Counseling
Asking for help takes courage. People who experience domestic violence need to be heard.
Between Friends has over 30 years of experience providing counseling services to survivors of domestic violence. We offer supportive counseling sessions in which we listen to your experiences — and the choices that you are making or have made — without judgment. We know that every survivor is an expert about your own life. Our Masters-level counselors work from that assumption to focus not only on the challenges that you have experienced, but also on the strengths and capabilities you possess.
Our Programs
Our trauma-informed, evidence-based approach helps teen, child, and adult survivors of domestic violence find safety and healing through talk, creative art and movement, mindfulness, and support. We also make connections with external resources to secure housing, job placement, child care, and other needs . Counseling services are available in English and Spanish. We understand that each survivor’s culture plays a unique, and often important, role in their experiences and their healing.
We’re currently hosting sessions in-person and virtually.
Adult Counseling
Whether you are dealing with the traumatic effects of living in an abusive relationship or need help healing from past abusive relationships, our counselors will encourage you to explore your options and make your own decisions in order to build a safe future for yourself and, if applicable, your children.
Our free counseling services are offered in a safe and welcoming environment, with daytime and evening appointments available. Childcare is provided during counseling sessions and groups.
Child & Family Counseling
Children of all ages can be affected by witnessing or experiencing domestic violence. Our counseling services for children and their non-abusive caregivers help children feel supported so they begin to heal from the trauma they have experienced and to rebuild trust and attachment with their caregiver.
Teen Counseling
Between Friends helps teenagers who either have witnessed domestic violence within their family and/or have been in dating relationships in which they were harmed. In addition to the services we host onsite at Between Friends, we also provide counseling at local high schools. Illinois access laws allow for teens to receive 8 sessions of counseling without needing a parent or guardian’s permission.
Group Counseling
You are not alone. Group sessions help adults and teenagers to process difficult emotions, identify safe and healthy coping strategies, and build community with one another. In children’s group sessions, they talk, play games, and make art, learning ways to stay safe and that they are not responsible for the violence in their lives. Check out our current group counseling sessions.
A Night Out
The purpose of A Night Out is to help survivors of domestic violence experience hope, support, and fun in a safe environment. Between Friends organizes group outings for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence to events such as private comedy shows, catered meals, spa nights, and theater performances.
With safety and trust underpinning the entire event, our goal is to offer some respite and self-care opportunities to people who have had to devote a tremendous amount of energy just to their survival. Besides providing a positive evening out with peers and helpers who understand what they’ve been through, we show them that they deserve to have relaxing, comfortable experiences in the world. A Night Out supports our efforts to serve the whole person in their healing process.
Need Help Today?
Curious about our programs? Have questions about how to get involved? Contact us today to get started.