Carol, a 48-year-old Waukesha woman suffers from a serious mental illness, schizophrenia.  Like many schizophrenics, Carol’s illness prevented her from maintaining stable housing.  She often felt unsafe because of frequent transitions from one housing arrangement to another.  Eventually, she lived for two years at the Cornerstone Apartments serving low-income persons in need of support to achieve long-term stability.  Even there, Carol found it difficult to enjoy “normal” social contacts until she entered counseling.  Carol achieved many of the goals for improving her life that she established with her counselor.  Carol is very proud that she left Cornerstone and found an apartment in a nice building this past year.  She no longer hides or flees from others as she did in the past.  She found support and friendships with other single women who are stable but can relate to her struggles.  

Through counseling Carol has learned how to take better care of herself by setting boundaries when she feels uncomfortable and asserting herself when necessary.  Social relationships are easier now because she is more flexible, open, and honest.  Although Carol is a college graduate, her mental illness has prevented her from holding employment commensurate with her education.  Still, Carol managed to achieve some modest employment goals.  She has a small paper route and a couple part time cleaning jobs.  This self-employment has helped to improve Carol’s self-esteem by providing her with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and competency.  Her daily encounters with new people and new situations provide courage and the inspiration to risk trying more things.  Carol is truly a healthier, happier, and more productive citizen because she achieved her treatment goals through the counseling program at Family Service of Waukesha.