Clinical Counseling Program

Because violence is a learned behavior, it can be unlearned.

Project PAVE’s Counseling Clinic helps children and youth, 4 - 24 years, who have been touched by relationship violence. Relationship violence includes difficult experiences such as:

• Witnessing intimate partner violence within the family (sometimes called domestic violence)
• Experiencing physical abuse or sexual abuse by an acquaintance or relative
• Feeling the effects of parental neglect
• Facing bullying behaviors or sexual harassment from peers at school
• Being in unhealthy, controlling, or violent teen dating relationships

Project PAVE therapists tailor the counseling process to meet the unique needs of each family, offering individual counseling, family counseling, parent/guardian support, group counseling, and support services. After completing a thorough assessment, therapists will recommend an approach and develop a specialized plan that will guide the healing process. Bilingual Spanish counseling is available.

Individual Counseling

We understand that children and youth who have experienced relationship violence may internalize their feelings or act out with family members and peers. We believe that establishing a trusting, one-to-one relationship is critical to a positive counseling outcome. Individual counseling offers children and youth a safe, therapeutic environment in which to heal on their own terms. Ideally, parents/guardians are also part of this process, and therapists work to engage family members while maintaining the safety of clients as their primary concern. In accordance with state law, teens 15 and older may consent to participating in individual counseling on their own.

Family Counseling and Parent/Guardian Support

Project PAVE truly believes in taking a family-centered approach. When children and youth experience relationship violence, the whole family is affected. Parents and guardians are often at a loss of how to help their families. Family counseling allows family members to shift unhealthy family dynamics, create healthy patterns, practice communication skills, and solve problems more effectively. Parents/guardians are encouraged to nurture their relationships with their children and use effective discipline techniques. Children and youth benefit from family counseling by moving past their trauma to become truly functional and content.

Group Counseling

From time to time, the Counseling Clinic offers group counseling for children, youth and teens. The frequency and focus of the groups vary as therapists identify needs in the community. Watch the Project PAVE website for announcements about upcoming groups.

Specialized Approaches

Our caring team of therapists is licensed and experienced in working with young children, school-aged children, teens, and young adults. Therapists regularly attend continuing education classes and professional trainings to stay updated on the latest advances in the field. Specialized approaches such as Play Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are offered and therapists always work with clients and their families to find the best approach.

Support Services

Throughout the counseling process, therapists discover sources of family and individual strength as well as areas needing support. Through sharing a fuller picture, families are able to identify additional needed supports such as:

• Community resource connecting - our team is expertly aware of Denver area resources and can connect you with the right services
• Court support – helping you prepare for trials and hearings, connecting with legal representation, and consulting with court officers as required
• School-related support - our therapists work alongside teachers and can help with school meetings, special education, and behavior plans

Coordinating with other service providers - we are frequently in contact with probation officers, case managers, pastors, social workers, and other key supports in your family’s life

Paying for Counseling

Your appointments at the Counseling Clinic is always free of charge.

If you have recently filed a restraining order with a victim advocate from the Denver County Court or Project Safeguard, you are eligible for the Judges Care Scholarship which will pay for all services at the Project PAVE Counseling Clinic. You may have already received paperwork about this scholarship. If not, contact your victim’s advocate or your Project PAVE therapist for more information.

If you or your child has been physically or emotionally injured or a member of your family has been killed as a result of a crime, you may be eligible for Crime Victim Compensation. This statewide program can pay for services at the Project PAVE Counseling Clinic as well as:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of wages due to injury
• Funeral expenses
• Residential doors, locks and windows

Our staff can help you determine if you are eligible for Crime Victim Compensation and assist you with the application paperwork. If you would like more information you can also call the Colorado Office for Victims Programs (303-239-5719 or 1-888-282-1080).

Emergencies

Project PAVE does not offer emergency services to clients or the community. If you find yourself or your family in a life-threatening emergency, call 911. If your situation is urgent but not life threatening, you may find assistance by utilizing one of the crisis and resource lines listed here.