in helping people meet the challenges of everyday living, the Bermuda Counsellors Association (BCA) is celebrating Counselling Awareness Month during April.

BCA chairperson Lee-Ann Simmons said: "Many people, at some point in time, need help and guidance during the normal stages and transitions of life.

"Professional Counsellors have received extensive education and training to help people of all ages, cultures and physical capabilities who strive to reach maximum potential in their professional lives, their education and their careers.

"Professional counsellors work in a variety of settings, including all levels of schools and universities, hospitals, mental health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, business and industry, Government, correctional institutions, religious organisations, community centres and private practice. Typically, professional counsellors' preparation includes at least a Master's Degree with a solid foundation in human growth and development, career and lifestyle development, social and cultural foundations, group work, practical and internships to assure optimum professional development.

"Many professional counsellors develop expertise in a specialty, such as school, career, mental health, marriage and family or rehabilitation.

"Through this awareness campaign, the BCA is working as an organisation to help people pinpoint times when professional counselling can be helpful to them. In addition, we want to educate the public about different specialities within the profession so they can match the right counsellor with their own unique circumstances and needs.

"We also want to help diminish the negativity and discomfort that still exists when the word counselling is mentioned. We want the public to embrace the role professional counsellors play in helping to build a positive, productive community by assisting it community members.'' Celebrating counselling The Bermuda Counsellors Association members are continuously looking for ways to assist the community. The BCA also provides opportunities for professional development for its members and other professionals.

The BCA has provided workshops on topics such as "Critical Incident Stress Management, Ethical Practice and Parenting Skills''. BCA members have provided free consultation services to the community through the Angle Street Centre.

During the Counselling Awareness Month, BCA members will be volunteering their services to Meals on Wheels and Age Concern. The BCA members are unlocking the doors to change in many ways and its next newsletter will feature an article on Mira Ingemann.

Ms. Ingemann is the Bermuda Police Services first Police Welfare Officer. She has a Master of Arts degree in Counselling and is completing her Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology.