Christian Family Solutions

Through Mental Health First Aid USA, more than 3 million people in the U.S. have been trained to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Join the movement and attend our Youth Mental Health First Aid training on November 23 at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in Jackson, WI.

Register here: https://forms.gle/8YjX8co9dtqEeFt39

This opportunity (typically $170) is fully funded through a grant from Washington County, Wisconsin's Health & Human Services Dept.

For more info:
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/population-focused-modules/youth/
https://christianfamilysolutions.org/helpful-resources/educational-presentations/youth-mental-health-first-aid-training/

Sign up for Youth Mental Health First Aid Training at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School: November 23rd (8:00am-3:00pm) Thanks to a Washington County Health and Human Services Behavioral Health ARPA Grant this course will be offered free of charge to participants who sign up by November 18th (a $170 value). Attendance is limited to the first 30 participants so please register below now. After your sign up is processe...

Today, as we cast our votes, let’s also lift our country in prayer.

And also on this election day, when we encounter tension and strong opinions, may we show kindness, graciousness, and respect - even to those with different opinions. May God's peace rule our hearts, not fear and frustration.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:15

Christine Unruh (in pictures) and Marianne Milano are representing CFS at the Minnesota School Counselor Association (MSCA) conference. They've been connecting with many passionate school counselors and sharing how our counseling services and day treatment program can support students’ mental health and well-being.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth!

Parenting comes with a lifetime of joy...as well as more responsibilities, worries, and other unique mental health challenges. Did you know the U.S. Surgeon General even released an advisory focused on supporting mental health and well-being for parents, as data is showing nearly half say that most days their stress is "completely overwhelming."

We understand the impact that parental well-being has on family health, and we’re committed to offer support. We're here to help both you and your kids!

A couple resources to get you started:

Read the full US Surgeon General’s Advisory and recommendations: https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/parents/index.html

Explore our 7 Strategies for Managing Stress as a Parent:https://christianfamilysolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Managing-stress-as-a-parent-1.pdf

We’re grateful for CFS counselor Laura Reinke’s contribution at last week’s Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers Conference! Laura led sessions to equip teachers with practical techniques to handle stress in their own lives and to support students who may be feeling overwhelmed. With tools like these, educators can make a positive impact on mental health in the classroom.

If you're interested in having one of our counselors speak at your school, church, or business, reach out! Learn more about our educational presentations here: https://christianfamilysolutions.org/helpful-resources/educational-presentations/

We’re excited about our new community counseling care partnership with St. John’s in Watertown, WI, where CFS counselor Katie Martin is providing on-site mental health support. Through partnerships like these, we’re able to make Christ-centered counseling accessible in more communities, helping to meet people where they are with compassionate, evidence-based care.

For more details about our Congregational Counseling Care Partnership Program, visit https://christianfamilysolutions.org/mental-health-ministry/congregational-partnerships/

As much as we try to cope with life circumstances, sometimes we need a little extra help. Our pastors are experienced in sharing God’s healing Word in every situation and can offer assistance through a scheduled conversation.

COUNSELING HELPS ADDRESS:
• Anxiety & depression
• Stress and adjustment disorders
• Addictions and their underlying mental health issues
• Traumatic experiences
• Marriage, parenting and family concerns
• Other emotional and mental health disorders.

Schedule an appointment:
appointment.christianfamilysolutions.org

It's been refreshing to connect with teachers over the past couple of days at the Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers Conference at Wisconsin Lutheran High School.

A special shoutout to those of you working alongside our school-based counselors and wellness specialists—we appreciate the partnership in fostering emotional wellness in. your schools! We loved hearing your stories and learning more about the impact we're making together.

We hope the building block stress relievers brighten up your desks. While they’re no cure for stress, every little bit helps. Thank you for all you do!

Do you know anyone in the Rochester, MN area who would be a good fit for our team?

We are looking to add two Outpatient Therapists to our Rochester location. Join a team where your clinical expertise is valued, and help individuals navigate their challenges with faith-based guidance and support.

Apply Here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/2801565

Responsibilities: Provide in-person counseling and therapy services rooted in evidence-based practices with a distinctly Christian approach
Requirements: Licensed mental health professional or in-training counselor. Master's Degree in a Human Services-related field (psychology, counseling, therapy, social work)

We're also hiring for a Child & Adolescent Therapist position in Mankato! For more details: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/2751115

Anxiety can affect people throughout their entire lives. In this article, we introduce how you can use your "wise mind" to manage anxiety from a Christian-based perspective. Whether you've dealt with anxiety for years or are just beginning to understand its impact, healing is possible.

