Our Bilingual Counseling Service Is Bridging the Language Gap through Genuine Care
As an organization that transforms the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we know that we need to expand our support. We are thrilled to announce that we are now offering bilingual counseling services (English & Spanish) to families, siblings, and guardians of those we serve.
Ana Lorena Perez, our LCPC/LPHA has used her bilingual skills by offering families the ability to feel understood and share their unfiltered thoughts, concerns, and experiences. She can examine issues from a cultural standpoint and resonate with common beliefs, values, and traditions of the individual.
Ana explained that being a counselor at Helping Hand has been really rewarding because the families and siblings of the clients feel supported enough to discuss their feelings.
“Now I have parents here sitting for a whole hour talking about how difficult it is to have child with special needs, and this is something they cannot fully talk about outside my office, so I see how they love it because this is a safe place,” said Ana.
When it comes to counseling, we know the importance of shedding light on issues.
Providing support to those we serve and extending it to their families has made a huge impact in their lives by strengthening their relationships with themselves and their families.
Some benefits of counseling are:
- Having the opportunity for self-exploration and discovery
- Receiving validation and emotional support
- Changing self-defeating habits and behaviors
- Enhancing self-esteem and acceptance
- Expressing and manage emotions
- Learning safe outlets to vent about issues
- Fostering hope, motivation, and encouragement
You can receive our bilingual counseling services here.
Written By: Halimah Shukair