The University of Rhode Island Couple and Family Therapy Clinic<\/a>, part of the College of Health Sciences<\/a>, is offering special support for parents, children, adolescents, couples and individuals facing the challenges of adjusting to the demands brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n The clinic\u2019s \u201cKeeping It Together\u201d program is offering telehealth video or phone meetings with advanced masters-level students skilled in family and couple conflict resolution, communication skills, parenting techniques and coping strategies. Two meetings are being offered free of charge, with follow-up phone check-ins for anyone who requests them. Clients can transition to more traditional therapeutic services as needed.<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes it just takes talking with someone who can listen and offer new perspectives and suggestions to help keep it together,\u201d said Jaqueline Sparks<\/a>, coordinator of the program. \u201cWe are here to support you in this process.\u201d<\/p>\n Increasing stress levels during the pandemic can put added stress on family relationships, increasing the need to get a professional\u2019s perspective and advice. Added stressors can include diminishment of social activities, decreased space and boundaries for at-home couples and families, increased parental demands related to home schooling, anxiety about finances and family members\u2019 health, and increased conflict among couples and families, among others.<\/p>\n \u201cFor many people, in a time like a pandemic, the need for services is greatest,\u201d said Gina MacClure<\/a>, coordinator of the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic<\/a>. \u201cStresses are compounded by the current situation. With everyone being home and not having access to an outside social structure, there can be a lot more chaos. Parenting has a completely different dynamic with no child care and parents being asked to homeschool children. It is much harder to get a break from family members when you are quarantining, and families often end up taking out their stress on one another. Keeping It Together hopes to support families to achieve a little more stability by helping them create an individualized plan where eacxh family member\u2019s needs are met.\u201d<\/p>\n Couples, individuals or families looking for that support in these trying times can contact the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic at 401-874-5956 or visit the clinic’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n