Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence (CADV)The Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence is a counseling center in San Luis Obispo that provides services to all people affected by domestic violence. This is a service of the Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County.
Please call (805)473-6507 for information about our programs or to schedule an appointment.
The Center provides counseling to educate and heal those perpetrating an impacted by intimate partner violence (women, men, teens and children). It also provides counseling groups for survivors and children, as well as play therapy for children. Counseling is also available for partners in gay and lesbian relationships. Art as a healing tool is also available in both individual and group formats.
The requirements for acceptance and participation in the program are the same for everyone regardless of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, belief systems, or spiritual-based practices and are based on program requirements and funding guidelines. A sliding-scale fee is available for individuals who are dealing with issues of unresolved anger, controlling behavior, and verbal aggression as a result of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).
Individual Counseling for Intimate Partner Violence
Individually scheduled appointments for women, children, and men who have been impacted by domestic violence and/or IPV.
Groups for Intimate Partner Violence
- Groups for children affected by IPV
- Groups for teens affected by IPV
- Support groups for women affected by IPV, including Spanish-speakers
- Pattern changing groups for women- this 15 week group helps women learn to recognize old patterns and make new, healthy choices
Please call (805)473-6507 for dates and locations of groups and information on counseling services. We are also at various school sites throughout the county to provide individual counseling for children and teens.
South County Counseling Services
The Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence has a location in south San Luis Obispo County as well as in the city of San Luis Obispo. CADV South is located in Grover Beach. Counseling and related services are offered to those affected by domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Group and individual counseling is offered to educate and heal those perpetrating and impacted by IPV. Sliding-scale fees based on ability to pay are available for individuals who are dealing with issues of unresolved anger, controlling behavior, and verbal aggression related to IPV.
Please call (805)473-6507 for information or to schedule an appointment.
Outcomes
The counseling services provided by the agency have been shown to be effective for the vast majority of participating clients. Client surveys from the most recent fiscal year indicate that 99% of all counseling clients reported an increased sense of safety. 99% reported an increased sense of self-sufficiency. 99% reported that counseling services increased their sense of self-esteem.
Client Testimonials
“Before I came here I felt hopeless. Now I feel like I still alive. There are good people around me and I still have a chance to live, and feel myself free and safe. This program is really important for people like me. It is like a piece of light in the dark room. I believe this program saved my life. Thank all of you who do this important job!”-Client (2011)
“Thank you for everything. I have grown and healed through my counseling sessions.”-Client (2011)
“I truly appreciate all the help I have received from my counselor. She has helped me look at myself and the issues I have in a helpful way so that I can resolve them. She is very supportive and always closes the session in a way that the stress or sadness of what we’ve talked about does not “bleed” over into the rest of the day. Thank you very much.”-Client (2011)
“Just talking things out and not being judged is really helping me.”-Client (2011)
“The importance this center places on emotional and psychological abuse is just as high as that placed on the physical aspect of abuse. It is eye-opening and life-changing.”-Client (2011)
(Translated from Spanish) “Thank you for all the help you give us. Thank you for all the services. Thank you to all who work to help us. Thank you very much.”-Client (2011)
(Translated from Spanish) “I just want to thank you for all the services because thanks to you I have realized that I am worth a lot as a woman. Thanks!”-Client (2011)
(Translated from Spanish) “Thank you for helping us to be better human beings.”-Client (2011)
(Translated from Spanish) “I just want to thank you for all the services because thanks to you I have realized that I am worth a lot as a woman. Thanks!”-Client (2011)
“I truly believe in the 6 months I have been at WSP I have grown as a person. In addition, I have received help in ways I could not have done it on my own. This is a wonderful program. I wish I had known about it before I was desperate for it.”- Client (2010)
“I am not sure I could have made it through this without the help of my counselor-so much pain- so much confusion- my thoughts would frighten me- it is an answer to prayers for help. Thank you.”- Client (2010)
“I have come a long way. My thoughts of discouragement have changed to more positive. I actually think I am an “okay” person, whereas I have been thinking I’m worthless. I am getting a “spring” back in my step! That feels sooo good!”- Client (2010)
“I don’t know what I do if there were no services.”- Client (2010)
Why the WSP does not provide couples counseling:
The following information is adapted from Turning Point Services
Your partner may try to get you to go to couples counseling, telling you that you and he need to work on this together. He may encourage you to go to pastoral counseling with him. If he has done this, he is refusing to take full responsibility for his abusive behavior. He may be manipulating you into staying with him by taking this approach. His abusive behavior is not likely to stop unless he acknowledges that you are in no way responsible and that he has a problem that he needs to seek help for regardless of whether you stay with him or not.
