testimonials from our clients

I came to True North like many of you confused and not sure of how to move next, I had a lot of time pointing blame at others for problems I created and the way I reacted to things. I was filled with anger and aggression and chose not to fix myself it was easier to say I was provoked, and it is not my fault I was just reacting to others’ disrespect. In all honesty I had many issues and demons like most of us have from trauma that I was a part of and things that I witnessed that I never got the help for until things spiraled out of control. The program at true north which seems like a very long time being 32 weeks was a blessing for me. Dan and Amanda help the individuals in the program take accountability for their actions and make us understand that the things that have happened to us were because of decisions we made. I am a different person today because of the effort that I put in and because of the tools laid out by True North which have changed my life and my family. I am forever grateful for this program and the help it gave to fix the things I couldn't change on my own. If you are looking into this program just know you are on the right path and the hardest part is admitting you have a problem, hopefully you get out of this program everything you need to change because you deserve it and so does your family and friends. There is hope, with the effort you put into your entire life will change, good luck.

If I write a review, something is over the top bad or something is over the top good. In this case it’s about a DV program and no one associates that with anything good. However, there are many aspect  where I would urge people to take this course. If you are in a situation where this has been brought up  that you may have to take it you probably will have to take it. So that in itself is a reason to take this program. 

Besides that, it goes a long way for showing that you are cooperative with fixing whatever situation you are currently in. It shows that your family means a lot to you. It shows that you are taking accountability for whatever situation you were in or whatever hand that you had in it or what led up to it.  If you  don’t think you did anything wrong maybe it’s somebody instigating, maybe you need to understand how not to let things get carried too far for too long and bad things happen. You are not making an admission of guilt by taking this course who are merely  showing that you are  being responsible and that you care about your family, your reputation and your lifestyle. Also, when Court  is no longer involved and you have to do things on your own how to react or not react to certain situations. If you are dealing with a difficult person, maybe you still have to figure out how to handle that difficult person or maybe you are the difficult person and you just don’t realize it or a combination thereof. No matter which the class is very organized. I understand why it’s 32 weeks because it’s a slow process to change the way you think and to see things.  Viewing situations in different light and having an open mind is the way to be, because you want to avoid bad things that have negative impacts on family, especially young children. Realize  you will be with people that are in the same or similar circumstances and give them input and take feedback from them instead of talking to people who don’t understand what you are going through.

The class is very strict with adherence to the rules. It is on you to read the rules and follow them and do so, and hopefully finish it in exactly 32 weeks. This  should be most important thing you do during the 32 weeks you are there, however you will come out with a different understanding of conflict resolution and remember  this is not about one particular incident  you’re here for  this is about lifestyle and making life better for yourself your children and your family. If this is something being suggested right now I would strongly urge you to take this. You will not regret it, and you will be dealing with other people who are in similar circumstances and can actually give you feedback and input that will be beneficial going down the road.  The  moderator in my case, Daniel Thomas runs a very strict and organized program, but has meticulous attention to detail with remembering people and exactly what their situation is at the current time. Also remember he has dealt with thousands and thousands of people at this point and his experience and itself is worth the 32 weeks.  If you feel like taking this course is going to label you as guilty for a certain charge. That’s not what this is about. It’s about making sure that you are not in the same circumstances again.  The course gives room for you to state how you feel and your input is taken into consideration, and the best feedback is given with actual care concern about your future and your future with regards to not being in this situation again for people who have strike schedules, the Zoom class allows you to take it from anywhere. You just need to remember one thing, you need to be on time and you need to be ready and you need to focus and you need to give input, as well as take input and take advice when it is over you will be glad that you did this and hopefully it will check off a court mandate to allow you to move on with a better life. Most importantly, do it for your children. 

The Domestic Violence program was a meaningful and eye-opening experience I will never forget which helped me grow both personally and emotionally. It pushed me to take a better look at myself, take ownership of my actions, and truly understand the consequences they had on others. I learned strategies for better communication, respect, and controlling my emotions. It taught me accountability, empathy, and healthier ways to handle conflicts.  The lessons I gained have helped me make positive changes in my behavior and my mindset. Most importantly, it reinforced my commitment to personal growth and being a better person moving forward. I am forever grateful for the guidance and support provided throughout this process through this program. 

I enrolled in the perpetrator empathy and accountability program in the middle of last year after it was recommended to me by DSS as one of the suggested treatments in order to speed track me being able to see my children after a neglect investigation from them witnessing abuse on their mother. In the beginning I was resistant and on the defense as most would given the circumstances. After reassurance from my attorneys and the therapists in the program that the matters spoken in sessions are confidential with exception to safety concerns, I felt I was able to participate appropriately and gain the most out of the sessions. The program helps you have victim empathy and to take accountability for abusive behaviors and just take accountability and have empathy in general. The program helps put things into perspective as a victim and uses peers to test each other on situations that are abusive as well as other therapeutic exercises relative to domestic violence and abuse in general. You will identify use of power and control in yourself and see it in others. You will see yourself in others abusive actions. You will understand and identify your abuse in intimate relationships as well as in relationships in general. The therapy is 32 weeks minimum and is not a cure to what may be an underlying cause. The therapists will guide you in continuing on your path to prevent relapse once you complete the program. My advice going in is take this program parallel with traditional therapy with a counselor that will hold you accountable and will point out what is right and wrong. Keep an open mind, ask questions often and seek clarification with what you don’t understand and trust the process. Best wishes.