“You are not alone,” is the reassurance Vermont Catholic Charities counselors offer those who are struggling with personal and family challenges.

“It is through our counseling services that we support individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with a wide variety of personal and family issues,” said Mary Beth Pinard, executive director of Vermont Catholic Charities Inc.

There are six counselors on the Vermont Catholic Charities team. Chris Johnson is a full-time counselor with a master’s degree in counseling psychology who is in the last stage of supervision before he gains an independent state licensure.

There are four part-time counselors. Sharon Trani, who has decades of experience in women’s health and a master’s degree in both nursing and marriage and family therapy; Derek George, a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed drug and alcohol counselor; Sheila Conroy, a licensed mental health counselor with more than 30 years’ experience in working with adolescents and families, individuals, and couples, as well as marriage counseling; and Bea Wells, a licensed independent clinical social worker with more than 40 years clinical experience. In addition, Dr. Gary Keller is Vermont Catholic Charities’ consulting psychiatrist.

Therapists help clients in different ways, Trani explained. “Sometimes we teach communication and conflict resolution skills, anxiety management, how to identify distorted thinking, etc., but I think our most effective work is done in helping people process their pain and trauma, their losses, the impact of a confusing childhood, or the impact of their own choices,” she said.

When asked if they’ve seen an increase in counseling needs since the Covid-19 pandemic, Trani acknowledged, “We are definitely seeing a huge increase in people reaching out for help, across the age spectrum. Covid, with its associated stress and isolation, is partly responsible for this increase, but I think several other bigger factors are the breakdown of the family, the increased use of social media, and the weakening moral fabric in our society. Adults and children alike are searching for purpose and direction, identity, and connection.”

Trani said counselors for Catholic Charities bring something more to their work because of their faith. “I think our Catholic anthropology and framework of a loving God who created us for communion and love is such a beautiful and sound basis from which to help those who come to us, whether they have a faith or not. We especially appreciate it when our patients do have faith in God. Their faith can be a huge resource in the therapy work. When people are deeply wounded by those who are supposed to love them, it can be healing for them to sit at Jesus’ feet, to allow God the Father to love and guide them, to feel Mother Mary’s healing tenderness.”

Counseling, Pinard said, “is integral to the mission of Vermont Catholic Charities. … We seek to offer hope, support, compassion, and the opportunity for healing and personal growth.”

Catholic Charities clients often share how that mission has been achieved in their lives. Said one client: “It’s been life-changing for me. … I regret that it took me so long to seek help. … I believe God brought me here to Vermont, to this diocese, to Catholic Charities, and to [my counselor]. I don’t feel like I’m alone anymore. It’s OK to get help and ask for help. It’s made my life better. It saved my marriage. It brought my husband and I way closer than we’ve ever been. It saved my family.”

For more information on Vermont Catholic Charities, go to vtcatholiccharities.org.