 Figueroa is a Beason native, the daughter of Don and Ilene Southern.
She is a graduate of Beason High School and received her bachelor's
degree from Illinois State University.
Her counseling career began at the Logan Correctional Center. In
her last year there she was the supervisor of the Gateway program.
She originally worked with women but shifted to counseling men and
enjoyed those experiences. She was with the prison for four years.
She increased her experience and expertise later while working as a
counselor with Logan Mason Rehab and the Wells Center, which had a
satellite office in Lincoln.
Figueroa believes that there is a local need for anger management
counseling and has begun her own counseling service to fill that
need. "I like the county and the community, the people," she said,
explaining why she decided to open the service locally.
Figueroa has two Think Twice programs, one for adults and the
other for youth. Both programs are personalized to fit the needs of
each individual client.
The adult program provides counseling that helps a client take
responsibility for and learn how to deal with anger, stress and
control issues that have become problematic. The steps dealt with in
the program include anger management skills, relationships, building
self-esteem, communicating effectively, a belief system, power and
control issues, and understanding your own and others'
accountability for abuse.
The youth program is designed to help youth develop skills in
averting anger, stress issues, and school or peer problems. Parents
will also be worked with in this program in order to have the best
results for problem-solving and to help with proactive parenting
skills.
She has begun to notify agencies, schools and the court system
that her services are available. In many cases dealing with youth
and their issues, an opportunity for counseling outside of school
affords better privacy for the youth.
"In many cases anger is a cover of the true emotion," Figueroa
explained. "That could be fear or helplessness or lack of control.
The anger is an umbrella which covers the real problem. Some people
have learned how to cope with their problems the wrong way. Poor
coping skills can cause broken families and legal issues. Without
learning how to properly deal with their problems, they often face
the same issues again. They haven't learned, so they repeat the
problem."
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She wanted to make a point that there are different types of anger.
"There is a stigma about anger that isn't true," she said. "Anger is
a necessary emotion. There is good anger and bad anger. It is a
question of how they use their anger. In some cases it is important
to learn to be assertive but not aggressive."
Although, Figueroa is well-qualified in her position, she
understands that sometimes there are other issues that need to be
tended to before she can help a client. "Drug and alcohol issues are
separate and they need to be addressed first," she said. "Until they
are, a person can't move on and deal with the rest of their
problems." Figueroa knows many contacts in the area and will refer
someone to another person or agency if she feels they are better
suited to help a specific individual and their needs.
The process of using her services begins with a phone call.
During the conversation she will discuss the individual's needs and
issues and then assess the proper initial steps to take. These calls
are free, and there is no obligation to use her counseling services.
Although Figueroa has begun a physical presence with an office
located in Lincoln, she currently asks that potential clients call
her at 217-737-7936.
She understands that individuals or families in need might have
financial issues and that such counseling may not be covered by
insurance, or they may have no insurance but do need counseling, and
she is willing to discuss affordable payment options.
[By
MIKE FAK]
 |
