New program aimed at personal 'brush fires' Published June 24, 2008 By Greg Allen 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE,N.M. -- Airmen and their families here have another tool available to help them cope with the increased tempo of military life and accompanying challenges. The Military and Family Life Consultant program is DoD-funded and provides licensed therapists to help servicemembers and their families address issues such as multiple deployments as well as reintegration, or return from a deployment. Jody Amberg, the program's first therapist at Cannon, arrived June 16 and looks forward to "helping put out personal brush fires," she said at one of several briefings she gave to different groups on base. After her 45-day rotation here, she will then be replaced by another therapist. These "brush fires," she said, include issues such as deployments or job stress, marriage challenges or grief and loss. These therapists offer support and education through formal and informal meetings with individuals, couples, families and key spouse groups. The consultants' role is unique in that they do not work as traditional therapists. Their primary role is to assess needs. They work with their clients to develop a plan to address an issue. One important element the MFLC program offers its clients is confidentiality said Cynthia Friday-Allison, Airman and Family Readiness Center flight chief. When therapists complete their time, they take the information with them. That is one of the reasons their stays at a military installation are limited to 45 days. Many of the issues they address with their clients are those things that can be resolved during that time. However, if someone needs additional services, they are recommended to other resources added Ms. Amberg. "We are not here to replace any of the services that exist on base. We would simply like to bridge some of the possible gaps, especially if there is hesitation (because of confidentiality issues) in accessing those other services." Consultants are experienced, masters-level social workers, psychologists and marriage and family therapists. Though the individuals may change, the program will remain constant here. To provide a more seamless transition, newly arrived consultants will have a two-day overlap with the departing therapist. To contact Cannon's current Military and Family Life consultant directly, call 784-4868.