Oakland Counseling Association

2017-18 Vol. 3



The mission of the Oakland Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in

Oakland County by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the

counseling profession and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity.

Teaching Tolerance

By: Terrence Johnson

The past two years, our students have faced many situations that have tested our students’ ability to adapt to differences in opinion on issues ranging from national elections to gun control. Contrasting opinions have created so much tension in some schools. It has prompted open forums to spark dialogue with the goal of helping students to peaceably coexist. WEB Dubois once said, “Education must not just teach work, it must teach Life”. It is essential that educators equip students with the essential tools needed to navigate life. In life, we will have to co-exist with all types of people regardless of our differences of opinion.

It is commonly believed that by age 9 children are highly resistant to change. That is why it is essential that we as educators teach the ability to view life from different perspectives. The best way to promote empathy is to provide children with quality, reciprocal relationships with people from diverse communities. This can be accomplished by depicting images of diverse groups in positive, caring manner regardless of ethnicity, gender, political affiliations etc.

As educators we should also work to teach empathy in our classrooms and schools. When an educator attempts to create a safe zone for discussion in their classroom, some students may speak out of turn. If this happens, addressing that student in a mindful, non-judgmental manner can go a long way in helping create a sense of empathy.

The best way educators can teach tolerance is to model it ourselves. Exhibiting tolerance and treating our students the equally along with valuing their opinion regardless of their personal views can go a long way in fostering positive relationships and teaching lifelong lessons on tolerance and peaceful co-existence. Most of us are doing this work already in our classrooms, offices etc. It is essential in an era that can be polarizing on many levels that we continue to do the work that is so vital for our children to successfully navigate a diverse society.

Apprenticeships: Are They The Answer?

By: Sarah Flagg

The cost of a college degree keeps growing. A college graduate has an average of $37,172 in loans. According to Student Loan Hero, there is $1.291billion of student loan debt dispersed between 42.3 million borrowers. Only 54.8% of college students graduate in 6 years or less. This translates to many people having college debt but did not earn their college degree.

It is time for a paradigm shift in what are good viable options for high school graduates. What would you say to being fully trained within up to five years and remain debt free? Apprenticeships may be the answer.

Apprenticeships combine long-term classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Most apprentices are paid and receive salary increases similar to employees as they continue with their apprenticeships. At the completion of the apprenticeship, a person can walk into a high paying skilled job. If they choose to work in one of the unions after completion, one could have health benefits and pensions.

Over 1,000 occupations offer apprenticeships. These occupations could be in the Construction Trades, Manufacturing and Production, Health/Medical, Service, and Technology Professions. Depending on the apprenticeship, it could last between 1-5 years. For a typical four-year apprenticeship, it would average out to a 40-hour workweek and less than three hours of class time per week.

Apprenticeships are very favorable are favorable for many reasons. Apprentices can work in their field of interest and begin to earn money immediately. They would earn a Certificate of Completion from Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, and could earn a journeyman’s card if the apprenticeship connects to a Labor Union. Apprenticeships offer benefits to the employer too. Employers received well-trained workers; the retention rates are higher and could qualify for tax benefits or other financial support.

To apply for an apprenticeship an individual must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and be able to pass a drug test. There are two ways that one can become an apprentice. The first is when a labor organization partners with an employer. The second is when a college partners with an employer.


*Oakland County Economic Development and Community Affair

Apprenticeships In Oakland County https://www.oakgov.com/exec/Documents/old%20 apprenticeships 09.pdf

*Apprenticeships In Oakland County and Southeastern Michigan https://www.oakgov.com/exec/Pages/initiatives/apprenticeships.aspx

*Skilled Trades www.MITradeSchool.org.

*Oakland Community College- Auburn Hills Apprentice Coordinator (248)232-4050

*Schoolcraft College- Apprentice Coordinator (734) 462-4400

*Henry Ford College- Apprentice Coordinator (313) 845-6909

*Michigan Laborers’ Training and Apprenticeship Institute (MLTAI) (517)-625-4919

*Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights www.hammer9.com

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7 Summertime Activities to Reduce Stress

By: Megan Curtis

Summer is upon us! The sun is out, the grass is green, not a worry in the world…right? For many people struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression, this is not the case; millions of people actually suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the summer. According to The Providence Center’s Director of Care Integration Allison Bernier, everyone responds to stress differently. “There’s no ‘norm’ for when people experience stress or mental illness, just as there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution,” said Bernier. “But if you feel like the stress in your life is out of control, it’s time to make changes.”

Whether you’re struggling with mental health, or it’s just a stressful period in your life, here are 7 activities that can help you take advantage of the season while taking care of your mind:

1. Picnic. What better way to brighten your day than to take your lunch outdoors to breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sunshine! Studies suggest that vitamin D can help symptoms of depression, and picnics are a great way to bring people together and connect through some friendly small talk.

2. Go Fishing. Spending a day on the water and interacting with nature breaks you out of your stressful, everyday routine. When your only worry is whether or not you will catch that trout, your mind is set free and any weight on your shoulders is lifted.

Mastering an outdoor skill that will last you a lifetime may also boost your self-esteem.

3. Go for a Stroll. Walking for just 30 minutes can relax the mind and boost your mood. With every step you take, your body releases natural pain-killing endorphins that help reduce your stress level. “Regular exercise, even if it’s for a short duration of time, can have a large impact on depression and anxiety,” said Bernier.

4. Take a Dip. Similar to walking, swimming releases endorphins which decrease symptoms related to anxiety and depression. After a long day, swimming can renew your energy and improve your overall attitude. It is a natural outlet for built-up stress and tension. If you can make it to the beach-even better! The sand and rhythmic sound of the waves put your mind in a calm, meditative state.

5. Try Outdoor Yoga. Yoga is proven to relax your system, release tension, increase focus and improve symptoms of depression. By decreasing your blood pressure and increasing your serotonin levels, yoga is extremely calming and can leave you feeling happier. Taking the practice outdoors on a quiet, summer morning can make it all the more relaxing.

6. Break out the Bike. In addition to its many health benefits, such as increased muscle strength and decreased body fat, biking makes for a healthy mind. Cardio exercise can boost your self-confidence and lower the effects of anxiety and depression. Get those pedals and your heart pumping!

7. Work in the Garden. Get outdoors and plant some seeds! Gardening is the perfect way to spend time in nature while contributing to its beauty all at once. This therapeutic activity can ease stress and improve your mood.

Original Resource: https://providencecenter.org/news/post/7-summertime-activities-to-reduce-stress

Time to renew your membership for 2018-19!

If your department or school has funds leftover for the 2018 school year, a great way to spend the money is by renewing your Oakland Counseling Association membership for next year!

For a small fee you can become a member, and be eligible to attend a variety of workshops at a discount. Simply go to www.oaklandcounselors.org and click on the membership link on the left hand side. Current memberships are available at $20 for individuals, $50 for departments, and $10 for students. So don’t delay and sign up for your Oakland Counseling Association membership today!

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