Group launches ‘text counseling’ for seafarers

With help from a Church-backed group, Filipino seafarers and their families can now get counseling services through text messaging. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said UGAT Foundation, a Jesuit family-oriented group, launched the online psycho-spiritual support system dubbed “Daungan." Seamen who wish to avail of the service can send a text message or call mobile number 0915-9389715. At the other end of the line are trained volunteer counselors. “The counseling service is free, but standard call and text rates apply," said Fr. Nilo Tanalega SJ, who heads the program. Tanalega said “Daungan" offers free confidential counseling, resource articles on psycho-spiritual enrichment, opportunities for formation and active linkages to other seafarers and their families, and trained counselors. “Some of the perceived needs that could benefit from an accessible avenue for emotional ventilation are the loneliness due to temporary separation, the emotional numbing from the endless cycles of ‘hellos’ and ‘goodbyes’, the stress of responsible financial management and even support while fighting the many different temptations," he said. He said that if personal counseling is needed, UGAT can easily refer the caller to a counselor near their area through its Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao networks of care providers. On the other hand, the service offers a web log (daungan.blogspot.com), offering opportunities for seafarers and families of seafarers to give peers support and advice. The site also offers articles, links and forums on a variety of psycho-spiritual topics like Marital/Family Enrichment and Gospel Reflections. - GMANews.TV