Spotlight on our Counseling Team

Safe Harbor Voice  |  May 31, 2022
Spotlight on our Counseling Team

Oftentimes, Safe Harbor (and organizations like us around the country) are seen as resources for people only when they are ready to leave an abusive relationship. In reality, many of the people who seek services with Safe Harbor are still in abusive relationships. Some may have the goal to exit, but they need support in determining how and when to exit safely. Others may have the goal to stay in their relationships, and they are seeking ways to be safer, to set healthy boundaries and to find their own personal power to make choices, even in the midst of the power and control of domestic violence.

At Safe Harbor, we believe survivors of domestic violence are experts in their own experiences. One survivor’s journey is never the same as the next. Our trauma informed approach allows us to walk alongside each client and family, offering support and resources as they set goals and make decisions that work uniquely for them.

Through our Community Counseling and Advocacy Services, we offer a wide variety of services to survivors of domestic violence. Our community-based services include adult counseling, child and family counseling, case management, advocacy, domestic violence education, parenting classes and group support. We work with clients in crisis who may need safety planning, community resources and coping skills to deal with trauma and hardships. Others may no longer be experiencing crisis but needing to process the trauma they have experienced, with a goal to move towards healing and hope.

Our Community Counseling and Advocacy Team meets clients where they are each day, listening to their experiences, honoring their strengths and supporting them as they make difficult choices and find personal power to take courageous steps. We’re deeply grateful for the passion, energy and heart that our Community Counselors and Advocates bring to their work, playing an integral role carrying out our vision to influence a culture where all people can feel safe and valued in their relationships.

 

To highlight and celebrate their work, we thought we'd introduce you to some of the individuals behind the scenes that do this work everyday! Keep reading to find out more...

 

Name & Job: Kristie Cohens, Director of Community Counseling and Advocacy Services

Favorite part of your job: I enjoy having the opportunity to walk alongside clients and staff. Being able to witness their growth, watch them become empowered to do what they never believed possible and celebrate with them.

Pro mental health tip for our readers: No…is a complete sentence.

It’s important to put your oxygen mask on yourself before you can put it on anyone else…remember to breathe.

How do you practice self-care currently: Unapologetically, taking time to pamper myself and steal away for some alone time.

Favorite positive quote: Grant yourself grace…you don’t know what you don’t know until you know it.

I am a survivor of domestic abuse.


“I didn’t know that I was being abused because...

I am a survivor of domestic abuse.


“I didn’t know that I was being abused because my definition of abuse looked different. My husband pushed me, but most of my suffering was verbal and psychological. I left my husband to protect our young daughter. Almost immediately I felt the weight of his oppression begin to lift. I could see a difference in my daughter as well. Then he broke into my home and assaulted me in-front of her.

I sought help and was led to Safe Harbor. My daughter and I are in counseling now. I am sorting out the mess that abuse has caused. I am finding my voice and seeking opportunities to grow and better my life as well as my daughter's. She will gauge her self-worth from my own self-worth. I must show her that she deserves the best, by expecting the best for myself.

Many years I suffered in silence. By telling my story and being honest with friends and family, I am taking control of my life again.”

- Beth

GET INVOLVED

MAKE A GIFT


When you give to Safe Harbor, 82 cents of every dollar goes directly to our intervention services and prevention initiatives to break the cycle of domestic abuse in the Upstate of South Carolina. 

Donate Now

BOOK A SPEAKER


We are available to provide domestic abuse education and information about Safe Harbor’s services through speaking engagements, trainings, workshops and awareness campaigns.

SPEAKER REQUEST

 

 

SUPPORT OUR SHOP


Safe Harbor Resale Shop operates solely on donations from our generous community. Donations are tax deductible and make a difference in the lives of our clients.  

LEARN MORE

DONATE FURNITURE


Your donated furniture can support our clients as they transition out of our programs and start a new life, and can also raise money for Safe Harbor by going to our Resale Shop to be re-sold.

SCHEDULE A PICKUP

STAY IN TOUCH

Give us your email address and we will keep you up to date on the latest happenings at Safe Harbor.

Error Message