The Programs
The YWCA of Calgary’s community-based domestic violence programs offer support for all members of the family. Our treatment programs are based on best practice and supported by the most current research.
Adult Treatment Programs
Group and Individual Counselling for Women
Women’s domestic violence groups are available to women who have experienced or perpetrated abuse in an intimate relationship. Our 14 week program focuses on various topics including safety planning, what is abuse and boundaries, with an emphasis on healing from the impact of abuse and providing support. Short term individual counselling is offered for those who may require additional support, or when trauma may require more specialized counselling. We also have a multicultural program for counselling women on domestic violence.
To register: Contact Reception 403. 266.4111
Group and Individual Counselling for Men
Our men’s domestic violence groups help men recognize and change abusive patterns, as well as take responsibility for their own thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Our 14 week program includes topics such as healthy communication and empathy, with an emphasis on anger management and the impact on children of witnessing abuse. We provide individual counselling when this is more appropriate or in addition to group treatment. We also offer a multicultural program including group and individual counselling on domestic violence.
To register: Contact Reception 403. 266.4111
Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
Group Counselling for Children and Parents
Group counselling based on a play-therapy approach helps children ages 4-13 begin the healing process after witnessing or experiencing violence. In these age appropriate groups, children learn how to express their feelings, thoughts and anger in healthy ways. They learn about abuse and that it is not their fault. As children participate in this program, their parents attend a parenting group at the same time. The parenting group covers topics such as perceptions, empathy, child directed play and positive discipline. The program, which runs for 10 weeks, is offered three times a year and is held on Saturdays in both the morning and afternoon.
To register: Contact Case Manager 403.294.3658
Group Counselling for Adolescents – Art and Photo Therapy Group
This unique group program helps adolescents aged 14-17 creatively express themselves following being exposed to domestic violence. This program focuses on healing from the past and hope for the future. The group runs for 8 weeks three times per year.
To register: Contact Case Manager 403. 294.3658
Individual Counselling
Individual counselling is offered for both children and adolescents who require further support after completing group programs. Counsellors use play, art, filial and talk therapy to help children and teens.
Family Counselling
Family counselling is available to parents who need extra support after completing the group parenting program or if their child is involved in individual counselling. The Family Counsellor and the Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Counsellor often work together with different members of the family to provide concurrent support to parents and children. Counselling takes place at the YWCA Sheriff King Home.
Children’s Art Therapy
Individual and group art therapy are available to children residing in the YWCA Sheriff King Home. This program also provides individual art/play therapy to children requiring further support after children’s group counselling programs.
Father's Parenting Program
This unique parenting group is designed for fathers who have been in abusive relationships and are trying to rebuild their relationships with their children. Program content addresses issues specific to parenting after violence. This 12-week program takes place on Monday evenings and is offered three times a year.
To register: Contact Case Manager 403. 294.3658
Positive Parenting Program
This parenting program focuses on building relationships with children based on dignity and respect. This group offers a safe place to discuss parenting issues after family violence but may be tailored to various client groups such as non-custodial mothers, step-parents, foster parents or others. The topics include empathy, understanding your child, grief and loss, effects of violence and positive discipline. The program takes place over 12 weeks on Wednesday evenings.
To register: Contact Case Manager 403. 294.3658
Filial Parenting Program
This program specifically focuses on strengthening parent – child relationships and attachment through using child directed play. Parents who have completed another parenting program first will benefit most from this 9 week program which takes place on Thursday evenings.
To register: Contact Case Manager 403. 294.3658
YWCA Visitation Services
The YWCA Visitation Services Program provides supervised visits and monitored exchanges for families where safety is an issue. The program can benefit families experiencing alleged domestic violence and/or ongoing threat of domestic violence between custodial and non-custodial adults; custody and access issues, or court order requirements that visits with children and supervised or exchanges monitored; and where contact between parents is prohibited.
Contact: 403.206.2767
High Conflict Custody/Parenting Program
This 12-week program uses New Ways for Families ™ for managing high conflict families engaged in custody/parenting litigation disputes. Both parents are given an opportunity to focus on making positive changes in their individual counselling sessions rather than becoming preoccupied with the endless "attack-defend" cycles of ongoing parenting assessments and additional court applications. Close co-operation of all professionals and the court is required to focus parents on learning specific skills in short-term counselling before long-term court decisions are made. For parents who do not complete the New Ways for Families ™ program, their child(ren) will receive counselling and a lawyer from CLERC (The Children's Legal and Educational Resource Centre) who will provide legal represenation to the young person(s). Contact: 403.206.3461