Who We Are

The PEACE Program is confidential, voluntary, and free for children and youth between the ages of 3-18 who have experienced violence. PEACE Counsellors explore the effects of violence and abuse through a trauma informed psychoeducational lens. Counselling strategies may include expressive arts, play therapy and mindfulness, creating a safe space. Group and individual counselling may be used.

Referrals for this program are accepted from community agencies including school counsellors and teachers as well as self-referral. If you would like to learn more about the PEACE program and find out if this program is right for you, please reach out.

The goals of the PEACE program are

• To dispel common myths surrounding all types of violence.

• To provide a non-threatening environment to talk about feelings and help teach healthy ways to express anger, hurt, fear, etc.

• To let children and youth know that they are not alone, and to help them share their thoughts and feelings with others from similar situations.

• To define abuse (physical, emotional, verbal and sexual) and to let the children and youth know their personal rights.

• To help children and youth recognize their individual strengths and increase self confidence.

• To teach problem solving and coping skills.

• To identify the causes and effects of conflict.

• Includes Safety Planning to create personal safety plans, to identify and develop support networks.

The unique combination of PEACE program goals and approach encourages participants to identify and express emotions safely through metaphors, works of art, drama, games, stories, nature art and connection. Through the above—together with other imaginative forms—participants learn to metabolize their experiences and build the inner resources they need to cope with the challenges of their lives.