By Douglas Keller, MSW, LSW - JFCS Geriatric Social Worker Becoming a family caregiver is rarely a role someone expects to step into. It can happen suddenly, such as when a parent receives a diagnosis, a spouse has an accident, or a family member’s needs change unexpectedly. In other cases, a caregiver’s responsibilities grow gradually [...]
Category Archives: Mental Health
16
Oct
Oct
Losing a parent at any stage of life can bring deep and lasting grief. At JFCS, we believe no one should have to navigate that journey alone. Our new Loss of a Parent Support Group offers adults 55+ a compassionate space to share experiences, find comfort in community, and begin to heal together. Meeting dates [...]
11
Aug
Aug
How JFCS works with schools and families to make a difference By Emily Witmier, LAC - Mental Health Clinician & Community Educator At Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS), we see the impact of unsupported mental health challenges every day—students struggling with more than just schoolwork. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 40% of [...]
Counselor's Corner, Parenting
Smooth Sailing into the School Year: Essential Tips for Easing the Back-to-School Transition
21
Aug
Aug
By Emily Witmier, LAC - Mental Health Clinician & Community Educator As summer days wane and the new school year looms, preparing for this transition can ease the stress and set a positive tone for the months ahead. From setting up a new routine to addressing emotional needs, these tips will help ensure that both [...]
22
May
May
By Gail Belfer, MSW, LCSW, CDP - Director of Holocaust Survivor Services & Advocacy Many individuals are concerned when they notice changes in their personality, mood, and behavior - or in their loved ones. They worry that these changes are symptoms of dementia and may delay going to the doctor because they are afraid of [...]
28
Mar
Mar
By Cheryl Herzfeld, MCMHC, LPC, BCC Many people have heard of “coaching,” but what exactly is it, and how does “life coaching” differ from counseling or therapy? One formal definition of “coaching” is “a human development process that involves structured, focused interaction and the use of appropriate strategies, tools and techniques to promote desirable and [...]
20
Feb
Feb
By Temima Rothmel, MSW, LCSW - JFCS Staff Therapist Trauma is defined as a deeply disturbing and distressing experience. All of us have most likely experienced some form of trauma in our lifetime whether directly or vicariously. When a traumatic event occurs, our brains react differently. There is no time to think or process the [...]
Mental Health, Wellness
Support groups allow those facing challenges to heal through shared experience
31
Jan
Jan
The JFCS Faye Manger Counseling Department offers a wide range of support groups that allow individuals facing life challenges to gather together and heal through shared experience. Our groups enable participants to build community, find connection with others who have experienced similar circumstances, and form supportive networks. We will be offering three support groups starting […]
25
Jan
Jan
By Rebecca Rosenau, MSW, LCSW, CDP - JFCS Director of Clinical Services Communicating with Children in the Language They Speak In adults, mental illness can be an invisible disability. Many people shrink from seeking help due to their fear of shame and stigma. However, these issues are more easily identifiable in young children, who are [...]
18
Oct
Oct
The traumatic images of brutality and loss coming out of Israel have undoubtedly taken a toll on our community’s mental health. Many South Jersey residents have close personal ties to Israel, including family and friends living there, while others simply feel a strong emotional connection to the Jewish homeland. Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) [...]
- 1
- 2