Charis Center - Professional Counseling & Family Life Education

Centering Prayer: What is it?

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
or Saturday, Feb. 28, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

The method of centering prayer is designed to turn off the ordinary flow of thoughts, that reinforces our habitual way of thinking of ourselves and of looking at the world. It is like turning your TV from local coverage to cable or satellite. You may be used to the local stations, but if you want to see more stations, you have to switch. In similar fashion, if you turn off your ordinary thinking and emotional patterns, you open yourself to a new world of reality. Come find1549 to register for the day/time that is best for you. This free seminar will be held at Charis Center, 40 out more about the spiritual growth and transformation that can happen by using centering prayer. Call 378-41 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota.

Janet LoGalbo, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, received her Master in Social Work degree from Loyola University. Jan's religious education and community living experience with the Order of St. Benedict Sisters, Nauvoo, IL, gives her the back-ground needed for this topic.

Men, Marriage, & Sex:

Improving what happens in the relationship & bedroom. Thursday, March 4, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

While this free seminar is designed for men, it will also be helpful to the women who love them. Most couples need help to negotiate their sexual differences. Because it is so difficult to talk about unless the "pump gets primed," this seminar is designed to "prime that pump" and help couples do a better job talking to each other about sexual matters. Men in particular seem to have difficulty talking about it and this seminar will help start that process. To register, call 378-1549. The seminar will be held at Charis Center, 4041 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota.

Glen Denlinger, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Minister, received his Master of Social Work degree from Temple University. He is the Executive Director of Charis Center and has over 20 years counseling experience.

Ever feel depressed? You're not alone!
Monday, March 1, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Depression is a biological/medical illness that effects behavior, thoughts, and feelings, that even the strongest person cannot overcome without treatment. A variety of stressors may contribute - separating physically or emotionally from family, dealing with disappointments and loss that occur in work and relationships. Losing love relationships may be the toughest to get through. If you or someone you know may be depressed, come find out how depression can be treated. This free seminar will be held at Charis Center, 4041 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota. Registration required; call 378-1549.

Anne Nelson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, received her Master of Counseling degree from the University of Delaware and studied at the Baltimore Pastoral Counseling Center and Lancaster Theological Seminary. With 25 years experience, Anne counsels adults, couples, teens, and families.

Setting Healthy Boundaries class

6 Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. March 6 through April 10 or 6 Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 11 through April 15; $50 indiv.; $75 two in same family

Are you good at setting and communicating limits? Come learn how to say "no" - it'll change your life! Relationships with family, friends, co-workers will improve once you learn what you are and are not responsible for and how to communicate your boundaries in a healthy way.

Call 378-1549 to register for the day/time that is best for you. This class will be held at Charis Center, 4041 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota.

Melanie DuToit, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, received her Master in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Florida. She specializes in working with blended families, addictions, anxiety, and management of chronic pain. Melanie is also an Overcomers facilitator.

Marriage Workshop

4 Mondays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. March 9-30
$50 indiv.; $75 two in same family

Who are we as individuals? How does that affect us as a couple? We'll take personality inventories and find out. What are the different types of marriages? What are my expectations of marriage/do they fit with my spouse's? What do we need to make our marriage better? Learn communication models, how to deal with anger, putting marriage first, becoming a spiritual couple, and more. To register, call 378-1549. Although primarily for couples, anyone interested in making their relationships better is welcome. The class will be held at Charis Center, 4041 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota.

Companions in Christ

A small-group experience in spiritual formation. Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Beginning March 2; $10 per session

Learn to listen to God and allow your life to be shaped perhaps even transformed by the Word. You will be blessed by being part of a covenant group, the discussion, and your own reading and reflection on the book ($20 cost). The course is designed by Upper Room for guiding you to an ever-deepening communion and wholeness in Christ Jesus. This on-going group will be held at Charis Center, 4041 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota. Registration required; call 378-1549.

Linda O. Hovde, M.Ed., Christian Mentor earned her degrees at the U of IL, directed Christian mission programs, taught in Ethiopia and the USA, completed a Spiritual Formation Program, and facilitates Christian growth groups and retreats. Linda's call is to encourage and pray for people to mature in their relationship with God. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a member of Abundant Life Church.