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Family Violence Programs

The end of Family Violence begins here at Calgary Counselling Centre, with Responsible Choices...

Family Violence programs at Calgary Counselling Centre began in 1981. Over the years, the Centre’s Family Violence prevention programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of our community as well as changing perceptions of treatment for family or domestic violence. Not only have we developed programs within the Centre, we participate in numerous family and domestic violence prevention partnerships with other agencies in the community, as well as in other parts of the province and country.

Calgary Counselling Centre is recognized as a leader in North American family violence programming and research.

Entry into group is at the discretion of your counsellor.

For men who are victims of violence

At Calgary Counselling Centre, we know that men in intimate relationships can be victims of verbal and emotional abuse and threats of violence as well as physical abuse.

This is a therapeutic program for male victims of violence in an intimate relationship. It is a 14-week group program that focuses on therapeutic change for men who want to be part of a healthy relationship and a non-abusive future, men who want to change their lives for the better. The program addresses issues of abuse in intimate relationships and offers methods of coping with its effects.

The goals of the program are:
  • Participants recognize and understand abuse dynamics
  • Participants take responsibility for choices related to their
    own and their children’s well-being
  • Participants gain confidence in their ability to co-create healthy,
    abuse-free relationships
There are five principle sections in the group, each section building on the knowledge and understanding gained in the previous components.
  1. Validation that the men are, or have been, victims of abuse.
  2. Identification and recognition of abusive behaviors.
  3. Reconnecting.
  4. Challenging prevailing belief systems.
  5. Regaining confidence in the ability to have healthy, non-abusive relationships.

Entry into group is at the discretion of your counsellor.

To get started:

No referral is necessary to initiate counselling services.
Receiving the help you need is quick and easy:
  • Fill out the online Intake form.
  • Phone our office ((403) 691-5991) and ask for “Intake”.
  • One of our staff members will conduct a 10 minute interview to assess your needs.
  • You can also download the printable Intake Form(PDF) and fax it to us: 265-8886.
Based on Intake information, you will be assigned an appropriate counsellor who will contact you within 48 hours to book a session time. No counselling will be provided over the phone.
Click here for more information on how to get started.
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For almost 20 years, the Centre’s You Are Not Alone program has provided therapeutic group counselling for women who have been involved in an abusive relationship.

The program is designed to help women understand the impact a partner’s violent behavior has on their mental, emotional and physical health and the health of other family members, especially children.

The program is open to women who are presently, or have been, involved in an abusive relationship. Women learn how to deal with the effects of violence, and focus on being in an abuse-free relationship.

The program explores issues of abuse in intimate relationships and offers methods of healing from the the effects of violence. Specific themes include:
  • learning coping skills
  • acquiring personal empowerment
  • understanding anger and aggression
  • fostering esteem and self care
  • avoiding family violence and partner abuse
  • stress management
  • analyzing communication skills

Entry into group is at the discretion of your counsellor.

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The Responsible Choices group therapy program for men is designed to help men understand and change their aggressive, abusive behavior and outbursts.

Participants utilize group exercises, discussions and daily-life assignments to learn how to express concerns in non-abusive ways that respect the rights and feelings of others.


The following themes are explored:
  • anger and aggression
  • beliefs, values and attitudes
  • sex roles and aggression
  • power and control
  • stress management
  • learning to express feelings and concerns
  • conflict resolution
  • self-esteem

A counselling team, consisting of one male and one female counsellor, will lead the group sessions. This is a 30 hour group program that runs over 14 weeks.

Entry into group is at the discretion of your counsellor.

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Responsible Choices group therapy program is for women who are abusive to their intimate partner. The program is designed to help women understand and change their aggressive, abusive behavior and violent outbursts.

Participants utilize group exercises, discussions and daily-life assignments to learn how to express concerns in non-abusive ways that respect the rights and feelings of others.

The following themes are explored:
  • anger and aggression
  • beliefs, values and attitudes
  • sex roles and aggression
  • power and control
  • stress management
  • learning to express feelings and concerns
  • conflict resolution
  • self-esteem

A counselling team, consisting of one male and one female counsellor, will lead the group sessions.
This is a 30-hour group program that runs over 14 weeks.

Entry into group is at the discretion of your counsellor.

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All clients must participate in individual counselling prior to beginning the group program. Acceptance in the group is not automatic and is at the discretion of the counsellor.

Please fill out our online Intake form or call 403.691.5991 to request an initial evaluation session.
Programs are offered on a regular basis throughout the year.

Fees for the Centre’s programs (with the exception of the Marriage Preparation Program) are based on a sliding fee scale, according to the client’s total gross family income. Your fee will be established during the initial telephone call with our Intake Office. However, fees can be discussed with your counsellor during the first session.

Fees are payable each session by cash, Visa, Mastercard, or Interac.

Program staff include social workers, psychologists,and marriage and family counsellors, all of whom have experience working with family violence issues. Interns and residents in the Calgary Counselling Centre's training program provide treatment under the supervision of senior staff.

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