Walnut Way welcomes Kenneth Ginlack, licensed therapist, who is creating spaces for men’s healing from trauma in a supportive men’s group called, Real Men Having Real Conversations: Use your past as a stepping stone to walk into Greatness.
In starting, Real Men Having Real Conversations, Ginlack emphasizes the importance of healing from personal trauma, “The traumatic injury impacts not only the physical functioning of the individual but the psychosocial health of men and their family. Men struggling with trauma – may face social isolation, financial upheaval, and continuing feelings of anger, depression, or guilt. A survivor’s sense of self is challenged, and social support systems can be exhausted before recovery is complete. The men’s support group can be a key component to healing. This space will offer men an opportunity to connect with other men and receive and give support.”
Beginning March 11th, Walnut Way will hold space at the Innovations and Wellness Commons, for the support group. The gatherings will take place every Wednesday, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 1617 W. North Avenue. Men are welcome to join the program and drop-in. The group will be facilitated by Mr. Ginlack and will also welcome guest speakers who can talk about topics of interest to the group.
Ginlack, who is the Executive Director for Kenneth Ginlack Sr Consulting & Training Center (KGSCTC), located in Lindsay Heights, shares that there are many benefits to joining a support group, including:
- Gaining support and hope from others facing similar experiences
- Feeling less anxious, afraid or alone
- Sharing experiences and helping others
- Learning new skills for coping and enhancing your life
- Becoming more self-confident
- Feeling more in control
- Developing new friendships
According to Ginlack, the support group is well suited to ease emotional stress, including feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, helplessness and hopelessness. Ginlack says that “The group will enable discussions of central concerns of men and families, such as anger, loss, and mourning, in a supportive, growth-promoting environment. By normalizing the experience of recovery and increasing the men’s self-efficacy through education and resource sharing. The men’s support group has the potential to strengthen coping skills, as well as reduce isolation.”
Ginlack has lived in Milwaukee for over 30 years with his wife and family. He earned his undergraduate degree from Upper Iowa University in Human Services with an emphasis in Social Work and Graduate Degree from Loyola University in Social Work. He has worked in various treatment modalities serving a variety of populations including medically monitored patients, youth in out of home placement, and individuals in correctional settings. Kenneth Ginlack is a Master Level Social Worker and holds the following licensures in the state of Wisconsin; (LCSW) Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), and Independent Clinical Supervisor (ICS).
Ginlack previously served as Clinical Director for St. Charles Youth and Family Services in Milwaukee, and Ad-Hoc Instructor at the University of Wisconsin Continuing Education extension program. He instructs professionals on best practices for Clinical Supervision. Mr. Ginlack is the President of the Board of Directors for Revive Youth and Family Services and a board member for SALS Recovery Houses & Coaching. Mr. Ginlack was previously the vice president on the Board of Directors for Daystar Inc. He was the recipient of the President’s Award at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) for his academic achievements and outstanding work in the community. He is known for his contributions of volunteerism to various non-profit agencies throughout Milwaukee.
