Free counseling for individuals, Families

By Adrienne AndersonJune 26, 2013

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 26, 2013) -- If you've got a lot on your mind or need to work through Family issues, try the Family Life Chaplain Training Center, located in Building 2606 in Soldiers Plaza.

Services include free, unlimited individual, couple and Family counseling sessions. The service is open to military ID card holders and their Families, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and their Family members. Counseling is provided by chaplains going through 14 months of training at the center to become Family Life chaplains, as well as civilian interns completing master's degrees in counseling.

"We want Soldiers to know that they have a place that they can go to for help," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jay Hearn, director for the Family Life Chaplain Training Center.

Soldiers and their Families sacrifice a lot, he said -- but they shouldn't have to sacrifice their marriages or mental health.

"We are doing all that we can do to help heal the wounded Soldiers," he said. "That's part of our mission."

Unlike other counselors and social worker services, information revealed to the counselors at the center will never be reported, Hearn said.

"We want Soldiers to know that we are a safe resource in times of emotional or spiritual pain," he said.

When necessary, they refer clients to agencies, but it is not mandatory for them to report situations, such as domestic violence.

The center offers workshops on topics including anger management, parenting and communication. There are also evening sessions twice a week for those who want to come after work, Hearn said.

"We are here to serve," he said.

For more information, call 706-545-1760.