Healing from Violence

Violence is more damaging than most people think. Whether family violence, community violence, or war, everyone exposed to violence suffers.

If you have been a survivor, a witness, or a participant, you may find yourself having nightmares, being constantly on guard, having trouble concentrating, constantly reliving what happened, or losing interest in things and people. Whether the violence was recent, or years ago, it can interfere with current relationships, work, or school. Therapy can help you heal. A particular kind of therapy, EMDR, which I offer, is especially effective in helping people tap into their inner resources and heal from the trauma.

If you have been the victim or witness to a crime in California, you may be eligible for free therapy, which I can provide. 

The Victim-Witness Assistance Program of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will pay for mental health services as well as medical bills and relocation. If you would like to know more about the program, check out their website at http://da.co.la.ca.us/vwap/. According to their website, the following people are eligible, including children of domestic violence victims:

• The victim of the crime who suffers physical and/or emotional injury or a survivor of a person who dies as a direct result of the crime.
• Anyone legally dependent upon the victim for support.
• Anyone who was present during the crime and who has a close relationship with the victim.
• Anyone who must receive psychological treatment as a result of the crime or who should be included in the psychological treatment of the victim.
• Anyone who takes legal responsibility and/or pays for a victim's medical or burial expenses.

If you live in Glendale, Pasadena, or Burbank, call 626-356-5715 for more information about the Victim-Witness Assistance Program. If you live anywhere else in Los Angeles County, call 800-380-3811.  Victim-Witness Assistance is available throughout California.