, especially for children whose primary method of communication is play, Bridges of Courage Counseling uses play, sand, art and books to deliver this treatment.

While many children are able to resolve their abuse experience in 12 to 16 weekly sessions, sexual abuse victims often have multiple trauma experiences, also known as complex trauma. Children with complex trauma require additional time in therapy to address and resolve a variety of issues. It is not possible to predict the number of sessions necessary for healing however an ongoing assessment will be conducted and the results communicated with the caregiver.

The initial session is held with the parent/caregiver alone, without the child. This provides the adult to both give and receive information without concern about the impact on the child. These intake sessions are scheduled for 1 ½ hours. Bridges of Courage Counseling requires that the child client be brought to therapy at least once a week for approximately 60 minutes. Children younger than 5 years of age often attend twice a week. Caregivers are required to remain in the Bridges of Courage Counseling center’s waiting area during the child’s therapy session. Caregivers are often invited into the therapy room at the end of every session to receive information on the process and progress of therapy.

The clinician recognizes the importance of the caregiver’s involvement in the healing process. Caregivers have access to the therapist via email or phone, with special sessions without the child scheduled as needed.

Psychosocial Assessments/Case Review

When decision makers, such as the court, request additional information and/or insight, a psychosocial assessment may be requested. Such a request are most often issued by the Department of Human Services or a representative of the court.

Bridges of Courage Counseling will review provided materials, meet with and interview all identified parties, observe child/adult interactions, and produce a written report. Court testimony will be provided upon request.

Expert Witness

Criminal and Family Courts often benefit from the testimony of an expert in the confusing and misunderstood area of child sexual abuse. In an effort to provide decision makers with facts, data, and expert opinion Bridges of Courage Counseling is able to provide an expert witness in the areas of child maltreatment and abuse, child sexual abuse, forensic interviewing, therapy with children who have experienced abuse and neglect, and parenting.

Trainings and Presentations

Presentations and trainings vary from an overview of the topic of child abuse, or more specifically child sexual abuse, to detailed how-to explanations on therapeutic skills. Topics and length of trainings are tailored to the requests.

Previous topics presented on include:

• What I should Know about Child Abuse (1-2 hrs)
• Mandated Reporter of Child Abuse Training (1-2 hrs)
• Help to Caregivers of Abused Children (2-3 hrs)
• How First Responders Can Help Abused Children Heal From the Start (2-4 hrs)
• Play Therapy for Sexually Abused Children (2-6 hrs)
• Testifying with Confidence (1 hr)

Stewards of Children is a prevention program developed by
Darkness 2 Light. Bridges of Courage Counseling has a certified facilitator to make the 2 hour presentation to groups of 10 or more.

It is also possible to schedule a training for others to become certified facilitators.

Contact Information:

Phone: 269.944.9274

1465 Pipestone Rd
Benton Harbor
Mi, 49022