By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – At some point in everyone's life, something may arise that's too hard to overcome. Whether its depression, anger, abuse, the loss of a loved one, difficulties in personal lives or a disorder, some things may seem too hard to deal with.
That's where Jericho Counseling Services steps in.
Located at 221 N. Fourth St., Jericho Counseling, as its motto says, is "a safe place for your walls to come down."
On Wednesday, Sept. 19, a grand opening was held for the counseling center, where friends and family celebrated the 20th grand opening of a new business this year.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Mitchell Hannafius, along with his wife, Susan, and their four children, opened their doors for a great lunch and gave those in attendance a chance to see the office and learn about the counseling center.
"I am throughouly dedicated to helping people. This is what I love doing and I hope to offer people a place that can help them through whatever problems they are having," Hannafius.
Hannafius and his family have lived in Niles for 15 years. He wanted to dedicated the day to his mother and father-in-law, Dr. Kenneth Seifert and his wife, Linda, who, Hannafius said helped make the day possible.
"They're everything you would want parents to be," he said.
Niles firefighter John Hughes was in attendance, and said it's good to have counseling services available.
"In today's society, sometimes families and friends are not sure where to turn or what to do, especially with everything happening," Hughes said.
Jericho Counseling Services is a privately owned center, with a goal to help its clients meet their goals, both personally and professionally. Jericho offers services to adults, adolescents and children experiencing a broad range of emotional, behavioral and spiritual issues. The services are available for, but not limited to, those experiencing depression, anger, abuse, grief, mental illness, obsessive/compulsive disorder, difficulties in marriage, eating disorders and addictions.
"We are pleased to have another member of the chamber and welcome you," said Chamber of Commerce President Ron Sather.
Hannafius is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Michigan and Indiana. He has a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Nothern Michigan University as well as a Master of Social Work Degree from Western Michigan University. He has over 20 years of experience working with adults, adolescents and children and has a heart for and gift in marriage and family counseling.
For more information about Jericho Counseling Services, or to set up an appointment, call 684-6257. Jericho's hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.