New counselor dealing with many issues [The Mount Airy News, N.C.]

Jan. 08--While social-networking websites such as Facebook.com are used in many positive ways, they sometimes undermine marriages, according to a new counselor in Mount Airy.

Those sites help people stay in touch with relatives and friends, or allow former classmates to reunite -- but social networking can prove disastrous from a marital standpoint, Adrienne Reich says. Someone who's dissatisfied with their spouse might use them to reconnect with an old flame or be tempted to meet someone new. Either way, it can prove fatal to a marriage on the rocks.

The same goes for emails, Twitter messages and other forms of modern digital communication that can prove harmful as well as useful.

"With the technology, there's more ways to get out there and meet people and potentially cheat," added Reich, who joined Blue Ridge CareNet Counseling Center on Nov. 29. Located on West Lebanon Street in Mount Airy, the center is a non-profit agency that provides a full range of counseling services to the public.

Troubled marriages is just one of many areas Reich deals with as part of her work with the agency, which involves meeting with clients each week in a setting that more resembles a living room than a clinical office.

The center is located in one of Mount Airy's older homes that have been refurbished for a new use. There, people receiving counseling can relax in strategically placed furniture -- including a cozy love-seat -- as they detail their problems to Reich, one of two counselors at the center.

She also assists those trying to cope with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, sexual abuse and substance abuse. Her other functions include mental counseling and stress management. "You name it," said Reich, who is a licensed professional counselor as well as a licensed clinical addiction specialist.

Modern Problems

As one might suspect, the economy, and the type of abuse issues that have been brought to the forefront recently by such events as the Penn State scandal, are behind many of the problems for which people seek counseling, Reich said.

"I would say there is a good bit of people dealing with past sexual abuse," she said. "I've seen a lot of substance abuse (and) people dealing with the aftermath of a divorce."

The economy also has been a factor, not only in stressing marriages, but with substance abuse. More people seem to think they need to deal drugs to make money to survive, for example, while others with excess time on their hands because they're not employed might turn to narcotics to fill the void.

Economic woes of recent years have coincided with a "rise in the volume of clients," Reich agreed.

The recent holiday season brought its special brand of difficulties as well. Along with the presents and carols, it can be a time of emotional distress.

"I've dealt with a lot of clients who are lonely," Reich confided. Her advice in those cases involves trying to find ways to make the holidays a pleasant experience by filling the time in a positive way. "I would say develop a plan -- know what you're going to do."

Some people might be reluctant to seek counseling for various reasons, including fear of some stigma attached to that. But if someone is going through a hard time already, then there is little or no potential for further harm, Reich reasons.

"I say just pick up the phone and schedule an appointment ... and see what it's all about."

Die Cast At Early Age

Counseling is something Adrienne Reich, 31, was interested in from her youngest days. "I think really, since I was a child, I've wanted to do this," she said.

Reich explained that while growing up in Winston-Salem, some people close to her were going through difficult times. She identified with their pain and grew compelled to make a difference for people who were hurting.

"So I took a psychology class in high school and everything kind of fell into place," Reich said of her desire to enter the counseling field.

With a family that included both a younger and older brother, Reich said her parents were supportive of her educational endeavors. Yet in terms of her career, "I think a lot of it was I knew what I wanted to do and was motivated to get there."

After graduating from Mount Tabor High School, Reich enrolled at Furman University in South Carolina, where she earned her bachelor's degree. She then attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, receiving a master's degree in counseling.

"I have been in the field for about 10 years now," Reich said of her chosen profession.

Before joining Blue Ridge CareNet Counseling Center, she worked with an employee assistance program (EAP) in Charlotte. Some companies utilize EAP services as a free benefit to their employees to help them manage their work and personal lives.

The programs might assist workers regarding major life events such as deaths or births, or those experiencing financial, substance abuse or personal and relationship issues.

Theoretically, the company benefits from employee assistance programs through less absenteeism and morale problems experienced among its work force, thereby increasing productivity.

Good Listener

Along with possessing a genuine sensitivity for the various problems people are encountering, Reich believes a counselor must be a good listener in order to help those in need.

Building a rapport is one of the goals upon meeting a client for the first time, she said, "because if they don't like you, they're not going to come back."

Often what a person is NOT saying is more important than what they are saying, the counselor explained. It's her job to help someone feel comfortable enough to open up during a session.

Reich says she avoids telling someone what they should do to straighten out his or her life, but seeks to have clients figure out what to do on their own.

The counselor splits her time with Blue Ridge CareNet's office in Winston-Salem and its operation in Mount Airy, where she sees some five or six clients each Tuesday. The agency also has branches in other North Carolina locations and is affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist Health.

While the center accepts insurance, it financially assists clients by charging them according to their means. "We do have a sliding fee scale," for persons without insurance or who don't want to use it, Reich said. The branch here is overseen by a local 17-member board of directors that includes representatives of the ministry.

In comparing her dual work in the urban area of Winston-Salem with that of the smaller city of Mount Airy, "There are fewer resources (here)," Reich said. "So that can be a challenge in working with the Mount Airy clients."

But in her short time here, Reich has become impressed by Mount Airy's small-town, family-oriented atmosphere. One of her brothers moved here a couple of months ago.

One area the counselor is now exploring involves trying to launch a support group in Winston-Salem for women experiencing infertility problems to cope with "the emotional toll it takes."

This is an increasing concern, particularly with more women putting off having children until later in life. "I've just been so surprised that there are no support groups," said Reich, who also is open to organizing such a resource in Mount Airy if there is a demand.

Keeping A Balance

Constant contacts with folks who are suffering from a wide range of problems also can be tough on a counselor.

In Reich's case, she tries to maintain a proper balance between her professional responsibilities and private life. The latter includes her husband and a 2-year-old child, and hobbies such as music, shopping and walking.

Being devoted to helping clients is vital, Reich said of her often-demanding profession.

"But then you have to go on and live your own life and not let it consume you on some level."

Reach Tom Joyce at 719-1924 or [email protected].

___

(c)2012 The Mount Airy News (Mount Airy, N.C.)

Visit The Mount Airy News (Mount Airy, N.C.) at www.mtairynews.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services