My passion for starting SELAH was born out of my own personal experience with domestic abuse. I know firsthand the destruction, confusion, and fear that domestic abuse brings. It may surprise you to know that 1 in 4 women experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Women from every walk of life find themselves in abusive relationships.
Women who find themselves in abusive relationships often don’t know where to go for help. They feel very alone. It’s my desire for SELAH to be a safe place for each woman to share her experience and receive the help and support she needs.
Hello! My name is Misty LaFree and I am a Limited Licensed Profession Counselor.
I focus on trauma care within the family system as well as with individuals. I currently serve as a counseling advocate for Selah Empowers.
I have nearly 7 years of trauma-focused care. I held an internship in a Women’s Center and focused on children experiencing domestic violence. I worked with Bethany Christian’s refugee program which included some work with human trafficking. I had the privilege of participating in full DBT groups in my internship and worked with self-harm and suicide.
Additionally, I spent a little over a year working directly with domestic violence and sexual assault at the YWCA. I have extensive knowledge of navigating the court process as well as the process of obtaining PPOs, etc.
My own story also includes domestic violence, so I'm extremely passionate about serving this population. My available therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Skills (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
I often approach therapy somatically because I believe the mind and body connection is critical to understanding trauma fully.
Educational groups will teach and equip members to find clarity and direction in their life and relationships.
Groups are open to victims, survivors, family members, or women who simply want to learn more about this issue.
All participants are encouraged to begin in our Level One Classes which cover the following topics.
Topics Covered:
Power and Control
Characteristics of Abusers
Effects on Children
Self-Esteem
Emotional & Verbal Abuse
Patterns of Abuse
Faith Issues
Legal Issues
Financial Issues
These classes are completed in 10 weeks but can be repeated as many times as you'd like and can be started at any point in the curriculum. Once you haven grasped the content of these classes, we encocurage all our participants to join the Level Two Group for the "What's Next" conversations. This group caters to those ready to have open conversations about the next steps in their life. We often craft the class as a book club or reference conversation. It creates a safe place for real conversations and support to happen. Friendships, support, dynamic discoveries, and real conversations are made in this class. Participants often stay more than a year in this group.
When faced with an abusive relationship, individuals often feel isolated and need to be connected with resources in the community. Several agencies, experts, counselors, and advocates are involved in Selah to give direction to individuals through their journey to a healthier life.
Education can be powerful. Understanding the dynamics of domestic abuse helps to validate your feelings and empowers you to see that positive change is possible.
SELAH can provide you with free educational materials (books, handouts, etc) to help you grow in your understanding of problems and possible solutions.
Telling a personal story and finding a listening ear can make a huge impact on those who have been isolated and overwhelmed by domestic abuse.
SELAH offers individuals the opportunity to find clarity by processing their experience with qualified compassionate team members.
The series continuously runs throughout the year.
You may join at any time.
To register, for information on meeting locations, or to join virtually:
Call: (616) 510-6305
Email: selah.empowers@gmail.com
Class curriculum and topic handouts can be provided upon request to Shirleyr@selah-empowers.org.
All attendees are invited to register prior to attendance.
We understand this may be a very trying and difficult time for you. You might not be sure what you need or what the next steps look like. You're not alone. We're here for you. Feel free to reach out and call us at 616-510-6305 anytime. - Vicki