Friday, December 30, 2011

Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Course

Emotional suffering comes in all shapes and sizes. We might worry about the future, be angry or sad, feel guilty or ashamed, get upset about physical pain, or just feel bored or stressed. Sometimes it's pretty subtle - we 'don't feel great; or are 'out of sorts'. Other times we can get so taken over by anxiety, depression, addictions, pain, or stress-related symptoms that it's hard to even function. A remarkable amount of the time, being human isn't easy.
Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD The mindfulness solution

Join Becky Andrews, LPC, FT, and Christy Cox, LCSW, for an 8-week course on Mindfulness and Self-Compassion.  Our next course begins Thursday, January 12, 11:45 - 1:00 PM (8-week group course - class size is limited to 8, $295, insurance may be billed).   To register contact Becky at 801.259.3883 or Christy at 801.243.4959.

Workbook included. 

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Men's Grief Group

Men's Grief Support Group

Men handle grief differently. This 8-week group addresses the unique ways that men travel the journey of their healing from loss, whether it's from the loss of a spouse, a child, a sibling or even a close friend.

Group meetings will be a blend of workshop learning and experiential activities led by Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, CT from the University of Utah and will be held at the Resilient Center for Grieving Families in Bountiful at 1355 N Main Ste, 1 Bountiful, UT 84010. Cost is $120.00 for 8-week group course. Group will begin, Thursday, January 19th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM.

For interest in enrollment or for more information, contact Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, CT at 801-581-8901.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Group for Children with parents who are divorced

See that the "children aren't forgotten" when divorce occurs.

10-week group to begin Tuesday, January 10th.  ($250/10 weeks)

Children who live in divorcing families often experience their primary relationships as "unpredictable and double binding". These children manage the resulting anxiety by narrowing their feelings and ideas about themselves, other people, and relationships into "very simple and rigid patterns". They become distrustful and begin to avoid closeness as a means of creating safety for themselves. They become distrustful and hard to reach such that they are difficult to engage (see "High-Conflict, Violent, and Separating Families" by Vivienne Roseby, Ph.D and Janet R. Johnston, Ph.D).

Michael Van Dam, LCSW, is offering an interactive group designed to demystify children's responses to divorce, to reduce anxiety and shame related to their family experience, to know that "they aren't the only one", and to establish a "new normal" to help them proceed with assurance, confidence, and hope in their lives. As a Certified Music Therapist, I will incorporate musical interventions into the group format.
For information, contact Michael Van Dam, LCSW, 801.815.6152
or email:  vandam.michael@gmail.com

Monday, December 26, 2011

SSA Parent Support Group

SSA Parent Support Group


Christy Cox, LCSW, offers a Parent Support Group for parents whose children have Same Sex Attraction. The group not only offers support and an emotional exchange with other parents, but also offers information and tools in dealing with the feelings of grief, loss, and confusion. Christy has had 7 years of group and individual counseling with this population and has a close and caring understanding of the deep challenges that individuals and families face.

Next group is:
Tuesday, January 10, @ 5:00 - 6:15 pm. $25/Group.
at Resilient Solutions, Inc, 1355 N. Main, Ste. 1, Bountiful, Utah.

Contact Christy Cox, LCSW, 801.243.4959 for details.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

A few more holiday grieving ideas

Dr. Alan Wolfelt, continues

Do What is Right for your during the holidays

Well-meaning friends and family often try to prescribe what is good for you during the holidays.  Instead of going along with their plans, focus on what you want to do.  Discuss your wishes with a caring, trusted friend.

Talking about these wishes will help you clarify what it is you want to do during the holidays.  As you become aware of your needs, share them with your friends and family. 

Plan Ahead for Family Gatherings

Decide which family traditions you want to continue and which new ones you would like to begin.  Structure your holiday time.  This will help you anticipate activities, rather than just reacting to whatever happens.  Getting caught off guard can create feelings of panic, fear and anxiety during the time of the year when your feelings of grief are already heightened.  As you make your plans, however, leave room to change them if you feel it is appropriate. 

