In the face of devastating flash floods that recently struck Ohio County, local mental health professionals are stepping up to provide crucial support for the community’s emotional well-being. While residents work tirelessly to recover their physical possessions, these professionals are providing immediate assistance to help individuals process their grief and trauma stemming from the disaster.
At Bridge Street Middle School, licensed therapists are offering crisis and grief counseling sessions free of charge to anyone affected by the floods, including first responders. Available during specific hours, these sessions seek to address the emotional strain that often accompanies such tragic events. No appointment is necessary, and individuals of all ages—children, adults, and families—can participate.
Dr. Nicole Shepherd, a Behavior Specialist at Ohio County Schools, emphasized the importance of having a compassionate presence. “It is crucial for victims to have someone who listens and validates their emotions,” she explained. The counseling sessions aim not only to provide immediate emotional relief but also to equip individuals with coping skills that can aid them in the days to come.
In addition to individual sessions, the Ohio County Schools are organizing facilitated support groups specifically for first responders. These individuals often face unique emotional challenges after witnessing the aftermath of crises, and Shepherd noted that their experiences warrant tailored care. “We plan to engage with first responders and families who have encountered traumatic events during the flooding,” she said.
A dedicated team of counselors, including Jason Frohnapfel and those from Achieve Behavioral Health, are offering their services voluntarily. Support is also being provided by mental wellness coaches from Known by Name Counseling Services and school counselors from the district. With so many caring professionals involved, the community is presented with a robust support network designed to help ease their emotional burdens.
Karin Butyn, the Ohio County Schools Director of Communications, has emphasized that everyone in need of mental health counseling is welcome to drop by Bridge Street during the specified hours. A site coordinator will assist participants with the necessary paperwork before connecting them to a counselor. This accessibility underlines the importance of mental health care as residents navigate both the physical and emotional consequences of the flooding.
The counseling initiative is not merely a one-off response but aims to provide sustained assistance. Butyn pointed out that many individuals are still in the initial phase of recovery, where the focus is primarily on restoring their physical environment. However, the emotional aspect often lags behind, leading to delayed trauma responses. “Therapy sessions will be as long as anyone needs to help them work through that trauma,” she assured.
Shepherd makes a crucial point about the hesitance some may feel toward seeking help, especially when their focus is on cleanup and recovery. She encourages those who might be on the fence about attending a session to “come try it once.” The short-term nature of this emergency counseling means that even a single session could provide valuable relief without a long-term commitment, creating an opportunity for individuals to consider ongoing support options if they wish.
The emotional toll on the community is profound, as local families grappling with loss—the destruction of homes and the heart-wrenching impact of losing loved ones—face the aftermath. Butyn highlights that many residents may not fully grasp the emotional weight of their experiences until later on. “We just want individuals to know that they can come to us for support, whether that’s today or weeks from now,” she said, reinforcing the commitment to help residents in their healing journey.
“I think we associate the school system with children, as we should, but these are licensed, practicing counselors who are equipped to assist individuals of all ages,” Butyn added. This comprehensive approach emphasizes that mental health support is not just for students but also for the entire community, aiming to facilitate healing in a time of crisis.
For many in Ohio County, the road to recovery will be long and fraught with challenges. As individuals work to rebuild their lives in the wake of such unforeseen hardship, having the option for mental health support can make all the difference. Whether it’s a counseling session providing a moment of respite or an ongoing therapeutic relationship, residents are being offered tools to address their mental health needs.
In the coming weeks and months as the physical landscape undergoes reconstruction, the emotional landscape will also require attention and care. The collaborative efforts of local mental health professionals and Ohio County Schools offer a beacon of hope, reminding community members that they are not alone in this journey.
As the saying goes, healing doesn’t happen overnight; it requires time, understanding, and the valuable support of counselors who are genuinely committed to their community. Through accessible counseling services rooted in compassion, Ohio County is taking meaningful strides toward supporting individuals in processing their experiences, validating their feelings, and ultimately finding the path toward healing.
Source link
