Menu
Local counselors open Sikeston's Wellness Center
SIKESTON - It wasn't a big problem, but there it lurked, a source of frustration and occasionally, even of alarm. Finally they decided to face the difficulty rather than let it continue to block their ability to move on with their lives. That is where The Wellness Center staffed by Shirley LaFont and Terri Leible stepped in to help.
"Our goal is to empower people to deal with life's issues," said Leible about the company, which was formed this summer. Added LaFont: "We are committed to helping people. Most people need someone to listen to us once in a while but that someone can be hard to find."
LaFont and Leible are experienced listeners.
Both have master's degrees in counseling and are licensed by the state of Missouri. LaFont has worked for some 20 years as a counselor both in Missouri and Florida and is a licensed professional counselor. A nationally certified counselor, Leible is a provisional licensed professional counselor.
The Wellness Center is an environment where clients can come knowing visits are confidential. LaFont's office is located at 410 Tanner St. while Leible's practice is at 322 N. New Madrid St. which enables them to see clients at the same time in a private setting.
The development of the center came about, the women explained, because they saw a need in Southeast Missouri for the type of counseling services they could offer.
"The Wellness Center offers an opportunity to choose change and growth in a private and confidential setting," explained LaFont. "Here individuals can work through conflicting feelings as well as learn to cope with past and present experiences. This type of understanding can lead to changing behavioral patterns and self-perceptions that have limited personal growth."
According to LaFont, they try to provide a holistic approach for their patients, looking at not only the mental barriers but encouraging patients to be physically fit. They will refer patients to a physician if there is a need for medication or a check-up.
"It's not just about being mentally OK, it is about being healthy all over. All of us are greater than just one area of our life," said LaFont. "We are serving the worried-well as well as people with depression, anxiety, panic or more serious emotional trauma."
She went on to explain that as individuals gain understanding through talking with a counselor, it can free them to choose ways in which they are more capable to make a lifestyle change to deal with a problem, whether it involves a relationship, parenting skills, self esteem or stress from emotional issues. The counselor, she said, can assist in working through the issues, developing new skills or sometimes provide an outside perspective when dealing with a marital or family issue.
Leible said in the past some people feared there would be a stigma to seeing a counselor or a therapist. "But all of us have issues we need help in dealing with at times. It is OK to seek help," she said.
"It is not only OK," added LaFont. "It is the healthy thing to do, like going to a doctor if you are not feeling well."
And their goal, they emphasized, is to bring about client growth. "Whether they are interested in short-term problem solving, emotional support or deeper self-awareness, The Wellness Center seeks to provide the tools for transformation and assistance. We have a deep commitment to the process of change and to our clients."
Both LaFont and Leible described their hours as flexible, with appointments made by calling their offices. LaFont's telephone number is 471-3828 or 620-0273 while Leible can be reached by calling 471-5045.