Author Archive: Admin

PEI FAMILY SERVICE AGENCIES LOSE NETWORK PARTNER AS FAMILY SERVICE MONCTON CLOSES DOORS

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Family Service PEI and the Catholic Family Service Bureau are saddened to hear of the demise of Family Service Moncton, a key community agency supporting families and individuals through counselling services. The agency also helped families deal with the many challenges of contemporary family living by offering Family Education programs, and specialized in the delivery of employee assistance programs to local and regional businesses and governments.

“It is very unfortunate to see such essential services being discontinued,” remarks Denise Lockhart, Executive Director of Family Service PEI, “There are many individuals and families in the Moncton area who have just lost their access to services that have the ability to both prevent personal crises while improving mental health and daily functioning.”

In addition to individuals and families losing essential services, family service agencies in Atlantic Canada have also lost a member of their team. Both PEI based organizations were partnered with Moncton through a regional supportive network, working together to increase best practice and meet the needs of local communities.

Despite the demise of Family Service Moncton, local service here in PEI has not been impacted, as there continues to be two strong community-based family service agencies in the province who work together to meet the needs of individual’s, families and small business employee assistance needs. Additionally, there are three agencies throughout New Brunswick and two in Nova Scotia, all of which provide a range of critical services in their community.

“It is always disappointing to see a partner agency discontinue service. We have worked very closely with Family Service Moncton over the years and we will greatly miss the expertise of their team members and their contribution to our network,” says Peter Mutch, Executive Director of Catholic Family Services Bureau. “Although they were a key agency in our network, we will continue to work together locally, and regionally, to share and promote the use of best practice interventions with our clients and within our communities.”
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For more information on this subject, or to schedule an interview, please contact either Denise Lockhart or Peter Mutch, as listed above.

June 15th – WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY

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The Realities of Elder Financial Abuse

The United Nations (UN) has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The day aims to focus global attention on the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders. As a not-for-profit, community based agency offering therapeutic counselling and credit counselling, Family Service PEI (FSPEI) has come in direct contact with numerous seniors who are victims of abuse. “Financial abuse is the most reported form of elder abuse,” explains Denise Lockhart, Executive Director of FSPEI. “It is happening all around us, and as a society we need to recognize the warning signs and know where to go for help.”

Financial abuse can involve illegally or improperly using a person’s money, assets, or property without the person’s permission or knowledge. It is often a form of theft or fraud. Examples of financial abuse include: pressuring for money, goods or property; using property or money without the person’s knowledge and consent; and misusing a power of attorney.

According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, the elderly are an attractive target. Persons over the age of 50 control over 70% of the nation’s wealth and often do not realize the value of their assets (particularly homes). Additionally, the elderly are viewed as less likely to take action against their abusers as a result of illness or embarrassment, and culprits assume that frail victims will not survive long enough to follow through on legal interventions.

“About 80% of abuse or neglect of older adults is hidden or goes undetected. This is simply not acceptable and we need the community at large to make a personal effort to take action,” says Lockhart.

FSPEI is currently in the process of developing a webinar for all Credit Counselling Canada members on the topic of elder financial abuse. This webinar will reach Credit Counsellors across the country, providing them with the necessary skills and tools to detect and report elder abuse. “We are always happy to educate people on elder financial abuse, and we encourage community groups to reach out to us should they need more information.”

Additional information on elder abuse can be found by calling: Adult Protection 368-6717, Island Help Line 1-800-218-2885, Anderson House 1-800-240-9894, PEI Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Centre 1-800-289-5656, Victim Services 368-4582 and PEI Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS. Or by visiting www.stopfamilyviolence.pe.ca/seniors

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For more information on this subject, or to schedule an interview, please contact Denise Lockhart – Executive Director, Family Service PEI at 902-892-2441, 902-436-9171 or via email: director@familyservice.pe.ca

ISLANDERS TO RECEIVE BETTER PROTECTION UNDER AMMENDED COLLECTION AGENCIES ACT

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Family Service PEI Supportive of Changes
Family Service PEI is very supportive of the Prince Edward Island Government‘s amendments to the Collection Agencies Act. These amendments were developed after consultation with industry stakeholders and the public and will limit the allowable actions of debt settlement companies, including clear guidelines on the types of fees permitted and the requirement for written contracts that are shared and agreed to by all involved parties to be in place prior to the exchange of funds of any type.

“We have seen many Island families who have worked with these Agencies. The results they received, though costly, were often less than expected and in some cases non existent. This new legislation will help to change that,” says Denise Lockhart, Executive Director of Family Service PEI.

The Government of PEI has taken its duty to protect Islanders to heart; the changes to legislation means that vulnerable debt holders will be less likely to be taken advantage of as they face the challenges associated with taking control of their finances and reducing their level of debt.

