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You do not have to navigate healing alone.
The Center for Survivors offers free, confidential, trauma-informed therapy for survivors of interpersonal violence. Therapy is centered on trauma work and tailored to your goals, experiences, and needs. We offer virtual and in-person therapy options for MSU students, faculty and staff.
Our therapists work collaboratively with survivors to identify goals, explore healing options, build coping strategies, and engage in trauma-focused work at a pace that feels comfortable.
We believe healing looks different for everyone. Therapy is tailored to your individual strengths, needs, identities, and experiences.
Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to explore your experiences, emotions, and goals, with a focus on trauma work and healing from the impact of violence. Survivors seek therapy for many reasons, including processing trauma, managing anxiety or stress, improving relationships, building coping skills, increasing feelings of safety, or supporting their overall well-being.
Our therapists work collaboratively with survivors to identify goals and treatment options that fit their unique needs and experiences. All therapy services are free and confidential.
MSU Center for Survivors
Your therapy will be tailored to your needs, strengths, and goals. In early sessions, you and your therapist will discuss what brings you to therapy, the support you’re seeking, and which approaches may help.
Therapy is survivor-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, holistic, intersectional, and empowering. You and your therapist will decide the pace and focus of your trauma work. You are always in control of what you share, and therapy does not require reporting violence or disclosing details.
Supportive Therapy
A flexible and collaborative approach focused on your current needs, goals, and experiences. Sessions may include emotional support, coping strategies, skill-building, and reflection.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
An evidence-based treatment for trauma recovery.
CPT helps survivors:
Good to Know: CPT does not require sharing details of a traumatic event.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
An evidence-based treatment that helps individuals process distressing experiences.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to support healing and reduce trauma-related symptoms.
Good to Know: EMDR does not require discussing experiences in detail and may feel different from traditional talk therapy.
Somatic Experiencing
A body-centered approach to healing that helps individuals increase awareness of physical sensations and responses related to stress and trauma. Somatic Experiencing supports the nervous system in developing greater regulation, resilience, and a sense of safety.
Trauma-Informed Yoga
A gentle, choice-based practice that combines movement, breathing, and mindfulness to support healing and reconnect individuals with their bodies. Trauma-informed yoga emphasizes safety, empowerment, and self-awareness rather than performance or physical achievement.
Ecotherapy
A therapeutic approach that incorporates nature into the healing process. Through connection with the natural environment, ecotherapy can support stress reduction, emotional well-being, grounding, and a greater sense of connection and resilience.
Ear Acupuncture
A wellness practice that involves the placement of small needles at specific points on the ear to support relaxation, stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Ear acupuncture is often used as a complementary approach alongside other therapeutic services.
Do I have to report what happened?
No. Receiving therapy does not require reporting.
Is therapy confidential?
Explain confidentiality and its limits.
How much does therapy cost?
Therapy services are free and no insurance information is collected.
Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on?
No. Many survivors begin therapy while still figuring out what support they need.
Our therapists are honored to support survivors on their healing journey.
Getting started is simple. If you are interested in therapy services, contact us by email at therapy@msu.edu
A member of our team will contact you to schedule an intake meeting to gather information about your needs, goals, and preferences. This information helps us make a thoughtful assignment to a therapist who can best support your trauma work.
We understand that reaching out can feel difficult. Whether you are ready to begin therapy or simply want more information, we are here to support you.