Healing Is Possible: Finding Hope Through Counseling

When someone has been through something scary or painful, the hurt can last a long time. Even if everything looks okay on the outside, you might feel worried, sad, tired, or unsafe. It might be hard to sleep, trust people, or feel calm. But here is the good news: healing is possible.



At Cherish Families, we help people feel better after hard times with kindness, care, and understanding. If you're wondering how counseling works or what it is like to ask for help, here are 8 simple things to know about healing through trauma-informed counseling.

1. What Does “Trauma-Informed” Mean?

Some people have been through really hard things, like being hurt, controlled, or scared. These experiences can still affect their life, even after a long time.



“Trauma-informed” means we do not ask, “What is wrong with you?” We ask, “What happened to you?” That helps us understand and care for you in a kind and respectful way.

You get to choose what you want to share and how fast you want to go. We will make sure you feel safe and in control.

2. A Safe Place to Talk and Heal

Talking about feelings can be scary, especially if you were told to stay quiet or if people did not listen to you before. At Cherish Families, you will find a calm and caring space where your story matters.

We believe healing works best when there is:

• Safety – You feel protected
  
• Trust – You know we care
  
• Choice – You are in charge
  
• Teamwork – We work together
• Empowerment – You find your strength again
  

3. Help for Kids, Teens, and Adults

People of all ages can be hurt, and people of all ages can heal. We support children, teens, and adults from many types of families, including polygamous or plural families.

• Children can use play or art to share feelings
  
• Teens can talk about stress, friendships, and who they are
  
• Adults can work through grief, fear, or painful memories
  
• Groups can help people feel less alone and more supported
  

4. What Happens in Counseling?

At first, you will meet your counselor and talk about what you want to work on. You can share as much or as little as you feel ready for.

You might:

• Talk about feelings
  
• Learn ways to feel calm
  
• Practice handling stress
  
• Try special tools like EMDR to help with hard memories
  
  

You get to go at your own pace.

5. How Trauma Affects the Body

Trauma does not just hurt your heart. It can also hurt your body. You might get headaches, stomach aches, feel tired all the time, or have trouble sleeping.



That is why we use healing tools for the body too, such as:

• Deep breathing
  
• Gentle movement or stretching
  
• Grounding exercises to help you feel safe
  
  

These tools help your whole self feel better.

6. It Is Okay to Ask for Help

In some families or communities, people are told to be strong and stay quiet. But asking for help is a brave kind of strength.

You do not have to handle everything on your own. Talking to someone who cares can help you feel lighter and stronger inside.

7. How to Get Started

If you are thinking about counseling but feel unsure, that is okay. You do not need to have it all figured out. Just take one small step.

You can:

• Visit cherishfamilies.org and fill out the “Client Intake Form”
  
• Or call us. We will listen and explain everything
  
• We will connect you with a kind, trauma-informed counselor who understands your background
  

8. You Deserve to Heal

Healing takes time. It happens one small step at a time, and that is okay. At Cherish Families, we believe everyone deserves a chance to feel safe, peaceful, and happy again.



You are not alone. You are strong. And we are here when you are ready.