Crown Counseling Services


Our services



CROWN COUNSELING IS NORTHWEST INDIANA'S MOST ALL-ENCOMPASSING COUNSELING AGENCY. WE OFFER EXTENSIVE THERAPUETIC SERVICES FROM OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF COUNSELORS.



Individual Therapy



When working with individuals, our goal is to examine the dynamics of our clients' lives and to work toward higher levels of self understanding and actualization. Our goal directed approach toward counseling ensures that each client is given the attention that they deserve without unnecessary challenges on the side. We work hard to make sure that your personal work will bring you a higher level of functioning and satisfaction in your day to day life.



Marriage & Couples Therapy



When working with couples, counselors at Crown assist clients as they work together toward identifying and resolving conflicting patterns of behavior within the relationship that keep it from progressing forward. These counselors help couples to work together as they apply a goal oriented effort towards building satisfaction, respect, and support back into their relationships.



Child Therapy



Our goal is to help children and their families to manage daily challenges that otherwise prevent them from achieving personal goals within their lives. We encourage self-exploration and various goal-directed interventions in therapy that are built to assist family members as they work toward reducing friction, learning effective communication skills, unloading emotional baggage, and changing other unhealthy behaviors within their daily interactions. Childhood issues that can be addressed in therapy are: trauma (physical, emotional, or sexual), appropriate interactions, family conflict, behavior/emotional issues, ADHD, communication skills​, bullying, and many more. We have a diverse staff of therapists that are trained to provide many different child appropriate therapy techniques include Sand Tray Therapy and Play Therapy.



Adolescent Therapy



Adolescence can be a tumultuous time of life for many. As a child moves into adolescence, there are numerous changes to the body and mind. Adolescents both start to look and think like adults, and they also begin to take on adult responsibilities. This transition can create many stressors and issues that are hard to handle alone. Our staff are equipped to make the transition into adulthood easier. Some adolescent struggles that can be addressed in therapy are: trauma (physical, emotional, or sexual), depression, anxiety, body image issues, self-injury, ​eating disorders, sexual/gender identity, family conflict, bullying, relationships/friendships, parents' divorce, and many more. We offer individual and family therapy services for adolescents along with therapeutic and support groups for more specific treatment needs.



Play Therapy



Play Therapy is a technique where the child's natural means of expression, namely play, is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her in coping with emotional stress or trauma. It has been used effectively with children who have an understanding level of a 3 to 8 year old, who are experiencing: emotional conflict due to family problems (e.g., parental divorce, sibling rivalry), nail biting behavior, incontinence, aggressive or cruel behavior, socially underdeveloped, or victims of child abuse. It has also been used with special education students whose disability is a source of anxiety or emotional turmoil. Practitioners of play therapy believe that this method allows the child to manipulate the world on a smaller scale, something that cannot be done in the child's everyday environment. By playing with specially selected materials, and with the guidance of a person who reacts in a designated manner, the child plays out his/her feelings, bringing these hidden emotions to the surface where she/he can face them and cope with them. An atmosphere should be developed in which the child knows that she/he can express herself/himself in a non punitive environment.



Sand Tray Therapy



Sand Tray Therapy is a form of expressive therapy. This non-verbal method of therapy is often used with children, but can be applied to adults, teens, couples, families, and groups as well. Sand tray therapy allows a client to construct their own microcosm using miniature toys and colored sand. The newly created microcosm then acts as a reflection of the client’s own life and allows them the opportunity to resolve conflicts, remove obstacles, and to connect to their inner being and recognize the beauty of their own soul as they begin to accept themselves.

Sand Tray Therapy for Children

Many children experiencing trauma, neglect or abuse are unable to vocalize their emotional state as a result of trauma or extreme neglect or abuse. Incorporating the element of a familiar medium, the sand, allows a child to instantly achieve a sense of comfort and security. This method therapy serves as a valuable and powerful outlet for children and an incredibly insightful method of gaining access to their traumatic experiences. This relaxed and interactive setting of sand tray therapy provides them the initial arena of safety that they need to move toward healing.

