Kim Walheim and Dolores Reidenbach have a message for adult female survivors of sexual abuse: There is hope.

"On the Threshold of Hope" will be offered through Elizabethtown-based Jewel David Ministries, with licensed professional counselor Walheim leading the program and Jewel David founder Reidenbach co-leading. The group therapy will run from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays from April 12 to June 28 at Community Place on Washington, 61 E. Washington St., Elizabethtown.

"The program is focused on women who are survivors of sexual abuse/trauma that may still be struggling with certain aspects of trauma and seeking healing," Walheim explained. "This program is not specific to childhood sexual abuse and is applicable to abuse at any age."

As Reidenbach noted, the therapy uses a program developed by Dr. Diane Mandt Langberg, a therapist specializing in sexual trauma. "The program is an organized approach to therapeutic work as a group, using a program to share experiences while focusing on guided treatment to make progress in processing the trauma and exploring methods to apply toward peace and mental wellness," she said.

Jewel David Ministries last ran the program in 2017, but when the counseling team members realized that the majority of clients had some sexual trauma in their history, they decided to relaunch the course.

Reidenbach hopes participants will begin to heal in a safe space among others who have had similar experiences. "Sometimes in group, it is the first time they have told their story out loud or in a safe environment," she noted.

The program is also meant to help survivors realize the abuse is not their fault, Walheim said. "They have been taught to be silent, have been shamed, blamed and tormented through time," she remarked. "But these ladies are so strong, and they are survivors of battles that most will not fathom or comprehend. This program helps them see their strength and find healing in so many facets."

She added that she knows firsthand that the program works, having led it before. "I have been fortunate to see a lot of healing and growth from the darkest moments, freedom from shame and guilt, relational bonds and fellowship that have deep connections and spiritual reconciliation in these groups and in individual work," she stated.

Although the program is a Christ-centered, faith-based program, anyone is welcome, Walheim emphasized. "Those considering the program should ask a lot of questions and reach out to me or Dolores and address any and all possible concerns they have," she said, "so that they can make an educated decision as to if this is a good fit for them."

There is a charge for the "On the Threshold of Hope," and space is limited. Registration is required. For more information or to register, email info@jeweldavidministries.org.