An increase in graduate students in the NIU M.S. Specialization in the Marriage and Family Therapy (SMFT) Program is not only good news for the program, it’s good news for those in need of counseling right now.
Because second-year students in the program provide counseling services (with faculty supervision), the influx means there more opportunities for folks to receive individual or couple’s counseling.
“Our student-therapists are well prepared to provide quality services to individuals, couples and families,” said SMFT Program Director Mark Killmer. “They are closely supervised by our experienced faculty.”
The Couple and Family Therapy Clinic (CFTC) in Wirtz Hall services individuals, couples and families, whether they are affiliated with NIU or not. And, because services are determined on a sliding-fee scale, a session could cost you as little as $10.
“Our clinic is committed to serving everyone regardless of their ability to pay the full cost of counseling,” said CFTC Director Natalia Vinokur.
College life can be stressful at any time, but particularly around finals and graduation.
“For many students, the college years are a period of major transition. Therapy can help students manage the stress of this transition; assist in making important decisions; improve relationships and facilitate personal and relational growth,” Killmer said.
The CFTC works with individuals as well as couples and families and offers a safe space to discuss a wide range of individual and relationship issues, such as everyday stress from responsibilities and decisions, feelings of despair, loneliness, anxiety, thoughts of suicide. The clinic is also prepared to help people with parenting issues, intimacy, conflict, school problems, or concerns about children and adolescents.
For more information or to make an appointment, visit go.niu.edu/CFTClinic, email familytherapy@niu.edu, or call 815-753-1684.
