November 15th, 2025
At New Horizons House, our counselors and staff help girls who are experiencing Complex Trauma from prolonged physical, emotional, and sexual abuse sustained during vulnerable developmental stages in their childhood.
We’ve learned from the neurobiology of trauma that the effects of complex trauma create ongoing challenges in many areas of a girl’s life that can lead to a pattern of fearfulness and withdrawal that inhibits social bonding. Complex Trauma may also result in persistent hyper-vigilance, an identity rooted in shame, and difficulty recognizing and managing emotions. In some cases, a girl may experience “dissociation.” Dissociation is characterized by feeling numb and detached from one’s own body and the surrounding environment. A person experiencing dissociation may feel like a spectator in their own life and suffer memory lapses and confusion about identity. They can just “zone out.” This detachment comes from a mental defense mechanism used to survive during periods of abuse. While the body is being abused, the mind tries to escape to a safe place far away.
Our staff, counselors, and house mothers provide a safe environment where the girls can learn to recognize and express their feelings and alter destructive behaviors. Over time, trust is established, and the girls begin to confront their traumatic experiences one layer at a time and build a strong social support system. They learn they are no longer alone. It’s a little like peeling the layers of an onion. Gradually, the layers of pain and identity shame are peeled away, and like peeling an onion, it’s often accompanied by tears. Tears of anger and anguish eventually give way to tears of relief, gratitude, and hope for the future.
Your support of New Horizons House plays a vital role in providing these girls with a “crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, and festive praise instead of despair (Isaiah 61:3).”
Dr. Steve Curtis
Executive Vice-President