With the implementation of the new legislation comes the need for Islanders to play their part in ensuring agencies abide by the regulations. “The legislation is only effective if people come forward and report the ill practice of these Agencies. The public needs to be actively involved and notify Consumer Services, their bank, Family Service PEI or a trusted source whenever they pay for a debt reduction service that achieves anything less than the anticipated result,” says Lockhart.

When looking for options to reduce debt levels Lockhart suggests that people use local community based organizations that have a physical presence. “It is always best when you can walk into an office, sit down with the professional and talk face to face. This will help ensure you receive quality service.”

Family Service PEI is a not-for-profit agency providing free Credit Counselling to all Islanders, helping people to examine all options for decreasing debt, including an analysis of lifestyle and spending habits in order to help people understand the warning signs that a financial crisis may be looming. Additionally, Family Service PEI provides affordable and effective Therapeutic Counselling services to Islanders as financial stress impacts many other areas of a person’s life.

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For more information on this subject, or to schedule and interview, please contact Denise Lockhart – Executive Director, Family Service PEI at 1-902-892-2441 or via email: director@familyservice.pe.ca

IT’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK – WHAT PREVENTATIVE MEASURES ARE WE TAKING?

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It is the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) 62nd annual Mental Health Week (MHW) with activities taking place nationwide. People from all walks of life are encouraged to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health and mental illness, including prevention.

“We all have mental health. Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. It’s a state of overall mental and physical health and well-being. But maintaining good mental health in today’s hectic and stress-filled society is a challenge,” says Peter Coleridge, National CEO, CMHA.

As a not-for-profit organization offering therapeutic counselling, Family Service PEI (FSPEI) has identified a need for preventative services, allowing people to get the help they need before their smaller issue, such as stress, escalates into a serious mental health issue, requiring medical intervention.

In an effort to bridge the gap, this past spring FSPEI initiated a group therapy program specifically for women experiencing high stress levels. “Nobody was offering group therapy, and we believed this would be the most cost effective way to provide affordable and effective counselling to PEI residents,” explains Denise Lockhart, Executive Director, FSPEI.

Unfortunately, after much promotion and marketing, the group therapy initiative flopped. Numerous people expressed interest, but indicated that they did not have the funds available to cover the $150 cost. “This failure leaves us wondering: How much money are people able and willing to invest in their mental health?” says Lockhart, “Yes, there are some people that genuinely cannot afford this program, but everyone is talking about how stressed they are, however it seems people are not willing to invest money and time in this area of their personal health and wellness.”
Nearly 12,000 adults and children on Prince Edward Island receive services from Health PEI’s Mental Health and Addictions each year. According to the statistics collected by FSPEI, stress, as indicated by clients, has consistently been the number one issue having a negative impact on their lives.

Lockhart believes that as a community we need to step up to make sure that these services are available for those people who do want to invest in their own mental health, but cannot afford to do so. “We have numerous free initiatives and programs to promote physical health and wellness and we need to move in that same direction with mental health.”

As a not-for-profit, community based agency the goal of FSPEI is to provide credit and therapeutic counselling services to all Islanders regardless of their ability to pay.

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For more information on this subject, or to schedule an interview, please contact Denise Lockhart – Executive Director, Family Service PEI at 902-892-2441, 902-436-9171 or via email: director@familyservice.pe.ca

FAMILY SERVICE PEI OFFERING GROUP THERAPY

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In an effort to better meet client’s needs, Family Service PEI will be offering a four week Group Therapy Program, beginning Thursday April 11th. The first group will be tailored specifically to women who are experiencing high levels of stress.

What: “Stress Management and Reduction” group therapy sessions.
Topics Covered: Coping skills, managing unhealthy thoughts, assertiveness, mindfulness, problem solving, and time management.
Where: 155 Belvedere Avenue, Charlottetown.
When: Thursday evenings from 6:30- 8:30 beginning April 11th until May 2nd.
Cost: $150 for 4 sessions

Unlike individual therapy sessions, group therapy offers participants the opportunity to interact with others with similar issues in a safe, supportive environment. Participants can try out new behaviors, role play, and engage with others in not only receiving valuable feedback and insight from other group members, but also in giving it.

Many people who have never tried group therapy before are frightened by the idea, however most people who engage in group therapy do become comfortable and familiar with the process over a short period of time. “Our therapeutic counselor Christina Campbell will be facilitating the group. Christina is extremely competent in this area and knows how to engage group participants to ensure they fully benefit from the therapeutic process,” says Ellan Dickieson, Education and Outreach Specialist.

Statistics from 2012 indicate that the number one presenting issue amongst Family Service PEI clientele is stress. “Stress transcends across the board, affecting people’s marriages, finances, parenting abilities, workplace performance and social life. It is our job to help Islanders develop action plans that target the most stressful issues in their lives. Group therapy is another vehicle which permits us to do just this, but for a reduced fee, making it more affordable and accessible for all,” says Dickieson.

