By: Brittany M.
 
            Do people enjoy feeling frustrated, lonely, angry, confused, or sad? Most people would probably say “no.” If you have a problem, would you rather continue to have it or try to solve that problem in some way? If you’re like me, you’re thinking, “Solve it, of course.” People can think of many ways to try and solve their problems, or at least to help themselves feel better. Some ways are healthy, some not so much so. Which ways do you choose? (You don’t have to say it out loud.) Now, was counseling on the list of what you thought of? If not, why not? Many people don’t realize that counseling can be a very important piece of the healing and problem-solving process. Don’t have time? Don’t need anybody’s help? It doesn’t matter that much? Let me ask you one other thing: If we were talking about a purely physical matter, would you ignore your body’s needs, avoid a professional who could help you? Are your mind and emotions separate from you as a person or any less important than the rest of your body?

Counseling is very important for individuals and children and their caregivers, regardless of what the individual’s circumstances are. Caregivers have many kinds of responsibilities and demands placed upon them that children don’t have, which can be stressful all on its own.  

For parents/caregivers, counseling can provide:

• Education in how to better respond to children’s struggles
• A safe environment to express and process emotions
• Knowledge of ways to better support the child’s siblings and/or family functioning
• Connections to/awareness of other community resources (financial, educational, child services, etc.)
• Support and help in making sense of experiences

 
For children, counseling can provide:

• A safe environment to express and process emotions
• Practice with emotional regulation skills
• Education about safety
• Another, sometimes easier way to communicate
• Support and help in making sense of experiences

 
It’s important to recognize and accept that children may not always open up to their parents/caregivers about how they are feeling. Sometimes children feel too sad or worried to do so. (Yes, even though as a parent you might tell them they can talk to you about anything.) Sometimes they wish to “protect” their family by not hurting someone’s feelings or saying something “bad.” Other times, parents might not always know the best ways to respond to their children’s feelings or problem- some concerns can feel very confusing or overwhelming. This doesn’t mean that you don’t want to support your child. It doesn’t mean that your child doesn’t love you.  It just means that your child (and/or you) may need a certain kind of support or resource, which is where counseling comes into play. So, to better support your child, your family members, or even just yourself, consider counseling as a way to help take care of you-all of you- in the best ways possible.

By: Marena S.
 
Working in groups of people has been something that has been thrown upon us since High School.  We hate it because there are always those people who don’t do work. Then there are people who do all the work for you and then give you a bad grade for the work you did.  But when it comes to therapy it becomes a new concept.  Within groups there is power.  I don’t mean power as in one person controls the group or someone like a president. Groups provide support, support to know that you are not in your situation alone.  It gives you and other members a chance to expose yourself and receive validation from others. Getting feedback and constructive criticism is another excellent outcome of group work.  Groups feel like a safe space to talk about your experiences and feelings.  When in later stages of group, it can be very non-judgmental and family like.  

Currently I participate in a support group for middle school students dealing with bereavement at a place known as Ele’s Place. I also participate in a teen girl’s therapy group whom have been through sexual assault, physical assault, or both here at Care House.  I have never been able to be a part of a more rewarding and educational experience than these groups. Every time group is run I learn something new about myself and learn something new about other members in the group.  I get to witness how they open up, how they have a breakthrough in their trauma, an Ele’s Place moment*, and I get to see how group members open up to each other where in other circumstances they may not. Being able to be in the presence of these amazing kids/teens is honorable.  To hear their stories and being able to be there for them in any way they see fit is service enough for me. It is truly amazing to see the little moments of “yes I can” or “yes I am strong” or “yes I can overcome this.” Because at the end of the day if even only one of those things happen with only one child, I know I have made an impact in someone’s life enough for them to finally feel some hope. Hope is a healing medicine and groups can provide that.

Care House has given me a wonderful opportunity to not only be a part of a therapy group but to also witness and hear the amazing work the other staff members are doing.  I could not think of any better way to spend my time than to be with people like the ones at Care House.  I love being surrounded by compassionate, loving, dedicated, and hardworking people. Social work is my passion and I have found passion in groups.
 
Ele’s Place moment* = when a child has a breakthrough and talks about their grief, whether it is positive or negative they have opened up more than they have in the past.
 

References:
Group Psychotherapy:
 http://nationalpsychologist.com/2012/01/what-is-the-power-of-group-psychotherapy/101603.html
 More on the Power of Groups:
 http://lyceumbooks.com/pdf/AEAGW-Chap1.pdf
 Social Workers and Group Work:
http://www.iaswg.org/practicing-group-work-strategies