DVIS offers interactive therapy for children ages birth-18 who have witnessed domestic violence. The program is designed to re-establish a sense of trust and rebuild relationships with caregivers. To set up an appointment, please call 918.585.3163.
Each year, children’s counselors at DVIS help over 400 child witnesses of domestic violence to deal with their feelings; increase their sense of safety and security; and strengthen the family relationship. It is important for these young victims to be able to deal with these strong emotions and to learn new and healthy ways of communicating and relating to others. If not addressed, these behaviors children have observed may be repeated as they grow into adulthood, continuing the cycle of violence for yet another generation. Children’s counselors at DVIS work with both residential and outpatient children in a variety of individual, group, or family settings.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT)
The most frequently used treatment, is a short-term intervention that encourages children and youth (5–18 years of age) to become more aware of how their thoughts about the traumatic event affect their reactions and behaviors.
Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT)
Used for young children (3-7 years) to change negative parent-child patterns in order to improve the quality of the parent child relationship. PCIT aims to decrease child behavior problems while increasing parenting skills, including positive discipline.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
Used primarily to address the needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (birth-6 years) by focusing on the way that the trauma has affected the parent–child relationship.