Read full article here:
https://christianfamilysolutions.org/realsolutions/anxiety-your-whole-life/

"Just like every other emotion you experience, the important thing is what you do with your anxiety. Emotions are important, but they aren’t everything. They are not your voice of reason, they are not your guide, and they don’t make your decisions. You make your decisions. You decide how you want to navigate your life."

Yesterday, we celebrated the installation of Pastor Michael Helwig as our new Director of Ministry and Faith Integration. We are excited to see how he continues to integrate Christian values with evidence-based practices in mental health as he leads this important ministry!

Please join us in congratulating him on his new role. And thanks to Living Word for hosting the event at their beautiful sanctuary.

About 1 out of every 5 students report they have been bullied.*

Why is our evil world so intent on hurting others? This month our prayer focus is for victims of bullying who can't always find their voice in this world of hurt. 🙏

We pray as well for those who bully - that their hearts and minds will change as they recognize the danger of their behavior.

We must be the voice of hope and share the love of Christ to build each other up. What words would you speak to offer hope to one another?

*https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2019/2019054.pdf

It can be easy to fall into the mindset of measuring our worth by our accomplishments, but what happens when we don't win the game, receive the promotion at work, or achieve the "A" on a test? In a world that values performance, it’s essential to remember that we are loved and accepted for who we are, not just for what we achieve.

https://christianfamilysolutions.org/2024/09/13/finding-acceptance-beyond-achievements/

Finding acceptance beyond achievements - Christian Family Solutions We cannot effectively support our self-worth by expecting every outcome to feed our value. Our value and acceptance come from our status as children of God.

October is Bullying Awareness Month. With physical, verbal, social, and cyber bullying all prevalent, it’s crucial for parents and teachers to equip kids with strategies to handle these tough situations.

For more tips on recognizing and understanding the different types of bullying, read here: https://christianfamilysolutions.org/2023/10/10/recognize-and-stop-bullying/

We had a fantastic opportunity last week as CFS Counselor Kent Robinson presented at the WELS Michigan / North Atlantic District Teachers Conference at St. Paul's Lutheran in Saginaw, MI.

We're grateful for the chance to collaborate with educators who are passionate about shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation.

Thank you to everyone who attended!

Join us for a special occasion! 🎉

On Sunday, October 20th, we will celebrate the installation of Pastor Michael Helwig as our new Director of Ministry and Faith Integration. With 25 years of pastoral experience, Pastor Helwig brings a unique blend of spiritual leadership and clinical mental health expertise to this role. We're excited for the opportunity to witness his continued ministry at CFS, where Christian truths meet evidence-based practices to care for those in need.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1tQdetiqdhmSNEnS/

📅 Mark your calendar and join us for this joyous event!

Today is , a time to raise awareness and advocate for mental health care for all. 🌍💚

Mental health impacts everyone, and the numbers reflect an urgent need for accessible care. In the U.S. alone, nearly 60 million adults are living with mental illness, and over 10% of youth have severe depression.

Let’s continue the conversation, reduce the stigma, and ensure that everyone has access to the mental health support they need.

A few links to explore further:
In a crisis, call or text #988

For helpful articles and information on donating to our ministry or seeking treatment at CFS - https://christianfamilysolutions.org/

MHA's 2024 State of Mental Health in America Report - https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america

SAMHSA's tips for how to talk about mental health - https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk

We’re excited to see Karen Fischer embark on a new venture with the Professional Counseling program at Wisconsin Lutheran College. While we miss her at CFS, we are proud of her continued work in mental health care, helping to bring us more counselors with Christian training.

It will be a blessing to have this counseling program in Southeast Wisconsin, close to many of our locations. We wish her and WLC all the best in their mission to prepare future counselors for this vital field!

WLC | Graduate Professional Counseling Program Our 60-credit professional counseling graduate program is designed to help you obtain your license, and can be completed in 21 months.

October is Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the grief that many parents endure after the loss of a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth.

If you or someone you know has experienced this type of loss, you're not alone. This article offers some rituals, techniques, and prayer to consider to help with the healing process. Please reach out to us if you need counseling support and resources for navigating this difficult journey.

Read more here: https://christianfamilysolutions.org/2022/01/26/grace-through-grief-miscarriage-and-stillbirth-grief-pregnancy-and-infant-loss/

Grace through Grief: Miscarriage and Stillbirth Grief This is part four in a four-part series on the topic of grief. It is our hope that through this series, God’s people can better understand grief