Family Service PEI is a not-for-profit community based organization providing credit and therapeutic counselling services to all Islanders regardless of their ability to pay. Individuals interested in the Group Therapy Program may contact Christina Campbell at Christina@familyservice.pe.ca or 902-892-2441.

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For more information on this subject, or to schedule an interview, please contact Ellan Dickieson, Education and Outreach Specialist, Family Service PEI at 902-436-9171 or via email: ellan@familyservice.pe.ca

Measuring Success

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If you feel that establishing a goal is a commitment that has a fifty-fifty chance between failure and success, you are not alone. Many individuals avoid setting goals in order to also avoid potential disappointment. A life without aspirations, however, can lead to feelings of insecurity and purposelessness. It’s important not to let fear of failure prevent you from going after a desire. After all, the definition of failure varies from person to person. When something doesn’t go exactly as planned, that doesn’t mean it has failed. Life is full of unpredictable circumstances that we can do nothing but adapt to.

Failure, however, is a vital component of success, which is even more difficult to define. Typically, corporate icons are observed and perceived as “successful”. That begs the question: successful at what? Though they’ve made many accomplishments, society tends to fixate on wealth when the word “success” is brought into question Depending on your values, you may illustrate the image of success quite differently. Goals are about seeking success, so if you know what success means to you, it will be easier for you to reach them.

When you first set a goal, you often have a clear vision of success in your mind. It’s quite common to end up in a place you hadn’t anticipated, but when that happens, how do you measure success? You may have wanted to hold a pleasant gathering with family or friends and only a few could attend, you may have achieved a goal far beyond your deadline, or you may have set out with a thorough plan to rise in a certain career only to find an occupation that you enjoy more along the way. If you’re wondering whether or not you have still achieved success, the answer is simple across all situations: as long as you are satisfied, you are successful. You should never aim for somebody else’s definition of success as your own will always prove to be more satisfactory.

Even if you don’t feel satisfied in the end, the outcome isn’t always in your control. When it comes down to the thin of things, simply having put forth the effort is a success.

Healthy Living: How to Set Goals

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Whether we realize it of not, we all set goals in the back of our minds. Goals provide us with a sense of purpose, something to look forward to, and a countless amount of life lessons. If you concentrate on the steps it takes to transform an aspiration into reality, you’ve set yourself up with a sturdy action-based goal. However, a lot of the goals that we set aren’t thoroughly thought through. They exist as concepts that we can dream about. When we aim towards a personal target without specifying how we intend to hit it, we’re making outcome-based goals: objectives that only focus on the end product. ‘I’m going to lose ten pounds by July’ and ‘I’m going to write a novel.‘  are both outcome based-goals. It’s hard to accomplish them without a plan. With a little thought and dedication, these can turn into strong action-based goals, well on their way to being achieved!   

Have you ever heard of S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting? Each letter in the acronym “S.M.A.R.T.” stands for one quality that a strong goal should have. It should be Specific, Measurable,Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. If you have an outcome-based goal on your mind, try asking yourself the following questions: Have I specified exactly what I want to do and when I want it done by?, What steps will I take to reach my goal and how will I keep track of my progress?, Is it possible to complete my goal in the time I want to, without rushing?, Do I truly feel that I am currently able to accomplish this goal? Is it the right time in my life to pursue this?   

Once you are sure that your goal is S.M.A.R.T., you can take action whenever you’re ready! Remember to focus on how you’re going to hit your target. Accept mistakes and try not to get discouraged by failure; when you make a mistake, it means that you’re only trying new approaches, figuring things out, and moving forward. Finally, don’t forget celebrate every small achievement you make on your way to the final outcome! Stay motivated, don’t be afraid to modify your original plans, and most importantly, don’t give up. 

If you want more information on the S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting system, you can find a link to an article in the resource section of this letter. Or you can call to make an appointment with one of our therapists who can help you set your own S.M.A.R.T. Goals – 1-866-892-2441.

 

Simplicity is Better

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It’s important not to overstress the procedures you create. If you do, you may miss out on a vital part of your day: family life. 

Summer is ending, which means any cycle that you had paused for vacation is waiting to be resumed. At this point, most families require individual relaxation or feel pressured to squeeze in an excessive amount of summer memories. It’s important to balance alone time with family time, but more often than not, simplicity is better. 

Eating together, for example, is one of the best family bonding activities you can encourage in your household and it doesn’t require days of preemptive planning. It may be difficult to gather everyone around the same table, but doing so at least three times a week for one meal has many proven benefits. Adolescents who participate in family meals are reportedly more likely to excel academically and make healthy choices than those who don’t, but the advantages of shared meals don’t just apply to kids. No matter what age groups are present, mealtimes are places to communicate openly and connect with loved ones. Remember, you don’t need to worry about making an extravagant meal; the only goal is to get everyone together.

