The JFCS March 2019 Community Counseling Schedule is now available. These sessions are free and open to anyone in the community who needs help. They will be held at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) at 5738 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill, 15217.
- How to reduce stress in difficult times – Mar 3 & 10; 11:00a – 12:30p; JCC Room 313
- Supporting someone through the unexpected – Mar 7 & 14; 7:30 – 8:30p; JCC Room 313
- Working through trauma with breathing techniques – Mar 17 & Mar 24; 10:00a – 11:30a; JCC Room 313
- Coping with grief through music therapy – Mar 17 & 24; 2:30 – 4:00p; JCC Room 313
There are still openings at February sessions as well:
How to move from grief to peace – February 17, 11:00a – 12:30p; JCC Room 313
- I’m still not sleeping – what do I do? – Feb 24 & Mar 3, 3:30 – 5:00p; JCC Room 313
And an ongoing general support group meets Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:30p at the JCC, Room 307.
“We’ve learned from the sad experiences of other shootings that trauma affects people differently, and recovery is an individual experience,” says Stefanie Small, Clinical Director of JFCS counseling Services. “So we are trying to provide a variety of healing activities in hopes that everyone who needs help can find the right help for them.”
All the sessions are drop-in except Coping with Grief Through Music Therapy. For these two sessions, please register in advance by emailing mwoods@jfcspgh.org.
Since the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue last October, JFCS has played a major role in providing counseling services to victims, families and the greater community. People wishing to find out more about counseling services can call JFCS at 412-521-3800, or check the community support website: jfcspgh.org/communitysupport.
“JFCS will continue to assess neighborhood needs and provide accessible care to all members of the community,” said Small. “Whether you are a direct survivor or just a resident whose sense of security has become a source of anxiety, reach out. We’re here.”
JFCS is also working with the Center for Victims on making sure the entire community has access to help. Check out the Center for Victims website for more information.