Counseling and Support Groups

Counseling Services

Individual, family, child, and group counseling is offered at Children's Home Shelter for Family Safety (formerly Children's Inn) by therapists who specialize in serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Counseling is available to individuals in the community, as well as the clients residing in our emergency shelter. Services are offered in-person or via telehealth for adults, adolescents, and children ages five and older. All counseling services provided by Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety are confidential and free of charge.

Call 605-338-4880 or email us to make an appointment.

Jeanne W, MA, LPC

Jeanne W received an undergraduate degree in Child Development and Family Relationships from South Dakota State University in Brookings and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology and Counseling from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. An extended undergraduate internship working in a shelter for domestic violence grew her understanding and passion for helping survivors find renewed hope, discern their direction and provide support in their individual journey.

Jeanne has been serving the mission of Children’s Home Society for over 25 years – initially doing home-based individual and family therapy, then as a therapist in Children’s Home Society’s residential treatment center— completing comprehensive assessments and counseling for children ages 4-14. Individual, group and family therapy in this assessment setting offered opportunity for Jeanne to learn about and treat children and adults who have experienced trauma, mental health, parenting and relational challenges.

Jeanne offers counseling to clients through the Children’s Home Shelter for family Safety, as well as to women involved in the Bright Start program. Jeanne takes an integrative, person-centered approach when working with adults and children. Walking alongside individuals to assist in areas which might include the spectrum of trauma, depression, anxiety, attachment, parenting, personal wellness, and relationship dynamics.

e-mail

Tina R, MA

Tina R. joined Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety January 2023. She received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from South Dakota State University, and her Master of Arts in counseling from Adams State University. She has worked in various human services capacities as a case manager connecting clients to resources, a home-based therapist providing individual therapy, and as a trainer facilitating mental health and suicide prevention training.

Tina offers counseling to children and adults. She utilizes a person-centered approach as well as solution focused counseling. Tina works with the client to create a collaborative relationship and a safe non-judgmental space to help clients work through their identifying concerns. Tina is currently under supervision for her professional counseling license.

e-mail

Rachel A., MA, LPC-Supervisee, NCC

Rachel A. joined Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety in March of 2024. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Sioux Falls and received a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Colorado Christian University. Prior to starting at Shelter for Family Safety, Rachel has worked in a variety of non-profit settings, including as a therapist in a community mental health clinic.

Compassion and trust are guiding principles for Rachel’s work as a therapist. She utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach to meet her clients where they are. Rachel is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy to further support clients who have experienced trauma. She hopes to create a safe space where clients find support, feel valued, and gain clarity to foster growth in client’s lives.

e-mail

  
Women's Support Groups

We provide support for women who have experienced emotional, sexual, and/or physical violence in their relationships. 

Women's Support Group is open and may be joined by anyone at any time. No pre-registration is required and there is no cost to attend. 

Discussion topics include the dynamics of domestic violence, crisis issues caused by domestic violence, the impact of traumatic experiences on daily living, staying safe, self-esteem issues and healthy relationships.

Women's Support Group take place at Children's Home Shelter for Family Safety. No registration necessary: 

• Mondays at 6:00pm-7:30pm

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Men's Support Groups

We provide support for men who have endured abuse within their relationships. 

Men's Support Group is closed and registration is required. The group meets for 8 weeks and there is no cost to attend. 

Discussion topics include the dynamics of domestic violence, the cycle of abuse, overcoming gender roles and stereotypes, characteristics of healthy relationships, safe communication, building a support system and healing from abuse. 

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Click the "Register Now" button to register or to request more information.

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LGBTQ Support Groups

We offer an 8-session LGBTQ Support Group for victims and survivors of domestic violence, with meetings held weekly. All adults with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations are welcome. 

Educational information is provided, as well as open discussion about personal experiences.

This is a closed group, so registration is required. There is no cost to attend!   

Click the "Register Now" button to register or to request more information.

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Families Forward

Mother/Children Support Group

Families Forward supports women and their children who have experienced domestic or family violence within the past two years. This program helps participants learn about the impact of trauma, build coping skills and explore trauma-related emotions.

The program consists of two groups that meet at the same time— children ages 6-12 and another for their mothers. Families Forward groups meet for 8 consecutive weeks.

For Children Ages 6-12

The children’s group addresses identifying complicated emotions, creating developmentally appropriate safety plans, interacting with family members/others and building conflict resolution skills.

For Mothers

If you are a mother who has experienced domestic violence, this group is helpful in exploring how trauma impacts parenting, how to parent while under stress and how to recognize a trauma response in your children. You’ll explore the complex feelings about the violence you have experienced, creation of safety plans, stress management and planning for your future.

To learn more, contact:

Alicen Hauck at 605-330-7385 or ShelterCounseling@chssd.org

This is a closed group, so registration is required. There is no cost to attend!   

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