FSC-Kristen
Kristen Gardner of Richmond, Virginia, shares how a family services counselor gave her tools to improve her mental health during an interview in 2023. Photo provided by Kristen Gardner, courtesy of Church News.All rights reserved.
This story appears here courtesy of TheChurchNews.com. It is not intended for use by other media.
By Mary Richards, Church News
Kristen Gardner had her first child at the age of 21. That’s also the age she was when she first went to therapy.
“I knew I would need counseling just because of things that had happened in my past. And for a long time, I didn’t want those challenges to define me,” said Gardner, a member of the Glen Allen Ward in the Richmond Virginia Stake.
FSC-Kristen
Kristen Gardner of Richmond, Virginia, with her children Kori, 14, Keri, 8, and Kamren, 4, in 2023. Gardner explained how family services counseling gave her tools to improve her mental health. Photo provided by Kristen Gardner, courtesy of Church News.All rights reserved.
Gardner had two more children and ended up raising them as a single mother. She went to several counselors over the years, but she didn’t feel like she found the right person. It took him a long time to find the right advisor who would help him in a way that suited him.
Then she heard Family Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through his bishop.
“He gave me a list of advisors to call in the area. The very first person I called made a great connection and I felt like it was exactly what I needed,” Gardner said.
Church leaders established Family Services be a resource for local leaders addressing the social and emotional needs of members. The professional counselors who work with Family Services are aligned with gospel principles and use a solution-focused therapeutic model to focus on issues that interfere with the ability to make and keep sacred covenants.
Gardner said the family services counselor she met with helped her develop tools to help her overcome challenges she had been trying to overcome for many years.
“I think the most important thing that helped me was having an advisor who shared my values and morals. It makes a big difference,” she said. “I remember there was a time when I felt like I wasn’t worthy of certain blessings. I took this to my counselor and he said, “Let’s look at this in a spiritual way. “Being able to do that helped me.
Gardner said now when she hears someone is in trouble, the first thing she asks them is if they’ve talked to anyone. A bishop, stake president, or mission president may authorize Family Services counseling services for individuals, couples, and families.
Gardner recommends people see counselors to get the help they need, because it’s helpful to have specific tools that meet their own specific needs.
Other Church resources include courses for strengthen marriage and familyA emotional resilience course and the autonomy program.
FSC-Kristen
Kristen Gardner of Richmond, Virginia, with her children Kori, 14, and Keri, 8, in 2023. Gardner explained how family services counseling gave her tools to improve her mental health. Photo provided by Kristen Gardner, courtesy of Church News.All rights reserved.
Through her mental health journey, Gardner has been able to heal important relationships, find full-time employment, and be more present for her children. She is also engaged.
“I’m so excited to start a life with a bigger, happier family. But I was only able to do these things and help the people around me because I took care of myself first,” she said.
She concluded: “I’m happy to be in the right frame of mind to be a light to others – to be in a mental space where I can function and enjoy my life. »
Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company.
