Stress; poor communication between life partners; chronic mood problems like depression, anxiety, anger, panic, jealousy, guilt and shame-all seriously affect the quality of our lives. Those confronting these problems may find help in one of several educational programs being offered by the Psychological Services Center at UB, where low-cost services are available to the general community, as well as to UB students, faculty and staff.

During May, the center, located in 168 Park Hall on the North Campus, will offer on a sliding-fee scale a Relaxation Workshop, a Couples Communication Workshop and a workshop titled "Mind over Mood."

The Relaxation Workshop will teach skills including progressive deep-muscle relaxation, imagery and breathing exercises. Beth Cohen, director of the center and clinical assistant professor of psychology, will oversee the workshop. For workshop dates and times, call the center at 645-3697.

The four-week Couples Communication Workshop will begin May 1 and be held on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. Designed and facilitated under the direction of Frank D. Fincham, professor and head of the Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology in the UB College of Arts and Sciences, it will focus on techniques designed to improve communication and understanding in relationships.

The eight-week educational "Mind Over Mood" workshop will begin in early May and meet Tuesday or Thursday evenings at times and dates to be announced. The strategies to be taught in this group are designed to help people solve relationship problems, better handle stress, improve self-esteem, become less fearful and become more confident. Cohen, who will direct the design and facilitation of the group, said the strategies are particularly helpful for people attempting to maintain sobriety or to live life without drugs. Call the center at 645-3697 for dates and times of the workshop.