Family Resource and Counseling Centers

Michele received her Masters of Counseling degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2000. Prior to that she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in early childhood/elementary education in 1995. She has worked in various ministry positions in the last 20 years including working as a youth director, in college ministry on a college campus, in a teen pregnancy center as well as residential ministry treatment center. Most recently she has worked intensely with children, teens and their families in coping with grief and loss. Michele’s approach to therapy is from the cognitive behavioral approach and is available for individual and marriage counseling. Michele enjoys working with individuals who are struggling with self-esteem issues and helping them discover their gifts and understand their personality as it pertains to finding meaning in their life. Michele is married with two young daughters and enjoys the outdoors, photography, being crafty and traveling.

Giving Hope In Grief

Elaine — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:00:09 +0000

A Few Things to Keep in Mind as You Support a Grieving Friend:

Be sure to check out the “Ways To Support a Grieving Friend” post too.

Be aware that supporting someone grieving can bring your own losses and pain to the surface. Know where YOU will receive support and self care to be better present for your friend.

Feelings of helplessness are common since you cannot fix the problem by bringing the loved one back. Don’t underestimate how important your presence is to your friend.

We live in a “quick fix” society. It may test your patience to journey with the bereaved. Reminding yourself that it takes time to adjust to a loss, and that there may be many ups and downs in the process, can help you to be more supportive for the long haul!

Other Ways You Can Help…

Say the name of the deceased
Cry with your friend
Believe in your friend’s ability to handle this loss
Be helpful in practical ways
Be non-judgmental
Listen more than talk

Ways to Support a Grieving Friend

Elaine — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:42:55 +0000

At one time or another most of us have been in the position of comforting a friend or loved one who has experienced a significant loss in his or her life. We may flounder with saying the right words or doing the right thing, afraid of adding to that person’s pain during a difficult time. The following will give some suggestions for what a bereaved person may need from those supporting them.

Validation that a real loss has occurred that entitles them to grieve.
Support when confronting the reality of the death.
Permission to react as they need to.
Permission to spend time doing memory work (honoring the life of their loved one).
Willingness from others to learn about what this loss means to them.

What is LESS helpful to say:

I know just how you feel.
He’s in a better place.
At least she is not suffering.
You might feel better if you try to get over it and move on.
She would want you to be strong.
He would hate to see you cry.
You should be thankful for the time you had with him.
Time heals all wounds.
God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.
I know you would feel better if _________.
You’re young. I’m sure you’ll remarry (or have another baby).

What may be MORE helpful to say:

I can’t begin to imagine what this must be like for you. Can you tell me about it?
I’m not sure what to say, but please know that I care and am here if you need me.
Can you tell me what has been the hardest for you right now?
Is there anything that is helping you through this time?
I’m sorry you are hurting from this loss.

Cathy Herr

Brad — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:56:57 +0000

Finance & HR Administrator

Cathy joined FRCC in March 2000, and served as the receptionist during her first five years at FRCC. She has been serving in a leadership role since 2005 and is currently the director of both the finance and human resources departments of FRCC. Cathy says that being a part of the administration team at FRCC has been a life changing experience for her and she loves to continue to serve and care for our clients.

Jennifer Markward, MA

Brad — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:49:01 +0000

Jennifer is a licensed professional counselor. She earned her graduate degree in counseling from Liberty University. Her undergraduate was received from Temple University in psychology. Jennifer is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership. She has worked with a variety of clients including: children and teens with behavioral difficulties, adults, teens, and children with intellectual disabilities and adults, teens and children with mental health issues. She uses a warm, inviting eclectic approach to her counseling to help others find comfort from mental health, adjustment or developmental problems. Jennifer lives in Chester County and enjoys time with her husband, tea and the arts.

Handling Conflict

Elaine — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:56:54 +0000

We all have conflict in our lives. Any time there is a relationship there is going to also be some conflict. It doesn’t matter if the relationship is with a coworker, friend, spouse or child conflict will happen. When it does think about using these 6 basic principles to help you move past the conflict.

Be Aware

Understand what parts of the conflict impacts your own beliefs and perceptions. Be aware of how they shape your responses.

Stay in Control

Reframe or re-describe the stressful situation to keep your composure and help decrease the tension.

Eliminate Emotions

Emotions can cloud the rational thinking that is essential to arriving at a solution.

Focus on a positive, solution-based outcome. Don’t allow other issues or other conflicts to add to the difficulties. Take one conflict at a time.

Be Open to Brainstorming

Challenge yourself and others to be creative about the possibilities available to you. Often conflict result when we don’t see other options. Be proactive in thinking about other ways to approach the situation.

Think Win-Win

Sometimes a good decision is reached when everyone has to give a little. Finding a solution that benefits all sides helps you learn more about yourself and others.

Parents of Preschoolers

Elaine — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:06:54 +0000

Elaine Potts recently presented the workshop, “Parenting Hot Topics: Parenting Preschoolers”

Here are the books and resources that Elaine mentioned in her talk:

Books:

(These are affiliate links, when you use them Amazon will give FRCC a small percentage of your purchase. Thank you!)

Websites:

empoweringparents.com

mopsinternational.org

www.focusonthefamily.com

Parenting Hot Topics Workshop

Brad — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:17:59 +0000

Beat Back

Brad — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:58:58 +0000

Feeling Stressed?

Don’t just stay stuck in stress fight back! Try these stress busting ideas:

Use humor! Learn to laugh at things and use it as an outlet for our pent up emotions!
Find out what calms you and exercise this often during stressful times.
Recognize your negative self talk patterns and be intentional about speaking the positive – even if you don’t believe it at the time!
Life is about balance…step away once in a while from the thing that has become too heavy.
Surround yourself with supportive people and allow them to care for you.
Set realistic goals and expectations.
Learn the difference between what you can and cannot control.
Take time to enjoy doing things you are naturally good at…using your God given gifts as a natural stress reliever.

What do you do to fight the stress in your life? let us know in the comments!