The Psychological Service Center and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program at the University of Nevada, Reno are offering a free group therapy program to women who have suffered abuse from their domestic partners. This new program is in a group workshop format, meeting for two days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, with lunch and snacks provided to participants. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of women who have been in abusive relationships and will be available for the next several months.

The program is funded by federal grants through the Nevada Office of the Attorney General, and by internal University funding awarded to Alan Fruzzetti, a professor in the Psychology Department who has directed the Domestic Abuse Program at the University since its beginning in 1995.

"The recovery process for abused women varies from woman to woman," said Jung eun Lee, domestic abuse treatment coordinator. "In these groups, we focus on safety, restoring women's self-esteem and increasing their self-validation. The group setting also offers them social support during the time when women are thinking, 'Why can't I get over this?'"

Each group includes five to eight women, and new groups can be formed quickly if enough women are interested in the program. Each group is led by two therapists during the two-day program, and women may repeat the program if they desire.

"We hold these sessions as often as we need to," Lee said. "Typically, they are about once each month."

Participants in the program are given free parking passes near the therapy location, Edmund J. Cain Hall, on Evans Street on the University campus. If participants choose to complete the pre- and post-assessments, they will receive $50 as an incentive for their time.

To participate, women should call Lee at (775) 682-8675 to schedule a group time. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

For more information on the Psychological Service Center treatment programs, call (775) 784-6668.