MID-CITY : Counselors Get Their Share of TLC

Some problems can be solved with a little tender loving care, but counselors at many of the city’s community organizations and service groups often deal with clients whose quandaries require more creative and comprehensive approaches.

Training Lay Counselors (TLC) is a program developed and partially funded by the Southern California Counseling Center to help counselors and volunteers develop problem-solving techniques. It also offers them support as they cope with stress and burnout.

The 20 participants in the first TLC session, which began in January and runs until June, are “the people who are in the trenches every day doing the work,” said Ken Olfson, program coordinator.

The pilot program has drawn representatives from eight groups, including the Aliso-Pico Multipurpose Center, the Watts Labor Action Committee, the Barrio Action Group Inc. and the Korean Family Counseling Center. The lay counselors and volunteers help their clients deal with such issues as domestic violence, substance abuse and culture shock.

“Many of our clients face the stress of learning a new language and financial problems,” said Il-sun Kim of the Korean Family Counseling Center. “Many haven’t recovered yet from last year’s riots. . . . When families struggle like this, we see increased domestic violence.”

The next TLC session begins in September. It is open to counselors, staff and volunteers in groups and agencies serving low-income clients, Olfson said. The cost is $250; scholarships are available.

Information: (213) 937-1344.