Victim Assistance & Trauma Recovery Program

Trauma is an event or series of events, combined with an individual's vulnerability, that creates an obstacle in normal human development.

The Trauma Recovery Program is a free 10-week program for people dealing with the impact of childhood abuse or neglect, sponsored by the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Participants will gain an understanding of why past traumas continue to affect them and what they can do to get better.  More than 600 people in our diocese have reaped the benefits of this program as they heal from their past. 

The treatment goal of the Trauma Recovery Program is to help individuals improve their functioning by helping them to stabilize, using new tools learned in a group setting. The program encourages effective living in the present, rather than recovery of repressed memories. Healing occurs with the processing and integrating of feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Once individuals have completed the treatment group, they can attend a support group that meets for nine sessions over a six-month period.

The Trauma Recovery Program embraces the core concepts and skills fo the "Trauma Model," a treatment model developed by Colin A. Ross, M.D. With his permission, the program utilizes Dr. Ross' concepts in conjunction with the expertice and skills of the facilitator-therapist.

Register to be informed of the upcoming Trauma Recovery Program schedules by calling (269) 779-5322.

For Spanish speakers:
Si habla español, para información sobre el Programa de Recuperación de Traumas Psicológicos, puede llamar Padre Ken Schmidt al  (269) 779-5322

As written in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Church's first obligation is for the healing and reconciliation of victims, providing counseling, spiritual assistance, support and any other services that may be needed to serve those who have been the victim of sexual abuse by any person in church service. 

Anyone needing these services, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred, is encouraged to contact our 24-hour crisis hotline available through Catholic Charities at 800-873-8336.