DAP offers early childhood therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, and caregiver support services for youth and their caregivers who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence in their homes.
Prevention: Youth Programs
In 1981, DAP began offering therapy programs for youth who have witnessed domestic violence, since we know that they face lifelong challenges to their physical, psychological, and social development. Children—from infants to adolescents—experience so much emotional stress when they witness domestic violence that it can affect the development of their brains. This can lead to behavioral changes, including intense anxiety and irritability, depression, problems with sleeping and incontinence, and trouble in school.
We also know that children who witness or experience domestic violence are more likely to use violence later in life, in their own intimate relationships. They also face an increased likelihood of substance abuse, juvenile pregnancy, and social isolation.
DAP offers early childhood therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, and caregiver support services for youth and their caregivers who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence in their homes.
If you are unsure about which program is the best fit for you and your family, please contact us.
For more information, contact firstcall@mndap.org or contact First Call at 612-874-7063 x232.
Youth Group Therapy
Youth Group for kids ages 7 – 17 is held twice a year in the Spring and Fall. Groups meet once a week for twelve weeks on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:30. The goals of DAP’s Children’s Group are to help children break the secret of domestic violence, understand that the abuse and violence is not their fault, strengthen self-esteem and have FUN. A parallel parent group with dinner and childcare is also provided to make the program as accessible as possible.
Individual Therapy
DAP offers individual therapy for youth ages 5 – 18. DAP therapists support younger children through Non-Directive Play Therapy utilizing toys, games, artwork, reading, and talking to support children in expressing their feelings and experiences. For older children, therapists will work with your child to decide what they feel the most helpful form of intervention is for them to meet their individual needs and goals.
Early Childhood Therapy
Early Childhood services are provided to children ages 0-5 and their caregiver(s). The goals of this parent-child work is to strengthen the caregiver-child attachment and find a common understanding of one another’s experiences.
Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Intervention and Prevention Group Therapy
TAY groups are a weekly group therapy program that meets MN State Statue for Batterer Intervention Programs. TAY participants are age 18-24 and are young people who have used violence and are interested in learning how to engage in relationships in a healthy way. Participants learn how to manage stress, understand the cycle of abuse and what might consistute domestic violence, take accountabilty and learn to talk about the harm they have caused and build community connection and support through their healing journey.