Family Service Society - Corning Office

“Karen and the rest of the team have all been more than fantastic to work with. I couldn't have asked for better help and certainly consider myself lucky to have found them.”

“they are friendly and helpful”

“I would strongly caution anyone seeking therapy for domestic violence, trauma, or an abusive relationship to think very carefully before coming here. I went in looking for help. This was my very first session. I disclosed that there had been an altercation between my husband and me while my children were home almost a year prior. Based on that disclosure, a CPS report was made before I felt there was any meaningful understanding of the situation, my family, what the children actually witnessed, or the larger context of the relationship. I understand that therapists are mandated reporters. What I cannot accept is how little safety, transparency, and communication I experienced in the process. I came to therapy because I needed a safe place to talk honestly about domestic conflict and trauma. Instead, after one session, I left feeling terrified to disclose anything at all. For victims of domestic violence, that is a serious problem. Many people already struggle to speak openly because they are afraid of consequences, being misunderstood, or losing control of what happens next. My experience here reinforced every one of those fears. I am not saying therapists should ignore genuine concerns about children. I am saying that when someone comes to you asking for help in a complicated and vulnerable situation, context matters, communication matters, and trust matters. I no longer feel safe returning, and that is heartbreaking because I genuinely needed this therapy. If you are seeking counseling for domestic violence or trauma, I would ask very direct questions before your first session about how this practice handles mandated reporting, how they determine when a report is necessary, and whether they will communicate concerns with you before taking action when legally possible. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this practice to someone looking for a safe place to process domestic violence.”

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