Sand Tray Therapy for Adults

Adults who have experienced trauma, or who cannot express their emotional state verbally or through other cognitive means of therapy, respond well to sand tray therapy. The environment presents an atmosphere free from threats, violence, and retribution and the clients are capable of acting out any scenarios that present themselves. The therapist works with the client to alter the positions of the miniature objects as representations of the true people and events. By beginning to facilitate change on a fictitious level, a client gains the courage and ability to recognize that these same changes can be made in their own life.



Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)



Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a psychotherapy for children ages 3-18 who have experienced trauma. It is short-term, structured therapy, provided in 8-25 sessions, each session lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Sessions are divided equally between child and parent. 30 years of research on TF-CBT has shown it to be highly effective in treating posttraumatic stress disorder in children.



School-Therapy Program



Crown Counseling is one of the largest providers of school-based therapy in Northwest Indiana. Our school therapy program partners with various schools located across several districts. School-based therapy allows for integrated mental health treatment for children and adolescents to be provided in their school environment. Our school therapists utilize evidenced based treatment practices to provide your child the best approach to making meaningful change. Therapists are available to be part of the case conferencing process and to assist in managing challenging behaviors. The goal of school therapy is to decrease behavioral, emotional, and/or social challenges to ensure that your child experiences success at school and at home. Common treatment focus might include: aggression, anxiety, depression/isolation, poor social skills, grief, stress, trauma, truancy, parent child relational issues, self-harm, and emotional regulation.

School-based therapy might include:

Individual Therapy

Group Therapy

Family Therapy (may be office based)

Play Therapy

Substance Abuse Therapy

Trauma Focused Therapy

Risk Assessment, as needed (suicidal)

Collaboration with School Staff and Educational Planning

Linkage to outside referrals (when necessary).



Eating Disorder Services



"It's Not About The Food" Support Group



It's Not About the Food is a monthly family support group for both families of and individuals that struggle with an unhealthy relationship with food. This group is inclusive of all disordered eating behaviors and works to foster a supportive and honest community of individuals to make these behaviors speakable. These behaviors often thrive in secrecy and are often very misunderstood. This group strives to provide both education to families and an outlet for those struggling to come together and support one another while fighting this disease. You may attend this group on your own or bring a family member(s) of your support system and all ages are welcome. You do not need to be a Crown client to attend this group. We meet on the last Wednesday of every month for virtual group session from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. (*this may differ due to holidays in the months of November and December*). It's Not About the Food may qualify for insurance coverage, please consult your benefits to determine coverage. There is also a self-pay option of $15 per meeting per person/family. Please contact us at (219) 663-6353 for more information.



LGBTQAI+ Services



Pride Initiative Support Group



Our staff is sensitive to the specific needs of members of the LGBTQAI+ community. To meet those needs, we provide totally affirming services with a high quality of professionalism that are both genuine and respectful. Services are strength-focused and build upon those individual and family strengths to maximize success. LGBTQAI+ Services include: individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, body dysmorphia treatment, addiction education, eating disorder treatment, emergency/crisis services, family communication, ​risk assessments, education resources, and our Pride Initiative Support Group.


Pride Initiative is a twice weekly support group for members of the LGBTQAI+ community and their families. It is free of charge, open to all, completely anonymous, and positively affirming. Group consists of uplifting and supportive discussions and activities that center around the lives and well-being of LGBTQAI+ individuals and their families. The group meets every Wednesday at 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Crown Point office and at 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday's for a virtual meeting via Zoom. Both group meetings are open to people of all ages and backgrounds. You do not have to be a client of Crown Counseling to attend.



