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To the courageous,

Thank you for taking this brave step to learn more and possibly seek help. As a survivor of sexual abuse, I can understand some of your feelings of fear, anxiousness and the desire to keep this secret buried so far inside that you become numb. But the truth is, you never do.

Brave Step was created to help you begin and navigate the journey to heal, whether you are a parent of a child who was sexually abused, a spouse of a survivor or the courageous one who has endured the unspeakable. We are here to help you find your voice and hope.

You are brave simply by taking this step. Let’s heal ourselves so we can help our children and grandchildren so they never experience sexual abuse. Best of luck as you join Brave Step in this journey.

With admiration for your bravery,
Crystal
Founder, Brave Step

Emergency Hotline

If you are in need of emergency help, please contact 911 or call (704) 358-2800 for 24-hour emergency mental health.

Adult Survivor Care

Brave Step wants to help survivors lead their best life. Our team has carefully designed a trauma-focused program to best meet the needs of an individual, regardless of one’s financial position.

Care is tailored to each survivor, enabling each brave individual the opportunity to take various steps at his/her own pace and discretion. The survivor and our clinical director collaborate on a care plan that may include:

  • Participating in an “empowerment phase” where the survivor rebuilds her/his self-esteem, confidence, and/or self-worth;
  • Individual therapy for up to 26 sessions with a carefully-vetted therapist or provider who can use the most-effective trauma therapy, such as Somatic Experiencing (SE), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), neurofeedback, and other modalities;
  • Group therapy for 12 sessions led by an experienced trauma therapist;
  • Peer-led support groups that offer connection and understanding with other survivors; and
  • Options for finding one’s voice through journaling, telling a loved one, alumni meetings, etc.

PLEASE NOTE, THERE IS CURRENTLY A WAIT LIST FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING SERVICES.

To learn if you qualify for Brave Step’s programs, please review the applicant criteria below and then contact support@bravestep.org. 

Loved Ones’ Care

We believe that educating and supporting the loved ones of a survivor is a critical component to giving survivors the best possible chance to heal. We offer therapeutic interventions for loved ones and a supportive, understanding place to process their emotions.

  • Individual therapy for up to 26 sessions with a carefully-vetted therapist or provider who can use the most-effective trauma therapy, such as Somatic Experiencing (SE), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), neurofeedback, and other modalities; and
  • Group therapy for 12 sessions led by an experienced trauma therapist.

PLEASE NOTE, THERE IS CURRENTLY A WAIT LIST FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING SERVICES. 

To learn if you qualify for Brave Step’s programs, please review the applicant criteria below and then contact support@bravestep.org. 

Courageous Corner Support Group

Men and women affected by sexual abuse can participate in a free survivor-led support group called Courageous Corner, a place where we are in this together on the good days and bad. You can ask questions or simply support others in their journey.

We meet the first Thursday and third Tuesday of each month. The meetings are 6:30-7:30 p.m. For an updated schedule and meeting details, please email support@bravestep.org.

    Online Support & Resources

    You do not have to face this alone. Brave Step is here to support you every step of the way with an online community created by and for victors of sexual abuse. If you’ve lived with this secret for years and/or never had anyone that understands, we are here for you. A place where you are safe, understood and supported.

    Brave Step has a closed, private Facebook group available. This is intended for survivors of sexual abuse, parents or spouses to share their testimony, ask questions and be understood. https://www.facebook.com/groups/BraveStep/

    Applicant Criteria

    The following criteria apply.

    1. Any person over 18
    2. Has experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault at any time
    3. Is experiencing struggle in daily life
    4. Is capable of participating in talk therapy
    5. Is willing to commit to and participate in their own recovery/healing

    Individuals are not eligible to receive services if the person:

    1. Is receiving therapy services elsewhere (specific to individual or group therapy).
    2. Has a severe dissociative disorder.
    3. Has a severe developmental or communication disorder that would prevent them from participating in talk therapy.
    4. Is actively abusing alcohol or drugs in a manner that would prevent them from participating in therapy.  It is expected that an individual would be referred for substance abuse treatment prior to participating in therapy for sexual trauma.
    5. Has one or more convictions for sexual assault.

    Family members, such as parents, siblings, immediate family members, spouses or close friends of sexual abuse survivors may apply to receive support group services if they meet these criteria:

    1. Any person over 18
    2. Has experienced sexual trauma at any time OR
    3. Is a family member or friend of someone who has experienced sexual trauma
    4. Is experiencing struggle in daily life
    5. Is capable of participating in talk therapy
    6. Is willing to commit to and participate in their own recovery/healing

    Family members or close friends may not be accepted to participate in support group services if the person:

    1. Is receiving therapy services elsewhere.
    2. Has a severe dissociative disorder.
    3. Has a severe developmental or communication disorder that would prevent them from participating in talk therapy.
    4. Is actively abusing alcohol or drugs in a manner that would prevent them from participating in therapy.
    5. Demonstrates negative behavior that might harm other members of the support group or efforts of the group at large.

      Program Fee

      As a survivor or the loved one of a survivor, you deserve to lead your best life, but quality trauma care can be expensive, difficult to find, and challenging to understand what services will garner the best outcomes. Brave Step makes the process easier and allows more survivors and their loved ones the opportunity to access care. A benefit of Brave Step’s program is personalized service, one that is designed to give you optimal results that are affordable and obtainable.

      • Many of Brave Step’s carefully vetted therapists accept insurance. Our team works diligently to find the right fit for care and one who accepts your insurance.
      • For those without insurance, Brave Step has a sliding scale that is tailored to your specific situation.
      • A $50 application fee also is required prior to starting services.

      Please note, many of our services such as peer-led support groups, empowerment programs and ways to find your voice are free to participants. Contact us to learn more. 

      Brave Step Treatment Philosophy

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