Paige Desmond
The Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services Inc.’s Counselling Unit will offer a program in the New Year aimed at teaching anger management skills.
According to facilitator David Beaulieau, district residents aged 16 and up can attend the free sessions, which will take place each Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. for four weeks starting Jan. 7.
The sessions also could serve as a follow-up for participants of the “Warrior” program, Beaulieau suggested.
“It’s not your typical anger management curriculum,” he explained. “It’s a reality-based curriculum.”
Beaulieau developed the program from curriculum used for youth healing that dealt with anger management.
He explained how he used to work in youth healing and saw the need for some type of anger control facet.
With feedback from the youths he worked with, a curriculum was developed, which forms the basis of what those attending the group sessions will participate in.
“These kids bring in something special from their own community situations,” he noted. “This is coming from youth.”
But although the teachings originally were intended for young people, Beaulieau said they work equally well for adults.
There is space for up to 25 people in the sessions, and registration will be required.
Those who may feel a little shy about attending should know the people at Health Services “don’t bite,” laughed Beaulieau, adding there is nothing to be intimidated about.
As well, all content and information from the sessions will be kept strictly confidential. “That’s our foundation,” he stressed.
The first session will serve as an intro, and is a good opportunity for people to check things out.
“They can come and attend the first session if they think that it something they need,” said Beaulieau. “We encourage everybody to attend.”
If group sessions aren’t really your thing, the counselling unit also offers free one-on-one therapy for First Nations’ people.
“That need is required here,” Beaulieau noted, adding similar community programming is being planned.
For more information or to register, contact Beaulieau 274-9839 ext. 28.
