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Refer to Wings

How can Wings be a resource for my clients? 

Wings exists to help adult survivors understand what they are going through when healing from CSA trauma, share support options available, and provide choices that empower survivors to navigate their own healing journey. Thank you for your partnership in this vital healing work as we create an eco-system of support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their loved ones. You may choose to refer clients to Wings for several types of services: 

Therapist & Agency Referrals 

Wings helps adult survivors get started with an individual therapist skilled in trauma recovery, and we also provide referrals to other services. Here’s how to know if Wings may be an appropriate referral for your clients: 

  • Has your client shared experiences with you that indicate a history of sexual abuse in childhood? 
  • Do their current symptoms seem to suggest this might be part of their past? 
  • Have you had a discussion with your client about the possibility, and they have told you they are open to exploring it? 

 Become trained on how to screen and refer for this issue. 

Support Groups 

Wings offers therapist-facilitated peer Support Groups as a beneficial complement to individual therapy. In our most recent program evaluation, 100% of Support Group members agreed: 

  • Group is a valuable part of their healing journey 
  • They have a better understanding of CSA trauma and how it can affect them 
  • Their self-sufficiency and ability to function in daily life increased 
  • They are better able to set and maintain boundaries

Many adult survivors may not be ready for a Support Group right away, so it’s important to recognize when a Wings Support Group may be beneficial to your clients’ recovery. A survivor is typically ready for a support group once they’ve done initial healing work in individual therapy and are able to manage their trauma symptoms and emotional reactivity. Talking to your client about readiness for a Wings Support Group can be a proactive tool for goal setting. 

Educational and community events 

To change the culture of silence affecting adult survivors, it will take all of us working together. Wings offers events for adult survivors, loved ones, and supportive community members throughout the year. We typically hold our annual Race for Healing 5k in September and Speak Out for adult survivors to share their stories at least once a year. 

Events

Referral FAQ

Wings provides support group services for adults who experienced sexual abuse during childhood. We can accept referrals for services for anyone when: 

  • The person is 18 years or older 
  • They are either a survivor of childhood sexual abuse or a loved one of a survivor 

Therapists are welcome to assist a client in contacting Wings, such as being in the room when they call us. Please remember that all Wings’ services are voluntary, and it’s important to provide autonomy to adult survivors as they navigate the healing journey. 

To ensure safety for all group members, we have a list of readiness criteria. Wings completes an assessment with all adult survivors interested in joining a support group. It’s helpful for therapists to speak with their clients about these criteria before referring someone to Support Group. If your client is not yet ready, we also offer referrals for other services. All Group Members must: 

  • Live in Colorado and commit to regular attendance 
  • Live in a safe, stable environment where basic needs are met 
  • Have completed some prior trauma work and have access to an individual therapist 
  • Be able to manage trauma symptoms, self-soothe, and regulate emotions 
  • Not have been hospitalized for suicide or homicide ideation or attempt in the past 6 months 
  • Not have regularly abused substances in the past 6 months 

Here’s what an adult survivor can expect when they reach out to Wings about joining a support group: 

  • Complete a confidential Needs Assessment by phone to determine referral options and ensure they meet the criteria to safely attend a Support Group at this time  
  • If an adult survivor meets the readiness criteria, Wings staff will determine if there is availability based on group and day preference; if all appropriate groups are full, they may be placed on a waiting list 
  • Complete a second, more in-depth Survivor Services Assessment for group experience goals 
  • Get matched with a group that meets their needs for day of week, time, and location 
  • Complete and return new member paperwork and purchase a Wings Survivors and Loved One’s Guide to Healing (available via sliding scale or free if needed) 
  • Our Survivor Services Navigator will connect the adult survivor with a facilitator of the group they are matched with who will reach out before they attend their first group 
  • Attend an initial New Member Orientation for 15-20 minutes before first group attendance 
  • Try group for 4-6 weeks to assess whether it is a good fit for their needs 
  • Commit to their own healing and the group process by prioritizing regular weekly attendance. Groups that have full participation by all members report the most individual and collective success in the healing process.
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