My 2022 Holiday Message

“God is in me, in a bit of a state, I’m sure.”    Bono

A dear friend of mine recently and kindly said to me, “You have a history as an inspiring figure.”  That coming at the very time I’m about to go “newsier” for this year’s letter.  So much has happened this year and so much more will be happening in 2023.  I want you to be included and to have the chance to include others.

I’m collaborating with Copper Beech Institute in West Hartford on several projects.  I facilitated a retreat for hospital chaplains, addressing Vicarious Traumatization (the toll to the helper of bearing witness to the trauma of others – Google the groundbreaking work of Laurie Pearlman, PhD) with more workshops scheduled for 2023.  For more information and registration, go to https://www.copperbeechinstitute.org/upcoming-programs 

Skillfully Navigating Vicarious Traumatization: For Mental Health Providers and Allied Professionals

Online Workshop with Dr. Jeanne Folks
January 29, 2023, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Understanding the challenges to safety, trust, esteem, intimacy, and control can help providers turn things around before reaching burnout. The goal is to keep providers on their feet and serving without being personally destroyed.

Ideal for: Therapists, Counselors, Social Workers, Medical Personnel, Clergy, Lawyers, and Educators

Skillfully Navigating Vicarious Traumatization: For First Responders

Online Workshop with Dr. Jeanne Folks
February 12, 2023, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

For First Responders, the intersection of VT and potential PTSD can be another layer of complication.

Ideal for: Police, Firefighters, EMTs, Emergency Medical Personnel, Humanitarian Aid Workers, Domestic Violence and Child Protective Services Workers

To address my deep love of and concern for the earth, later next year I’ll be offering a workshop of love and reflection:

Poems & Practice for the Earth – Enter a space of deeper knowing and empowered expression

In-Person Workshop with Dr. Jeanne Folks
June 24, 2023 09:30 AM – June 24, 2023 04:30 PM  – Open to all

Through intriguing, fun writing exercises and graduated, brief writing prompts, guided meditations, expressive arts, brief nature walks and Qigong we will be focusing on love of nature and stewardship of our one and only planet Earth. Enlivened expressions of our own love for and devotion to stewardship can help others to also be inspired and to care more deeply.

I contributed the chapter “Sexual Health, Spirituality and EMDR Therapy” to the new textbook, “EMDR Therapy and Sexual Health” which was released by Springer Publishing in January.  There’s been a little, virtual book tour since then.  I’m glad that’s slowed down.  It remains to be seen if we authors are trekking to Canada next year for their annual EMDR conference.  The US one went well and I now consult more frequently on the cases of other therapists.

I’ve let go of my office permanently and am (successfully I trust : ) seeing all my clients virtually.  I’m also getting PT to mitigate sitting so much : )  My schedule is very full and I’m so grateful for the forbearance of those I keep waiting.  I turn 70 in the coming year and live in the prayer, “While there is time, let us do good for all people.”.

In early Spring, I’m traveling with several friends to a solitary retreat center in the Costa Rican jungle for a week of down time and deep reflection on the state of both our social world and our planet.  There is so much to attend to.  At times it feels like I’m trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon, however, it always comes back to balance.  For example, Emma Jane would adamantly agree that, “time with cats is never wasted” :”)   

Balance and community – I’m far from alone.  We each do what we can, as we are gifted and called, and, together, we are a force for healing, stability and good.

“Holy persons draw to themselves all that is earthly . . .The earth is at the same time mother, she is mother of all that is natural, mother of all that is human.  She is the mother of all, for contained in her are the seeds of all.”

                                                                                               ~ Hildegard von Bingen (1098 – 1179)

In Light, Love and Hope, Jeanne