By Nancy Stoops

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

For the past 18 years, I have had the honor of facilitating a free counseling group every Monday evening.  Our group meets at the Walnut Teen Center and Gymnasium located at 21003 La Puente Rd., in the city of Walnut.  We meet year round from 6 to 8 p.m. (unless that Monday is a holiday).

Even though this group meets at a Teen Center, I invite people of all ages, with all types of issues, to attend.  This group helps parents, students, and all those that are just struggling in their lives.  My goal is to make our community healthier, and help individuals be more effective and successful in their lives.  We work on an array of issues that many people present day are dealing with. There is no reason for anybody to be stuck in an unhealthy place.

If you are tired of the fight between you and your child regarding homework, or need some more effective ways to communicate, this is the group for you.  Maybe depression or anxiety seems to be holding you or a loved one back; this is a place to find solutions that could be life changing.  If you or somebody you know is struggling with drugs or drinking, this group is a great place to get some coping skills to help you get clean.  We even talk about ways to deal with bullies and how damaging that can be for someone’s self-esteem.

Bring in an issue, and I promise you will feel hopeful and have new tools to help you confront the situation head on.  Don’t let embarrassment stop you or a loved one from getting the help you need to reclaim the wonderful life you are so deserving of.

All are invited, and you do not need an appointment to attend this group.  Additionally, this program also satisfies many court-mandated needs.

For more information, contact me at (909) 229-0727; or call the Teen Center at (909) 444-0089.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients. Nancy is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. She runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger. For more information about any of these services, feel free to contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727; or you may e-mail her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books, Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.