Northwest Family Life

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Northwest Family Life

Domestic Violence - Counseling, Education, Treatment and Advocacy Those who come to us seeking refuge from a violent home are frightened and confused.

Their spirits are paralyzed. They feel disoriented, lost and often disconnected from their faith. They are women whose lives are devastated by the terror of violence at the hands of their husbands and intimate partners. They are children who are traumatized by seeing and hearing too much. They are men who are bewildered by their own emotions and actions. WE REACH OUT TO THEM, offering understanding, an end to isolation, resources, an escape plan or ways to maximize their safety in the midst of ongoing danger. Our advocates provide information and support to survivors of domestic violence, those currently dealing with an abusive situation, or those still healing from past abuse. WE GIVE THEM A PLACE TO HEAL. We meet them in painful places, giving them the courage to deepen their faith, heal their paralyzed hearts and guide them to emotional recovery through God’s faithfulness and transformational healing.We create an environment where decent men can come forward to confront the norms of violence against women and children. WE TEACH FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW TO SUPPORT THEM, AND ABUSERS HOW TO BE ACCOUNTABLE, recognizing the milestones of their recovery. The Northwest Family Life team offers education and training locally, nationally, and internationally. Through speaking, teaching, and presentations, we provide awareness and education on domestic violence and many related issues. Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) are available for many of our trainings through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). To schedule a presentation or training for your organization, church, workplace, or community, please contact us at hope@nwfamilylife.org

Northwest Family Life conducts a State Certified Batterers Treatment Program for perpetrators of domestic violence. This Intervention program meets the WAC 388-60 for Batterers Treatment and provides an opportunity for individuals to understand the affects of abuse, take responsibility for behavior, remain accountable, change attitudes of power and control in relationships, learn anger management skills, and heal from anger and abuse. WE PROVIDE A NETWORK OF COUNSELORS FOR INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES AND FAMILIES.

11/10/2025

The past two years during fall, our Soul Care Director, Bethany Dearborn Hiser shared reflections and practices on Returning to Our Soul Home.

She writes:
"I know I am not alone in the challenge and need for us to be rooted and grounded in Love. And I see this idea of Returning to Myself all around, from Brandi Carlisle’s new song to guided meditations on Insight Timer, to Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and other quality therapeutic modalities.

Returning to our Soul Home is essential, and not the end goal...reminded and rooted in Love we are equipped to more wholly embody Love in the world.

Perhaps, as Brandi sings, “Returning to myself is just returning me to you.”

What comes to mind when you hear 'Returning to your Soul Home'? What helps you Return to Your Soul Home? We'd love to hear from you!

https://bethanydearbornhiser.substack.com/p/returning-to-our-soul-home-15b

11/06/2025

Offering a Most Respectful Interpretation

In a recent issue of her Soul Care for Wounded Healers substack, Bethany Dearborn Hiser reflected on some ways we can embody peace in our circles and spheres of influence through interpersonal communication. She introduced what she's learned as an MRI, or Most Respectful Interpretation.

Hiser writes, “Offer and ask for the most respectful interpretation of what another said. We hear through our lenses, our emotional state, and experiences of the day. Ask for clarification before making assumptions. You could also use Brene Brown’s “the story I’m telling myself is…,” can you help me understand if that’s what you are saying?”

Hiser also suggests that active listening, practicing nonviolent communication, being aware of cultural differences/personality/social hierarchy, and honoring a person’s readiness before sharing, may all be possible tools for how we can better engage with one another.

You can continue to read the article here: https://open.substack.com/pub/bethanydearbornhiser/p/offering-an-mri-most-respectful-interpretation?r=1lt7xl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Or read and join Bethany's substack at https://bethanydearbornhiser.substack.com/ and also check out some of her recent meditations on Insight Timer, for further grounding and reflection. https://insig.ht/eLMyqcBDuXb?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share

11/04/2025

Ways We're Here For You!

We want you to know all of what we offer at Northwest Family Life and ways you can plug in, receive support, and support the work we are doing!

As we leave October and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we want you to know we are here for you. If you're a survivor looking for individual therapy, or in need of therapeutic transitional housing, please reach out. If you're a therapist who wants to support DV survivors and you want to plug into our network, we'd love to hear from you.

Scroll through the slides to see our mission, our contact info, and the various programs we offer.

10/28/2025

Next Tuesday Nov 4th, 10-11am PST on US' Election Day, we're inviting you to practice re-centering in who you are as Beloveds and remembering we are joined by multitudes ahead of us in making change in our world. We are not alone.

Since this weekend is not only Halloween, but All Saints Day and All Soul's Day, our Director of Soul Care, Bethany Dearborn Hiser will invite you to remember people who have gone before you, offered you wisdom or inspiration, saints, teachers, mentors. She will lead an Ignatian inspired imaginative meditation as well as a Litany of the Saints, followed by breakout rooms. Whether or not you celebrate All Saints Day, you are welcome.

For those who are triggered by the word: ancestors, may you consider that with grace, honoring your story, where that comes from, and stepping back a bit to see if there’s something in this for you.

