Through trauma counselling, narrative therapy and drama therapy, LvA’s therapists support our clients’ emotional, psychological and mental healing journeys. Depending on the unique needs of each client, a therapist will provide ongoing counselling or therapy sessions on an individual basis or in a group setting. 

LvA also partners with the Drama for Life Programme at the University of Witwatersrand and hosts Masters’ students each semester. LvA has found drama therapeutic techniques to be extremely effective when working with victims of trauma as drama therapy allows an individual to engage in symbolic play for the purpose of restoring interpersonal trust and rebuilding healthy self-esteem. This, in turn, facilitates the internalisation of safety that allows clients to build emotional capacity and resilience.

The often-adversarial courtroom environment can result in a client experiencing severe stress, anxiety and even further trauma in connection with a criminal trial. Under LvA’s integrated services model, therapists work alongside attorneys to prepare clients emotionally before each trial hearing and to facilitate debriefing afterwards. 

Before each hearing, the therapist will explore the fears, anxiety or inner conflict the client may be experiencing and give practical information about how to cope with going to court. This may include topics like the roles of the various state actors, the client’s rights at court and breathing techniques. Then, after each hearing, the therapist will spend time with the client reflecting on the experience and unpacking the feelings that have emerged.