Solution-focused support for today's military families Published July 23, 2013 By Senior Airman Jessica Hines 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Nearly 10 years after the Department of Defense's initiative to broaden life counseling services for military members, the Military and Family Life Consultant Program continues to provide confidential support to service members and their families around the world. MFLC's are licensed clinical counselors that are available 24/7 to provide non-medical, short-term, problem solving support. MFLC's assist Airmen, families, children and couples looking to find solution-focused support to life's hurdles and challenges as an alternative to traditional resources such as chaplains, mental health professionals and medical doctors. "This non-medical counseling is designed to address issues that occur across the military lifestyle," said Marcell George, 31st Force Support Squadron airman and family services acting chief. "It helps service members and their families cope with the normal reactions to the stress created by deployments or reintegration." Additionally, single Airmen can benefit from a visit to the MFLC to address issues such as adjustments to moving away from home, challenges of living alone or managing first time job responsibilities, George said. MFLCs also provide specialized support for youth through the Child and Youth Behavioral Program, which aims to help children and parents and unique issues they might face as a military family. Adjusting to a new house, a new school and new friends in a different culture can be overwhelming for some children said to Heather Hanna, 31st Force Support Squadron Youth Programs director. "When I see parents struggling with discipline skills, family stress or their child adjusting to a group environment, I introduce the parents to this resource," said Hanna. As licensed psychologists, youth MFLCs specialize in child and adolescent behavioral issues and possess the academic qualifications to support youth programs with prevention mechanisms such as coping and social skills. In addition, youth MFLCs can provide direct support in the classroom and offer feedback or training to parents and staff. "Children's behaviors are a constant reminder we are a part of a military environment. Deployments, moving and living in Aviano all present problems affecting our kids," said Hanna. "The MFLC's are here to support the children and families through those periods of need." Whether individuals choose to visit a chaplain, first sergeant, mental health professional, medical doctor or MFLC, Airmen can find a support service to help support body, spirit and mind to keep them fit to fight every day. Contact Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program