Embrace your treasure of memories

Memories are one of the best legacies that exist after the death of someone loved.  And holidays always make you think about times past.  Instead of ignoring these memories, share them with your family and friends.  Keep in mind that memories are tinged with both happiness and sadness.  If your memories bring laughter, smile.  If your memories bring sadness, then it's alright to cry.  Memories that were made in love -- no one can ever take them away from you.

Lastly,  Renew  your resources for living

Spend time thinking about the meaning and purpose of your life.  The death of someone loved created opportunities for taking inventory of your life -- past, present and future.  The combination of a holiday and a loss naturally results in looking inward and assessing your individual situation.  Make the best use of this time to define the positive things in life that surround you.

Remember that implicit in Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chanukah is the miracle of human survival and hope for the future.

Our Winter Grief Groups will begin in January.  Contact Becky Andrews, 801.259.3883 for more information. 

Grieving During the Holiday Season

Dr. Alan Wolfelt continues ...

Be tolerant of your physical and psychological limits

Feelings of loss will probably leave you fatigued.  Your low energy level may naturally slow you down.  Respect what your body and mind are telling you.  And lower your own expectations about being at your peak during the holiday season. 

Eliminate Unnecessary Stress

You may already feel stressed, so don't overextend yourself.  Avoid isolating yourself, but be sure to recognize the need to have special time for yourself.  Realize also that merely 'keeping busy' won't distract you from your grief, but may actually increase stress and postpone the need to talk out thoughts and feelings related to your grief.

Be with Supportive, Comforting People

Identify those friends and relatives who understand that the holiday season can increase your sense of loss and who will allow you to talk openly about your feelings.  Find those persons who encourage you to be yourself and accepting your feelings - both happy and sad.

Healing During the Holiday Season

Dr. Alan Wolfelt, http://www.centerforloss.com/, states that holidays are often difficult for anyone who has experienced the death of someone loved.  Rather than being times of family togetherness, sharing and thanksgiving, holidays can bring feelings of sadness, loss and emptiness.  He offers some helpful suggestions:

Talk about your grief

During the holiday season, don't be afraid to express your feelings of grief.  Ignoring your grief won't make the pain go away and talking about it openly makes you feel better.  Find caring friends and relatives who will listen -- without judging you.  They will help make you feel understood.

Our Winter Grief Groups will begin in January.  Contact Becky Andrews, LPC, FT, 801.259.3883 for more information.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Men Grief Group

Men's Grief Support Group
Men handle grief differently. This 8-week group addresses the unique ways that men travel the journey of their healing from loss, whether it's from the loss of a spouse, a child, a sibling or even a close friend.

Group meetings will be a blend of workshop learning and experiential activities led by Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, CT from the University of Utah and will be held at the Resilient Center for Grieving Families in Bountiful at 1355 N Main Ste, 1 Bountiful, UT 84010.  Cost is $120.00 for 8-week group course.  Group will begin, Thursday, January 19th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM.

For interest in enrollment or for more information, contact Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, CT at 801-581-8901.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Resilient Center for Grieving Families. Winter Groups

Out of loss can come hope, not from forgetting or letting go of love, but through sharing with others. 

Winter Grief Groups:

Mother's Group.  Join with other mothers who have experienced the death of a child.  Every other Monday beginning January 9th, 11:30 - 1:00.  12-weeks, $175.  Evening group is also available.

Day Grief Group.  Join with others who have experienced a loss of a loved one.  Tuesdays beginning January 17th, 11:45 - 1:00.  12-weeks, $175.

Evening Grief Group.  Beginning January 17th, 6:30 - 7:45.  12-weeks, $175.

For more information about these groups, contact Becky Andrews, LPC, FT at 801.259.3883.

Men's Grief Group (Thursday 5:30 - 6:45).  8-weeks, $120.
Men handle grief differently. This 8-week group addresses the unique ways that men travel the journey of their healing from loss, whether it's from the loss of a spouse, a child, a sibling or even a close friend.

Group meetings will be a blend of workshop learning and experiential activities led by Mark de St. Aubin, LCSW, CT from the University of Utah.
For interest in enrollment or for more information, contact Mark de St. Aubin at 801-581-8901.