Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico has launched a Pastoral Counseling Program for Victims of Domestic Violence.
The Pastoral Counseling Program is designed to support women who have experienced abuse and other crimes. Rooted in compassion and faith, the program serves the Las Cruces metro area through counseling sessions offered at six different locations, in partnership with two Catholic churches, one high school, and two area colleges.
The program empowers participants by helping them focus on their faith, inner strengths, and personal goals. In its first year, most participants were women navigating vulnerable situations—whether due to immigration challenges, strained family relationships, or experiences of economic and emotional abuse. Many entered the program feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn.
Here, they found something powerful: a compassionate listener. Someone who valued their voices, affirmed their dignity, and reminded them that they had the strength to make their own choices. For many who had lived under control—first from fathers, later from husbands or partners—this was a life-changing realization.
The program’s mission is not only to help participants survive, but to help them live with purpose. Therapy emphasizes the motto: “I choose to be happy, no matter what challenges I’m facing.” Every session begins with prayer, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. While faith is central, the program welcomes people of all religions and respects every belief.
Testimonials of Hope
The Christian Counseling Program, launched on November 1, 2023, sets itself apart by integrating faith with counseling. Research and experience show that when individuals believe in something greater than themselves, their journey to recovery—whether from physical, emotional, or spiritual struggles—becomes more hopeful and attainable. Serving women ages 14 to 84, the program is already transforming lives. Below are two powerful testimonies:
Testimonial 1: A Story of Resilience After Tragedy
One participant was referred to the program by her parish priest after enduring devastating loss. Four years ago, her husband was murdered in a restaurant in Ciudad Juárez while she was with him. At the time, she was pregnant and witnessed the tragedy firsthand. She was left with overwhelming grief, severe depression, and paralyzing anxiety about raising her child alone—especially since she had been financially dependent on her husband.
Through counseling, she has made remarkable progress:
- Overcoming fear: She has gradually regained comfort in public spaces.
- Emotional growth: She has learned to manage her thoughts and emotions, building resilience and confidence.
- Setting goals: With a renewed outlook, she has set her sights on finishing her university degree.
She now speaks of her desire to be a strong mother and a positive contributor to society, showing how faith and therapy together can bring healing.
Testimonial 2: A Journey to Self-Acceptance
A 14-year-old girl entered the program after being referred by her school’s social worker. Struggling with poor attendance and falling grades, she shared feelings of loneliness and insecurity, believing she was unattractive compared to others. These struggles reflect a painful reality for many young people today, caught in the pressures of unrealistic beauty standards.
Through the program, she has experienced a transformation:
- Self-acceptance: She has embraced the importance of loving herself as she is.
- Positive mindset: She has learned to manage negative thoughts and stop harmful self-criticism.
- Inner strength: She now focuses on her unique talents and future goals rather than appearances.
- Gratitude: She has begun to practice thankfulness, shifting her perspective toward what she already has.
Her renewed confidence has reignited her motivation to thrive at school and in life.
A Gift of Support and Faith
Stories like these are only a glimpse of the powerful work being carried out through the Christian Counseling Program. By combining a faith-based approach with evidence-based counseling, the program is helping women reclaim their dignity, strengthen their resilience, and step into brighter futures.
In 2025, thanks to the generosity of St. Anthony’s followers and devotees, Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico received a $25,000 grant to subsidize the cost of faith-based counseling for victims of domestic violence. This grant ensures that even more women will have access to the healing, hope, and empowerment they deserve.