Sharing quality family time is a vital component of a good family life, but the definition of quality family time differs from household to household. As with routine, family activities must be tailored to fit the needs of everyone involved. It’s great to take a few minutes out of your schedule to focus on family relationships, but in order to please everyone, you may need to take turns deciding how you will spend that time. 

Again, extravagance isn’t necessary when it comes to bonding with your loved ones. There are a variety of simple pastimes you can enjoy together such as playing board games, going on nature walks, driving along a scenic route, watching a particular television show, or just sitting back and relaxing outdoors. 

The Benefits of Routine

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Each life contains at least one repeated rhythm. For adults, most of these occur at work, where a routine can be anything from taking lunch at the same time to performing an entire list of tasks before going home. For parents, the idea of personal routine is often left at work and from the moment they arrive home, it shifts to revolve around their children. This is a noble sacrifice as routines are especially beneficial to youth. 

Kids display a fear of the unknown that can prove to be rather intense. They frequently refuse to try new foods and may panic at the slightest notion of change. The truth is that a young body is constantly growing and changing. In what seems like the blink of an eye, an infant learns to speak and is potty-trained. They abandon their bottles and pacifiers and are faced with the prospect of “growing up” everyday. Establishing routines where everything remains the same can provide kids with a sense of security. 

It is rather common for children to have set bedtimes and mealtimes, however, adults often sleep and eat at irregular times. Though we tend to lose touch with them as we grow older, routines will never lose their importance. That sense of security is just as important to mature bodies as it is to younger ones. Life may be too hectic to accommodate a detailed schedule, but even small amounts of loose planning can spark big changes. For example, when your body is programmed to rest and rise at certain hours, you develop a healthier sleep cycle and may find yourself requiring less caffeine in the mornings. Also, if you can train yourself to take your meals at roughly the same time each day, you can also regulate how much you eat, resulting in less snacking throughout the day.

 Finally, you may be able to incorporate routines into your common errands. Dedicating a specific day every week to go to the grocery store, for instance, may not only save you from running out of items you need; it could also save you time that you would normally take out of other shopping trips in order to restock your kitchen. When order is added to average tasks, it can provide stability, which plays a key role in lowering stress.  

A Sign of Strength

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Whether you are stressed about debt; depressed because your partner left you; or completely overwhelmed with trying to raise and provide for a family – we are becoming more aware of how important it is to keep our minds and bodies healthy. However, for many people, asking for help with our thoughts, emotions, and relationships is often one of the most difficult things to do.

Many people find this difficult to do because we all worry about how others view us. Most of us want to be seen by others as being strong, healthy, attractive, happy … and so on. So, we may fear that admitting to having problems with our thoughts, emotions, and relationships may lead others to judge us or think we are weak and broken. In reality – the opposite is true. Asking for help is a sign of health and strength.

When you are looking for a professional to help you improve the health of your thoughts, feelings, relationships, and/or lifestyle, it can be important to know what you are looking for. People in this field can go by many different titles – counsellor; therapist; life coach; social worker; psychologist; psychiatrist; mental health worker; addictions specialist – are just a few of the ‘job titles’ that may be held by professionals in this field.

So how do you know which type of professional can meet your needs?  The first place to start is with knowing what you want. Ask yourself:

  • What do I want to change?
  • What issues do I think I need help with?
  • Why am I seeking help now?
  • What types of things have I tried in the past to deal with this situation?

Then, start calling around to see who might be available to help you improve your current situation. You can start by calling local counselling agencies to see what type of professionals they have available. Being clear about the issue or situation you want help with should make it easier for the professional to assess whether or not they can help you prior to even getting you to come in for an appointment.

Some questions that might help you find the right type of person to help you are:

  • What is your educational background?
  • Do you specialize in helping a specific type of person or problem area?
  • Have you been successful in helping other people with situations or issues similar to mine?
  • What is the fee for this service? or How do I find out if my health insurance will cover this service?

If you start to see a professional to help you improve the health and well-being of your mind; emotions, relationships and/or lifestyle it is important to remember:

  • Making changes can be very difficult and can take a lot of practice.
  • The only person you can change and take responsibility for is yourself
  • You will only get the changes you desire if you are fully committed to doing the work required to make them happen.

Some warning signs that you might not be getting the right kind of help are:

  • You are not sure what it is that you should be working on in your life to change your issue or problem, even though you have seen the professional multiple times.
  • You have not developed any goals so you know what you are hoping to achieve or work toward.
  • You don’t notice any improvement with your situation, even though you have gone to see the professional multiple times
  • The professional you are seeing does not seem to want to talk about your concerns that things are not getting better or are staying the same.