University Park, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Today’s families face economic and social pressures as well communication difficulties that frequently disrupt family unity and the ability to cope.
Frequently, one of the most important tools needed to understand and cope with these issues is family counseling. Unfortunately, families often do not know how to access counseling, believe they cannot afford it, or are embarrassed to seek it out.
“It is especially important for individuals and families to know about the free, confidential counseling services available at Governors State University. We want to help as many people as we can,” said Dr. Byron Waller, Co-Clinical Coordinator of the Counseling Lab Governors State University in University Park.
“Coping with the many issues that challenge a family can be very difficult. Besides the problems caused by outside influences like the stress from work and financial issues, families also face increased conflict as children reach adolescence,” said Waller.
“Family counseling can positively influence an individual’s productivity, the atmosphere within the home, one’s parenting skills, and parent child communication.”
The free, confidential family counseling services at GSU are offered by the Division of Psychology and Counseling as part of its training program for advanced graduate counseling students. Students who are studying for their Master of Arts in Counseling learn about family, couples, individual, and vocational counseling. As part of their training and as a community service, they provide free counseling services.
Counseling sessions are conducted on campus in total confidentiality. A series of eight sessions bring members of the family together with counselors who first assess the situation and then provide counseling services.
The sessions assist both the clients and the GSU counseling students. Sessions may be audio or video taped to aid in the evaluation and learning processes. Faculty members, who are also licensed counselors, supervise the sessions.
Besides family counseling, the Counseling Lab also provides counseling services for depression, stress management, communication difficulties, loneliness, lack of self-confidence, and career counseling. Children under the age of 18 are seen only in conjunction with their parents. Career counseling services, however, are available, with parental permission, for sixteen and seventeen-year-olds.
The Counseling Lab is located at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park. For more information, call (708) 534-4545.