UO students to offer free couples’ counseling Feb. 7

EUGENE, Ore. – Jan. 27, 2015 – Students at the Couples and Family Therapy (CFT) Program at the University of Oregon College of Education (COE) will host the annual “Relationship Check-In” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 at the HEDCO Clinic on the UO campus. 

Individuals, any and all relationship types, couples and families from the UO and the community are welcome to register for free, one-time sessions with master’s-level therapists to celebrate and recognize strengths in relationships and, if desired, to identify areas for improvement or deeper therapeutic work.

The 2014 Relationship Check-in drew more than 80 participants, who not only found ways to fine-tune their relationships but left the clinic with Valentine’s Day gifts contributed by area businesses. 

Like the CFT Clinic, the Relationship Check-In is staffed by second-year master’s students in Couples and Family who are therapists in training. CFT Clinical Director, Dr. Tiffany Brown, calls the event “a great opportunity to share our experience and knowledge with the local community.” 

“This service benefits the community and our students,” Brown says. “We want the community to know that we are available for all kinds of relational counseling. We are committed to offering supportive and affirming services to LGBTQ individuals and relationships and our students are informed from a social justice perspective. It’s a low-commitment, free opportunity for anyone wanting to check in about their relationship or get a glimpse into the therapeutic process.”  

A number of couples who participated in last year’s event chose to continue therapy at the clinic, which offers individual, relational, and family counseling on a sliding scale based on income. Most clients pay $15 per session.   

“You may learn new things about yourself and your relationship with your loved one. An hour on a Saturday afternoon to check in about your relationship seems like a worthwhile investment,” Brown added. 

Sessions will last approximately 50 minutes. Interested couples are encouraged to call the clinic at 541-346-0923 to make an appointment, though walk-ins on the day of the event are also welcome. 

Questions can be directed to the HEDCO Clinic at 541-346-0923 or to Tiffany Brown at tiffanyb@uoregon.edu.