Counseling, Support Groups, and Services

Counseling

The purpose of the treatment is to create a safe relationship where the victim survivor can work with the professional to lessen unwanted emotional and destructive impulses; and work toward improving their ability to cope with their life today.

Support Groups

The professionally led groups for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse aim to provide victims-survivors opportunities to connect with others who are also on a road towards healing.

Family Support

The Office of Assistance Ministry recognizes that childhood sexual abuse impacts the family too. The Family Support Groups offer family members an opportunity to share their experience with others and learn new skills for coping with the needs of the victim -survivor and themselves.

Spirituality

For many victims-survivors, the sexual abuse affected/ ruined their spiritual life. However, many victims-survivors continue to seek spiritual meaning and direction in their lives. The office maintains a list of qualified spiritual directors who are available to help victims-survivors to grieve their spiritual losses as they re-examine its role in their life today.

Prayer and Reflection

The Office of Assistance Ministry has sponsored periodic retreats and days of reflection for victims-survivors. The purpose of these is to bring together adults who have been sexually abused by clergy as minors so they can share their experiences with one another, work towards healing, and identify sources of positive support in a group setting.

Meeting with Archdiocesan Leadership

At the appropriate time in a victims-survivor’s healing, the office can arrange a private meeting with the Cardinal. This affords the victim-survivor the chance to share his or her story while providing the cardinal an opportunity to listen emphatically. The intended purpose of this meeting is to offer some emotional and spiritual healing.

The Office of Assistance Ministry offers the following programs to honor its mission to victims-survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones. We have coordinated with other professionals to provide psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing. Due to space limitations, first priority will be given to those who have not participated in past programs offered through Assistance Ministry in the past. For more detailed information, call (312) 534-8256.

Workshops

The Archdiocesan Office of Assistance Ministry offers half-day workshop for family members of victims-survivors of childhood sexual abuse. For more information and to register, call (312) 534-8256.

Catholic Charities Programs

Holbrook Counseling Center

If you're hurting inside, or your life doesn't seem to be working, Holbrook Counseling Center of Catholic Charities has been providing compassionate counseling and other related services for more than 50 years to the residents of Cook and Lake Counties. Holbrook Counseling Center provides professional counseling for individuals, couples and families with emotional, behavioral and relationship/family problems. They also provide assessments, psycho-education groups, classes and presentations as well as consultations. Fees are based on income and ability to pay, which range from $20 to $120. For more information or to schedule an initial appointment, call (312) 655-7725.

Addiction Counseling Education Services (ACES)

Do you know someone who could use affordable counseling for problems related to alcohol and/or substance abuse? The ACES program of Catholic Charities provides professional outpatient counseling to adults 18 or older struggling with a variety of problems primarily related to alcohol and/or substance abuse or dependence. Their professional licensed staff provides information and referrals to appropriate resources; outpatient counseling for recovering addicts and alcoholics and/or their families: and educational/informational community presentations. Fees are based on a sliding scale adjusted for both income and family size. Services are available in Spanish. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (312) 655-7453 or (312) 655-7459