When someone reaches out for help, what happens next matters. Being believed instead of questioned. Being heard instead of judged. Having someone say, “You don’t have to figure this out alone.” And knowing you won’t be told what to do—you’ll be supported as you consider what feels right for you.
At Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN), free, confidential counseling is available in English and Spanish for adults, older adults, and youth. Counseling is available by phone, virtually, or in person at offices in Boulder, Lafayette, and Broomfield.
SPAN’s counselors take a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and client-directed approach, creating space for survivors to understand what is happening, recognize patterns of abuse, explore their options, and build skills that support greater safety and security. The conversation is guided by each survivor’s experiences, strengths, goals, and choices—including how violence may be affecting relationships, family, culture, identity, and everyday life.
What Counseling Can Look Like
At a recent SPAN full-moon outdoor gathering, adults and children came together for reflection, wellness, and connection.
When severe weather changed the plans, the group adapted. A central component of the evening became a traditional ancestral cleansing practice, or limpia, facilitated by the SPAN counselor.
Participants were introduced to different herbs and plants and learned how they could be used as part of a culturally rooted practice of cleansing and intention-setting. Participants worked in pairs and offered one another a limpia, with intentions that could include emotional, spiritual, or physical well-being.
As the sun began to set, participants went outside for a short nature walk. Although the original hike had to be canceled, the group was still able to experience elements of nature together. Participants observed bats and rabbits and listened to coyotes howling as the sun went down. Along the way, they learned interesting facts about the natural environment and the animals they encountered.
The evening concluded with a quiet mindfulness and listening exercise. Participants stood together in silence, intentionally listening to the sounds of nature while the moonlight reflected on their faces. This peaceful moment provided an opportunity for reflection and served as a meaningful closing to the gathering.
The evening highlighted resilience, adaptability, cultural connection, intergenerational engagement, and community support. Participants repeatedly expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be together and for the group’s willingness to adapt to the circumstances.
When the Garden Becomes a Pathway to Healing
For young people, finding the right way to express themselves can be an important part of counseling.
In SPAN’s seasonal Tending the Garden group this summer, youth ages 8–17 worked with plants and soil while building connection, creativity, and resilience. For some young people, having something to do with their hands can make it easier to participate, connect with others, and express what they are feeling.
Research is beginning to show why this can matter. Recent studies have found that gardening and other nature-based activities may support mental well-being and help reduce stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Research with students has also found promising benefits for mental well-being.
For a young person who doesn’t have the words yet, sometimes a garden can provide another way to begin.
That is part of what client-led counseling makes possible: meeting young people where they are and giving them room to find ways to connect, express themselves, and heal.
Support That Strengthens Families
When one person experiences violence, the effects can reach throughout the family. Children may experience abuse themselves or be affected by violence at home, shaping their sense of safety, emotional well-being, behavior, and relationships.
Healing can happen when children and caregivers have support to understand what they’re experiencing, build skills, and strengthen their relationships. SPAN’s Family Resilience program creates space for children to express themselves through art, nature, and play, while caregivers build social-emotional skills and learn strategies to strengthen connection with their children.
This support can have an impact beyond the family. As children develop healthy ways to express themselves and caregivers build stronger relationships with them, families can create patterns of connection, communication, and resilience that extend into their everyday lives and communities.
SPAN offers more support groups throughout the year. Visit our website to learn more about current groups and find the support that may be right for you.
You Don’t Have to Know What You Need
Maybe you’re questioning whether a relationship is healthy or safe. Maybe you’re experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Maybe something happened in the past and you’re still trying to understand its impact.
You don’t have to name it. You don’t have to decide whether it’s “serious enough.” And you don’t have to have a plan before you reach out.
You can start with a conversation.
SPAN provides free, confidential counseling in English and Spanish for adults, older adults, and youth. Counseling is available by phone, virtually, or in person at offices in Boulder, Lafayette, and Broomfield.
Need help right now? Call SPAN’s 24-hour Crisis & Resource Hotline: 303-444-2424.
Learn more about SPAN’s Counseling Services HERE, and to support our work DONATE HERE.