Substance Abuse Services



Addiction Support/ Education Group



We're invested in long-term recovery. Long-term sobriety requires ongoing treatment and a strong support network. Our outpatient substance abuse services provides that continued care and support through therapeutic intervention and education. Our therapists help clients develop the skills and relationships needed to sustain recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. Our clients will meet with one of our master's level clinicians in an individual or group setting where they will learn a range of valuable recovery skills, including:

Coping with drug cravings

Accepting and acting on feedback

Practicing effective communication

Finding ways to reduce stress

Identifying anger triggers and learning effective ways to deal with anger Improving decision-making abilities

Creating healthy relationships


The Addiction Support/ Education Group is a free group offered through Crown Family Services (A division of Crown Counseling). This group is open to any person in the community 18 years and older at no out-of-pocket cost, including those who are court ordered needing to complete a drug or alcohol program. The group meets every Monday evening from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm virtually. Please contact us at (219) 663-6353 for more information



Our Specialty Services



Problematic Sexual Behavior Treatment



Evidence-Based Treatment Program for Families of Adolescents with Problematic Sexual Behavior



Crown Counseling employs Credentialed Sexually Abusive Youth Clinicians (CSAYC) trained by INAJSOP to work with youth who have engaged in Problematic Sexual Behavior and/or Illegal Sexual Behavior and who have been trained Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT). One may feel conflicted and/or confused as to whether or not this specialized treatment is necessary. This is a normal response and that is why our clinicians’ determine if treatment is warranted by conducting an initial intake with the youth and parent/caretaker. Treatment recommendations are determined at the end of the intake and may include:

PSB-CBT group for adolescents and their parent/caretaker (Groups run concurrent youth ages 13-17 yrs. old).

Outpatient treatment may be 6 months to 12 months

Individual Therapy

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (12 yrs. old and younger family approach)

Psychosexual Risk Assessment (12+ yrs. old and who may be involved with the juvenile or CHINS legal system when there is definitive information that the youth engaged in sexually abusive behavior). Serving Lake and Porter Counties. Contact us if you know a family who might benefit from this program.-We accept referrals from: Parents/Guardians, Department of Child Services, Juvenile Probation, Medical, School, and Other Professionals.


*** Crown Counseling received a Federal Grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention specifically to work with youth who exhibit PSB and their family members. If eligible, some services described above would be at no cost. Please see attached for further information. *** For more information please call the program supervisor:

Maria Alvarado MS., LMHC, NCC, CSAYC (219)663-6323 Ext. 122

mariaa@crowncounseling.org



Functional Family Therapy (FFT)



Crown Counseling is an exclusive provider of FFT in Northern Indiana. Functional Family Therapy(FFT) is an evidence based model of family intervention for at-risk youth, ages 10 to 18, and their families. FFT demonstrates positive outcomes for improving family relations and communications, and builds on youth and family strengths as the motivation for change. Developed in 1972 and backed by more than 4 decades of research, our model is proven effective in treating problems ranging from acting out/conduct disorder to defiant disorder and alcohol and/or substance abuse. Adolescent behavioral challenges are complex, multidimensional, and embedded in family and community systems. These issues are addressed by:

  • Developing family members' inner strengths and sense of self-efficacy.
  • Assisting the family in understanding their strengths and challenges in a manner that is supportive and empowering.
  • Creating a platform for change and enhanced future functioning.
  • Short-term: 12 to 16 sessions, over 3 to 4 months.
  • Phase program that is flexible, culturally sensitive, strength focused, and family centered.


Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)



EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. It is an entire therapy model that has been proven to be highly effective for those who have experienced trauma. EMDR therapy is founded on the basis that our emotional well-being is interwoven with our physical (somatic) state. Therefore, EMDR employs a body-based technique called bilateral simulation during which a therapist will guide a client through through eye movements, tones, or taps in order to move a memory that has been incorrectly stored to a more functional part of the brain.



Reiki Therapy



Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that promotes relaxation and stress and anxiety reduction through gentle touch. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing. Reiki often feels like a gentle warm energy flowing through your body or a slight tingling sensation. Reiki treats the whole person including body, mind, and spirit creating many beneficial effects that may include relaxation, feelings of peace and well-being, security, reduced tension, and stress relief. It has also been found to aid in the reduction of body aches, headaches, general pain, and the side effects of chemotherapy.


30 minute or 60 minute sessions offered with Reiki Master Practitioners, Katie Eich or Kerry Knowles

$40 / 30 min.

$70 / 60 min.