Registration and event info here:
https://www.bethanydearbornhiser.com/eventregistration

10/23/2025

Recently, NWFL Director of Soul Care, Bethany Dearborn Hiser, shared a beautiful tune from local artist, Alexandra Blakely, “Carry this All,” as part of her substack (see below). https://ahlayblakely.bandcamp.com/track/carry-this-all-2

This song has served as a kind of anthem for our team, and a reminder of how important such community is for elevating survivor voices.

I hope you can take a listen and, as Alexandra sings, wherever you are this Fall, whatever you are walking through, and especially if you or someone you know is experiencing violence, please know that “You do not carry this all alone.”

10/20/2025

We're excited to share that we have 3 new clinical supervisors, Sarah Kardelen, Yvette Stone, and Bethany Hendrickson!

They are led by our Director of Clinical Supervision, Richard Berger (MA, LMFT), and are welcoming new associate level clinicians for supervision.

This group collectively brings 25 + years of counseling expertise in areas of DV, trauma, and related issues, and so much breadth, vision, and wisdom.

Interested in learning more about how to become an affiliate and work with one of these supervisors? Email us at affiliatesupport@nwfamilylife.org

10/17/2025

In this moment, we are feeling it is increasingly important to come together in spiritual solidarity to uplift one another, our aches and yearnings, and to also uplift those who are carrying scars of violence of all kind—domestic, political, systemic, relational, and unseen.

All faith backgrounds and contexts are welcome. Join our team and bring your requests to uplift in community on Wednesday, October 22nd at 10 AM (PDT). Unable to join on the day? Email your prayer requests and witnessing to hope@nwfamilylife.org by 12 PM (PDT) on Tuesday, October 21st.

For Zoom Link: https://northwestfamilylife.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=48229609f25a31e277a587b5c&id=fda2e3bec1&e=07405b21a0

10/14/2025

Did you know we have a Domestic Violence Intervention Treatment program?

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month , we'd like to feature the importance of stopping the cycle of DV.

In 2023, we reopened NWFL Domestic Violence Intervention Treatment, and since then our groups have been growing and providing accountability and education for perpetrators of domestic violence who are pursuing change.

As of this month we have 18 participants enrolled. Pictured below is our mighty team! From Left to Right: Dr. Nancy Murphy (D.Min, LMHC), providing only the best supervision and consultation 🙂 ; Marcos Sauri (AAC, SUDP, CDSIII, NCAC I), who is leading one of the only Spanish speaking groups in the region; and Grace Joy Perea (LMHCA), who brings her experience as a mental health counselor and DV advocate.

Thanks to funding from the City of Seattle’s HSD Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, all participants are receiving treatment regardless of ability to pay.

10/13/2025

Today we honor Indigenous American Peoples and their histories and cultures.

American Indian and Alaska Native women experience some of the highest rates of physical and sexual violence in the nation, but it has not always been this way. Before colonization, abuse and domestic violence were rare in tribal communities.

Strong Hearts Native Helpline is a great place to learn more about violence in Indian country, as well as a place to receive help and advocacy.

Northwest Family Life gratefully acknowledges and thanks the Duwamish, Suquamish, Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Peoples, on whose unceded territories we live, learn, and work.

Check out https://native-land.ca/ to learn more about the land you live on.

10/10/2025

Today we want to feature a valuable resource, written by a NWFL community volunteer and partner, Shawn Richard-Davis . On her recent blog, https://dreamin4freedom.com/, she shares:

"I wrote my book, “Setting Aside Silence (One Word at a Time) https://a.co/d/ibzistH to make it easier to discuss this hard topic. My book can serve as a handbook, guide, journal, or devotional to those who have been affected by domestic violence.

“Setting Aside Silence” boldly defines and explains words relating to domestic violence from the perspective of a victim/survivor. It will help survivors and loved ones understand the meaning of words like “power and control”, “manipulation”, and “isolation”. The book allows each person to read at their own pace, and contemplate how the words relate to their individual experience. “Setting Aside Silence” puts the blame or responsibility of violence squarely on the shoulders of the abuser. Victims should never be blamed for being abused."

She writes, "Statistics indicate 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men will be affected by domestic violence in their lifetime. That means we ALL know someone who has been or is being affected right now. The victims of violence are our sisters, mothers, friends and loved ones. They are all races, cultures, religions, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. Yet, domestic violence remains a topic people are afraid to talk about. Fear, embarrassment, and shame keep many victims from speaking up. In some households, people have been taught, “What happens in this house, stays in this house”. This tradition of silence allows domestic violence to continue unchecked, leaving women and children vulnerable and unsafe."

10/09/2025

Looking for some ways to support someone you know? Or ask for support yourself? Here’s a helpful list from What would you add?

Repost from
Watching someone endure an abusive partner’s actions can be difficult under any circumstances, and it’s not always clear how best to respond when you see the warning signs of abuse.

Whether it’s by listening without judgment, checking in regularly, helping with safety planning, or simply respecting their journey, every act of support, big or small, makes a difference.

Survivors are experts in their own lives. The best thing you can do? Believe them, be patient, and remind them they are not alone.

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12360 Lake City Way NE Suite 420
Seattle, WA
98125

Website

http://www.northwestfamilylife.org/

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