The healing experience is unique for each survivor of sexual violence and abuse, but there are similarities for most. STSM counselors share in the belief of empathy, warmth, and genuineness in the counseling relationship. Our philosophy of counseling is derived from supportive, cognitive behavioral, and strengths based therapeutic approaches. We see the counseling/support relationship as a partnership, in which the STSM counselor facilitates self-determination and supports survivors’ progress within a six month time period. The counselors at STSM acknowledge and affirm how courageous it is for survivors of sexual violence to tell their stories and respect how each survivor chooses to use their resources.
STSM provides crisis intervention to survivors of sexual violence and abuse age twelve and older. This intervention is comprised of up to three individual sessions to help the survivor through the crisis phase by addressing issues related to difficulty feeling safe, disturbing memories or nightmares, feelings of depression, problems with alcohol or drugs, sleep disturbances, irritability and anger, and returning to his or her normal activities of daily living. Some of the interventions are grounding techniques, deep breathing exercises, guided imagery activities, relaxation techniques, and overall self-care. All sexual violence survivors under the age of twelve are referred to the Assessment and Resource Center (ARC) if they are residents of Richland County, or the Dickerson Center for Children if they are Lexington County residents.
To ensure needed services and adequate support to enhance individual and family recovery for sexual violence and abuse, STSM provides personal support and assistance in accessing specialized sexual violence and abuse follow up services. The counseling service provides support for survivors, as well as a place to be listened to and an opportunity to examine feelings in relation to the traumatic experience of sexual violence. Individual counseling services are also provided to the family members of survivors. We place a very high emphasis on confidentiality for all our services, and they are offered free of charge.
As part of the therapy process, STSM provides psycho-educational, and support groups for survivors and their family members. Like all of our services, groups are free and confidential. Group facilitators are trained and experienced Master’s level social workers, counselors, graduate students, and other professionals, who are supervised and monitored by Group Services Program. Facilitators hold groups on a weekly basis and at various locations throughout Lexington, Richland, and Newberry counties.
Benefits of Group Counseling:
Topics include the following:
The Female Support Group is a 16-18 group intervention with topics such as:
The Male Support Group is a 16-18 week group intervention divided into three parts:
The Teen Support Group is a 16 week trauma intervention which aims to:
For a client to attend any of the support groups, the client would need to be in individual counseling with a private therapist, STSM or another service provider. Information needed to determine if a client is appopriate for group is an Assessment completed by the clinician as well as the Group Readiness Form (attached below, along with a sample assessment) and fax this information to the Group Services Coordinator. The Coordinator will then contact the therapist and client regarding a start date, time and location to begin the group, if client has been deemed appropriate for group therapy.
Kyra Hufford, LPC/I
Sherry Lewis, LPC
Director of Therapy and Outreach
803-790-8208 or dto@stsm.org
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Psychosocial Assessment Form | 78.5 KB |
| Group Readiness Form | 42.5 KB |
STSM offers support groups to secondary survivors, including spouses, parents, other family members, and significant others of the survivor. Groups are open to secondary survivors even if the primary survivor if not participating in counseling at this time. STSM designed groups to provide a safe, supportive environment where secondary survivors can share the impact of the assault/abuse on their lives, discuss immediate concerns, gain coping skills and learn how to provide healthy support to the survivor.
Topics include the following:
How do I join a group?
If you are interested in joining a group please contact the Group Services Coordinator—Melanie Snipes GSC@STSM.ORG or 803-790-8208.
How many people are in a group?
The average size of group is 8-12 people.
What happens in group?
Participants are asked to check in with the group, a group topic is discussed and support and feedback are given by the group facilitators and/or group members.
What topics are discussed?
This would depend on the group being offered though some common topics are: Phases of Rape, Long Term Effects of Sexual Trauma, Anger, Blame, Triggers, Self Esteem.
Are groups confidential?
Yes. Information shared in group is confidential; however, the facilitator is mandated to report a group participant who is in danger of harming themselves or others.
How long are the sessions?
Psycho educational group sessions last 1 hour and support group sessions last 1.5 hours.
What are the qualifications of the facilitators?
Group facilitators are trained and experienced Master’s level social workers, counselors, graduate students, and other professionals who receive supervision and monitoring through the group services program.
Where are the groups located?
Groups are held at various locations throughout Richland, Lexington, and Newberry Counties.
Are the facilitators available after group if I have a private concern?
Facilitators are available before group begins or at the end of group; however, they are not available outside group hours. Our crisis line can be accessed 24/7. Richland and Lexington County 771-7273. Newberry County 1-800-491-7273.
Are the groups gender specific?
Yes with the exception of the secondary survivor group
How much does the group cost?
All group services are free of charge.
Do I have to participate in group if I feel uncomfortable?
Group participation is encouraged; however, you will not be forced to participate if you are uncomfortable.
Will I have to tell my story in group?
No. Participants in group may share the impact of the assault or may share a portion of their story as it relates to utilizing a particular coping skill, at the survivor's discretion.
Can my friends/family come to group with me?
No, but there are secondary survivor groups for family and friends.