HOUSE CALLS Medical students provide Bethel “To me, they're seeking out more information and they’re expressing what
their needs are, so it’s up to us to provide some of those options.” Holistic approach McDonald says the goal of the information sessions is to meet clients where they are and provide information where it can be most useful. With a focus on domestic violence, McDonald says they aim to address the co-occurring issues and conditions that clients may be struggling with that are separate from the primary concern that brought them to Bethel. “ ose families that are utilizing the services at Bethel and working on stabilizing their current substance abuse issues, they may also have domestic violence in their lives,” McDonald says. “It really came together to serve those families that Bethel was working with in a holistic manner.”
clients with much-needed expertise
People come to Bethel Counseling Services in need of all kinds of help. From substance abuse issues to anger management needs, Bethel is there to provide the tools and services necessary to help get lives back on track. And now thanks to a collaboration with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, they’re also providing much-needed medical information. rough a partnership with Access Family Services, a team of medical students visits Bethel each week to present to an ever-growing group of clients. e team uses PowerPoint presentations to address issues that aect the health of clients and their children. “ ey provide information on the impact of arthritis on the body, or heart disease, or cancer. Anything that the group identies as a need, the medical students will present on that,” says Annette McDonald, executive director and chief purpose ocer for Access Family Services. 60
Certainly not every Bethel client has been the victim of abuse, but for those who have, the sessions can be a true eye-opener. McDonald says she sees women beginning to learn more about the cycle of abuse and the ways in which abusers attempt to maintain power over their victims. She says that by learning more about the abuse being committed against them, women are better prepared to break free from that cycle.
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