Jack and Mary

Jack and Mary have been married 15 years and have two children, 9 and 6. Jack had an affair that brutally tore the fabric of Mary's love and trust. During months of joint pastoral counseling, Mary addressed her dependence, her anger and the pain of an alcoholic father. Jack is now confronting his depression, his fear of intimacy and his feelings of failure and inadequacy. They have a new found joy in each other's company and a respect for the hard work of being a healthy couple.

Relationships

Healthy relationships are vital to our well-being. Spouse, partner, family, friend and co-worker relationships can benefit from mutual pastoral counseling.

Marriage/Partners. Old wounds, conflicts, family secrets, communication and reconciliation are areas where relationships can grow and change. Issues may include communication, conflict, parenting and infidelity. Divorce and custody situations also can be significantly improved through counseling. The counseling center also offers pre-marital counseling to help couples better prepare for their lives together.

Families. All families experience periods of stress. Counseling helps family members improve how they interact with one another, relate in more helpful ways, resolve conflicts, problem-solve creatively and grow in areas of strength. Issues may include communication, conflict, family illness or death, parenting and adult care giving. The goal is to help family members understand and appreciate each other and live in healthier, more enjoyable ways.

Groups. The center also offers men's and women's groups and occasional groups on topics such as spirituality, divorce, grief, anger and conflict resolution. Group settings often help individuals get feedback on relationships and life events and learn how to better communicate and express themselves in a safe setting. We also welcome suggestions for new groups. To be notified of upcoming group sessions, please contact Margaret McCray.

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The Downtown Coalition for Grief Support is a Twin Cities support circle. They hold weekly Saturday meetings at 9:30 a.m. that are free and open to the public. All are welcome. No RSVP is necessary to attend. The meetings provide a safe, understanding environment for grief education, comfort and recovery.

The Downtown Coalition for Grief Support is an all-volunteer, non-denominational organization offering support for adults in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area who are dealing with the death of a family member, friend or partner.

Find out more about them on their website www.mplsgriefsupport.com or call them at 612.317.3454.