*Reiki Therapy should not be used as a substitute for the consultation of a physician or psychotherapist.*



Domestic Violence Intervention



Our goal is to utilize our Domestic Violence Intervention Program to help those who have experienced domestic violence recognize abusive patterns and break the cycle of abuse. We offer several services for batterers and victims:

Individual therapy

Family therapy

Group therapy

Male Batterers' Intervention Group

Female Batterers' Intervention Group

Domestic Violence Victims Group

​Domestic Violence Education Group

Case management services.


Please contact our office at (219) 663-6353 and speak with our intake coordinator for assistance beginning one of our Domestic Violence Intervention Programs.



Anger Management Services



Our Anger Management Program is facilitated by a certified Anger Management Specialist. This certification is a significant credential with the National Anger Management Association. The NAMA Anger Management Specialist certifications are recognized by all courts in the U.S., as well as internationally. The Anger Management Intervention Project is an evidence-based program, twelve week program. This program works on developing the following skills:

Assertiveness

Behavior skills

Empathy

Stress management

Problem-solving

Conflict resolution

Forgiveness


This program has open-enrollment, and there is no waiting to begin services. We see clients for this program on a court-referred and/or self-pay basis. Please contact our office to begin or if you have any questions.



Our Case Management Services



Supervised Visitation



Supervised visitation allows parents in high conflict or high risk situations access to their children in a safe and supervised environment. The noncustodial parent(s) has access to the child only when supervised by a trained professional. Supervised visitation is used to protect children from potentially dangerous situations while allowing parental access and providing support for the parent child relationship. Our staff is educated and trained to ensure children are kept safe while working to improve and maintain the relationship between children and parent(s). We offer supervised visitation services with bachelor's level caseworkers and therapeutic supervised visitation with master's level therapists for higher risk family situations. We see clients for this service by referral, court order, or on a self-pay basis.



Parenting Education



Parenting Education is an effective, multi-session planned training curriculum that focuses on topics important to parents today. Easy to understand and apply, Parenting Education presents effective skills that can be used immediately. Upon successful completion of the program, clients receive a certificate of completion. This course provides valuable information which helps to improve communication among family members and lessens conflict. We offer the following parenting services:

Parenting assessments

Parenting Education 1-on-1

Co-parenting

Co-parenting for divorced parents

Hands-on Parenting Nurturing

Our Parenting Education courses are state accepted and meet state standards. Length of services varies depending on client needs. We see Parenting Education clients on a court ordered, referred, or self-pay basis.



Mentoring



Mentoring provides a system of support for at risk-youth in order to provide positive influences and growth. This service consists of goal setting and personal development, and is typically activity based. Goals are determined in a group setting with family involvement. Mentoring is typically done with the youth outside of the home, utilizing various community resources. Mentoring activities vary depending on age of client and client's interests. Activities can include: arts and crafts, educational outings (museums/art galleries/nature walks), career fairs, college campus tours, sporting activities/fitness training, and/or volunteer work. We see mentoring clients on a referral-only basis through the Department of Child Services and/or probation.



Home-based Casework



Home-based casework services act as a support for clients who need assistance in learning how to effectively manage daily household tasks and life skills. This is a very useful service for teenagers, young adults, disabled individuals, and the elderly population. These services cover a broad range of tasks/skills including: home organization, nutrition and meal planning, daily household chores, budgeting, planning and organizing, and time management ​We see home-based casework clients on a referral-only basis through the Department of Child Services and/or probation.



Father Engagement



Fatherhood Engagement is a program designed to assist father in being a positive role model for their children. This program's services can include: assistance with community resources, filing for paternity, employment, housing, building relationships with their children, parenting, co parenting, and supervised visitation. Program goals are determined on a case by case basis depending on each clients individual needs. We see Fatherhood engagement clients on a referral-only basis through the Department of Child Services



We're here for you.





Getting started is easy, and we are glad to assist you.


Call Us
Let's Get Started



Crown Point (Primary) Location:
1308 N. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307

Hammond (Secondary) Location:
7025 Indianapolis Blvd. Hammond, IN 46324


Call Us
crowncounselingservices@yahoo.com

Crown Counseling Services