Domestic Violence (DV) can include many types of abusive behavior such as physical, verbal, psychological, emotional, property, economic, or sexual abuse. Abuse always includes various types of controlling behavior that often results in a relationship defined by power and control. Controlling behaviors can include intimidation, manipulation, giving orders, a constant need to be right, micro-managing, as well as passive-aggressive behaviors like withdrawal, shutting down, and dismissive comments.

A Better Way Counseling is a Washington State Certified Domestic Violence Perpetrator Treatment Agency. We provide Domestic Violence Perpetrator Treatment for men and women who are court-ordered to be in DV or Anger Management (AM) treatment. Our DV/AM Treatment program follows the guidelines outlined in the WAC 110-60A that defines how DV/AM treatment is done in Washington state.

Voluntary individuals that want to enter our program may do so and must follow the same guidelines. All of our treatment starts with an assessment before joining a group. Our program helps men and women learn and practice nonviolent methods of dealing with conflict in relationships.

At A Better Way Counseling Service, our philosophy is that we cannot teach respect by being disrespectful. In addition, the groups are designed to teach nonviolence, accountability, conflict resolution, boundary setting, and assertiveness instead of aggression. The group leaders provide a variety of other concepts related to being less controlling and abusive. We believe that respect is essential to model in order to teach these concepts.

DV and AM treatment, as directed by state law, is primarily done in a group setting. In rare cases, individual counseling may serve as part of treatment. Couples’ counseling is never offered as part of DV treatment because it has proven to be the most dangerous form of treatment for abusive relationships.

Anger Management & Domestic Violence Group Times

Please be aware that our Assessments are solely for Criminal Court or voluntary clients. They are not applicable in Family Court. We are not able to offer Spanish or Russian-speaking classes at this time.

If you would like to schedule an assessment please call our office at (360)281-6824.

Group Times and Cost per session: $50

Tuesdays: 5:30 PM- 7:00 PM

Tuesdays: 7:15 PM- 8:45 PM

Tuesdays: 7:30 PM- 9:00 PM (Women’s group)

Wednesdays 6:00 PM-7:30 PM

Wednesdays 6:15 PM – 7:45 PM (Online, for those who do not live in the local area)

Thursdays 6:00 PM-7:30 PM

Sunday 5:15 PM-6:45 PM

Current Anger Management & Domestic Violence Staff