From childhood through late adulthood, there are certain times when we may need help addressing problems and issues that cause us emotional distress or make us feel overwhelmed. When you are experiencing these types of difficulties, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional. Professional counselors offer the caring, expert assistance that we often need during these stressful times. (full article)

Counseling is...

• Encouragement and empowerment for healthful living
• A time for honest exploration
• Hope-filled
• Helping people define their values and identify their resources (personal, family and community)
• Highlighting connections
• Helping people differentiate between thinking and feeling
• Identifying needs and strengths
• A process of defining realities and developing goals
• Brainstorming options
• Teaching decision making rather than making decisions for another person
• An Arena for authenticity and creativity
• A model for empathic relationship
• An opportunity to learn healthy behavior
• Promoting growth and positive change
• Character building
• Promoting balance and moderation
• Mutual listening, sharing, respect and trust
• Promoting discipline, accountability and integrity
• Effective and helpful!

By Marilyn A. Dalton, Life Management Specialist