October 2016 Counselors corner
October Counselor’s Corner

Counseling is a process of self-discovery that focuses on feelings and relationships and how we interact with our world. It is a type of learning about oneself that can help people deal more effectively with the ups and downs in life such as stress, self-esteem issues, life-cycle events, grief, relationship problems, depression, addiction and substance abuse.
No matter your age, there are situations in life that can complicate your mood and interrupt your ability to problem solve or even function. This is normal. Usually you can work it out and things improve. For those times when the problems seem to control your feelings and cloud your life, counseling is a resource that can help. In counseling, you’ll have an opportunity to talk to a neutral person who will listen and help you sort things out.
Talking to others is something we learn to do early in life. It is a tool we use to help us solve problems, and it helps us bond with others and feel connected. When life is problematic, however, we tend to retreat and may find it difficult to share our innermost worries and feelings. Why do we stop talking? Perhaps we are ashamed, embarrassed or fear that others won’t understand or will judge us. Perhaps we are so overwhelmed we don’t know what to say. Holding thoughts inside creates an inner burden that saps energy and oftentimes leaves us feeling disconnected and alone.
Counselors are trained to help people learn to begin the conversation again. In a safe, confidential environment, a counselor can help you explore your struggles and teach you ways to resolve them so they are not repeated in the future.
CJFS offers counseling for individuals, couples and families. We also offer educational group counseling on such topics as Caregiver Support and Aging with Grace. These programs help participants explore their feelings and behavioral responses to specific life events. CJFS is always open to offering additional group counseling programs to serve the needs of our clients and community.
A licensed clinical social worker at CJFS can help you learn more about yourself, work through a problem or improve your relationships. Counseling services are often covered by Medicare and other insurance. As always, our fees are based on income, and we use a sliding scale to determine a fee that is affordable for all.
For more information about counseling from CJFS, visit cjfsbham.org , email Robin McMilin, clinical director at robin@cjfsbham.org or call 205.879-3438.
In our monthly newsletters, we feature an article by one of our experienced, licensed clinical staff. Is there a topic you are particularly interested in? Then please feel free to contact us to get answers at jfs@cjfsbham.org or 205.879.3438.
Articles:
Older Adult Issues -- "Never Too Old for Love and Adventure", by Catherine Findley, LCSW- August 2016
For Everyone -- "A Good Therapist", by Catherine Findley, LCSW- February 2016
For Everyone -- "Struggling with Sleep", by Robin McMilin, LGSW- Jan 2016
For Everyone -- "On Forgiveness," by Stu Jaffe, LGSW - May 2015
Older Adult Issues -- "Making Friends as We Age" by Catherine Findley - April 2015
Older Adult Issues -- "On-line Brain Games -- Help or Hype?" by Robin McMilin - March 2015
For Everyone -- "On Change," by Gail Schuster, LCSW - February 2015
For Everyone -- Stu's Thoughts for 2015," by Stu Jaffe, LCSW - January 2015
Senior Issues -- "Stress Reducers for Dementia," by Pam Leonard, LBSW - December 2014
Senior Issues -- "Fountain of (Brain) Youth" - November 2014
Senior Issues -- "What's In Your Medicine Cabinet?" by Robin McMilin, LCSW - October 2014
Senior Issues -- "Sharing the High Holy Days with your Interfaith Grandchildren", by Gail Schuster, LCSW - September 2014
Senior Issues -- "Reducing Stress to Age Well", by Stu Jaffe, LCSW - August 2014
Senior Issues -- "Tossing & Turning? The importance of sleep for older adults", by Catherine Findley, LCSW - July 2014
Senior Issues -- "Senior Life in the Fast Lane - Driving for Older Adults," by Gail Schuster, LCSW - June 2014
Senior Issues -- "Regret: The Burden and the Blessings," by Robin McMilin, LCSW - May 2014
Seniors & Community -- "Exercise Matters," by Stu Jaffe, LGSW - April 2014
Parenting Issues -- "Parents, Getting the Cold Shoulder?," by Catherine Findley, LCSW - March 2014
Counseling & Community -- "The Need for Social Support," by Gail Schuster, LCSW - February 2014
Senior Issues -- "Aging With Grace: A new sharing group," by Robin McMilin, LCSW - January 2014
Caregiving -- "Getting the support YOU need as you support a loved one," by Stuart Jaffe, LGSW - December 2013
Senior Issues -- "Keeping Holiday Gatherings Enjoyable and Safe," by Robin McMilin, LCSW - November 2013