Trouble comes in many faces. Sometimes families or individuals can sit down and think and find their own solutions. Again, it may be necessary to reach out for help, particularly when marital troubles are building up, children are rebellious, or when an individual may find the pressures of daily living have become unbearable.

It is people like this who come to Catholic Family Services, 1207 Carnegie Building, for counseling. This is one of the services available to the Atlanta Catholic Community.

John A. Ferguson, president of the agency’s Board of Directors, reports that during 1966 over 200 families sought the services of the organization which is supported by the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the United Appeal and fees from clients who are in a position to pay. Counseling is provided by a professionally trained social worker.

Help is given primarily through counseling which involves the working together of the client and caseworker on the problems at hand. The caseworker’s understanding helps the distressed person bring out feelings which have been building up. As the relationship grows and trust develops, the client begins to recognized certain factors which contribute to the upset. Often this may help to open up communications in the family which may have been stifled.

Miss Mary Julia Hogan, ACSW, executive secretary of Catholic Family Services, is often asked how do people come to the agency. She has noted that referrals come from people who recognize something is wrong and needs changing, from pastors, school counselors, physicians, clinics, juvenile courts, employers or from other clients who have known the agency.

In addition to the continuing service to the clients, it is sometimes necessary to consider another community resource. Typical of this kind of service is the planning with Mr. J. who was plagued by the idea that his drab, rather timid wife was involved with other men. Nothing that Mrs. J. said could convince her husband of her fidelity. In the early interviews, he eyed his wife suspiciously as he recalled various signals she set up to confuse him. He created elaborate systems of trying to catch her.

Gradually, as he began to trust the counselor, he was able to admit to his restlessness, depression plus the persistent doubts about Mrs. J. With his physician’s cooperation it was possible for Mr. J. to accept psychiatric evaluation with his subsequent hospitalization. In a few months, he was back in his job and resumed, again, the role of father and husband.

Application for admission to St. Joseph’s Village and other Catholic institutions are made to Catholic Family Services. In this way constructive plans can be made for children who need to live in a more structured environment and be separated from their families.