July 2020

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Building a Reliable andResponsive Support Systemby Denise Aden, MSW LISW Quad Cities CounselingThe pandemic of Covid-19continues to drag on. In some ways,we have adjusted. In other ways,not so much of an adjustment hasbeen made. We all need support,now more than ever. But, how do webuild a reliable support system?It’s important to secure a backupsystem now—before you findyourself in a critical situation. The importantthing is, your support groupmust be reliable and ready to help.What should a support systembe able to do for you?An effective support systemshould be able to back you up, assistyou to move in a direction of yourchoice, and leave you stronger thanyou were. Ideally, it should provideyou with a variety of different typesof support, such as:• Restore your confidence andcompetence in stressful situations– Helping you cope with majortransitions, times of emotional difficulties,health crisis, or an overloadof demands on you.• Assist you in gaining new abilities– Challenging you, teaching you,and providing emotional supportwhen you’re feeling awkward orincompetent.• Collaborate with you to achievespecific goals – Contributing skillsand resources that you may nothave or don’t wish to develop toreach your objective.• Help you maintain a high level ofperformance – Having access toresourceful individuals when you’redoing well, not neglecting the needfor support at that time.Who should be part of yoursupport system?It should include a variety of individuals,not only those that are closeto you or that listen well or give goodadvice. Some may fulfill a variety offunctions, while others can only offerto fill one specific role. Which meansyou will have to be selective aboutwho should be part of your backup,16 July 2020 I QC Family Focusdeciding who may beor not be particularlyhelpful.Members of yourbackup system maybe:• A confidant – Somebodyclose that issympathetic, nurturing,and caring.Also, somebodywho shares yourinterests, valuesyour abilities, andrespects your point of view.• A role model – Someone that canhelp you identify goals, values, andpossibilities. Also, someone withknowledge about opportunitiesand the wisdom to give you goodadvice.• A challenger – Those people whomotivate you to think outside thebox, encourage you to explore anddevelop new skills and seek outhidden capabilities. They may bedemanding but help you grow.• A helper – Someone you can dependon to provide assistance ina crisis situation. That may not besomeone you’re personally closeto but someone that can connectyou with resources—people ororganizations—and who may bevery good at solving specific kindsof problems.• An associate with common interests– Those that may share acertain hobby with you or that canrelate to a specific problem you’redealing with because they havesimilar concerns. Also, groups thatcan help make changes in varioussystems through collective actions.Where can you turn to findmembers for your support system?Look around your —in yourpast, in the presence, at home, atwork, during off-times. Keep youreyes open to who inspires you, whochallenges you, who makes you feelcared for and secure, who providesyou with invaluable information.Once you determined whowould be reliable and receptive tofilling the roles in your support system,you’ll have to be proactive andreach out to them. Consider turningto:• Family and friends• Those in your church group or congregation• Members of your dance class,theater group, book club, or sportsteam• Your gym instructor or nutritionguide• Mothers you regularly see in yourbaby/toddler play circle• Your beautician or manicurist• Coworkers or your boss• Former or current teachers andclassmates• Your physician or counselor• the list is endless…Remember, you’re not alone—needing help at times is perfectlynormal. You’re strong, but you’re not“Supermom” or “Superwife.” There’sno shame in having a support systemand calling in backup whentimes get tough, when you need anextra hand, or when you don’t knowwhat’s next.Even when life runs smooth, it’sgreat to have the support to keepyou going. If you need help establishingyour support system, give usa call. Quad Cities Counseling- 563-213-5100
Thank you to our men and women in uniformfor their dedicated service.Pine Hill Cemetery AssociationSERVICE SINCE 18551530 E. 39th St.Davenport, IA 52807(563) 391-5130PineHillCemeteryDavenport.comFairmount Cemetery AssociationIowa’s Original Crematory3902 Rockingham Rd.Davenport, IA 52802(563) 322-8663Fairmountcemeteryandcrematory.comTwo Serene Settings, One Caring ManagementClient-Centered, Solution-Focused.Do any of the following statementsresonate with you?· You feel isolated.· You lack confidence.· You struggle to have time for yourself.· You believe God has more for your life,but it just isn’t happening.If any of these are true for you,counseling can help.I’m Denise Aden, and I providecounseling services here in the QuadCities area. I also offer counseling with aChristian perspective, if you wish. I havemore than 30 years of experience, andmy approach is warm, compassionate,client-centered and solution-focused.Looking for more peace in your life?Call me at (563) 213-5100 fora free consultation.Denise Aden, MSW, LISW1970 Spruce Hills Drive · Bettendorf, IA 52722 · (563) 213-5100info@quadcitiescounseling.com · quadcitiescounseling.comQC Family Focus I July 2020 17
Page 1 and 2: JULY 2020 - Complimentary Issue - w
Page 3 and 4: JULY 2020Serving Eastern Iowa & Wes
Page 5 and 6: MAKINGMEMORIES!The summer break for
Page 7 and 8: Bacon & Bleu Pork BurgersMy new fav
Page 9 and 10: Hey Dads, here are a few common lin
Page 11 and 12: Just For KidsDIY Donut Scented Soap
Page 13 and 14: Just For Kidsce Cream Flavors Hard
Page 15: Contact Lens Safety and Careby Tina
Page 19 and 20: QC Family Focus I July 2020 19

July 2020

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?