Mind-Body Care

You may have heard about a number of events that are planned around the county to observe the one-year anniversary of the October 2017 wildfires. A listing of these events can be found at SonomaCountyRecovers.org . The anniversary of our October 2017 fires is not just a typical day, it is a day where many may feel disillusioned and realize they are still working their grief. It is a day where while we might have to go to work, we have to remember to take care of ourselves and remember it is...

A new coalition, the Sonoma County Resiliency Collaborative, is offering a free train-the-trainer taught by the Center for Mind Body Medicine. The training program is about the neuroscience of trauma (including new studies about the difference between men and women) with a focus on environmental disasters and trauma and the various techniques to heal from trauma, mainly training a cohort in different forms of meditation. If you weren’t able to join us on July 26 to hear about this...

Last summer Bob Doppelt asked me to join a planning committee for a conference on climate change . I was surprised to be asked as my recent professional expertise is tied to addressing childhood adversity. Bob changed my perspective on the relevance by saying, "Adversity and trauma are the social side effects of climate-related disasters. Imagine the social-emotional impacts on Katrina survivors." The connection was a glimmer in my mind, but I agreed to support a California conference .

Kalia Mussetter of Living Bridges " Bringing people together for transformative community service," invites you to read the attached Peer Voices Now! newsletter. Kalia writes: "Please enjoy this beautiful newsletter. It is rich with fine, heartfelt writing by many local mental health Peer Providers; talented individuals who serve our mental health stakeholder community every day. There is a focus on experience of both loss and healing from the recent fires, as well as moving accounts of peer...

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors members, Shirlee Zane and Lynda Hopkins, with special guest Congressman Mike Thompson, invite all community members to attend the Mental Health Resiliency Forum on Thursday, February 22nd. The Forum will feature a Resources and Services Fair starting at 6:00 p.m. before the main presentation and moderated panel begins at 7:00 p.m. The Forum provides an opportunity for Sonoma County community members to learn about available mental health resources and...

Yoga is a great activity for children and adults and is easy to do just about anywhere! Children need to have multiple healthy ways to express their feelings and have opportunities for mind and body awareness. Yoga is beneficial because it is... Non-competitive Gender neutral Enhances motor skills and balance Improves listening skills in a fun approach Children can focus on what is happening in the moment A healthy way to express feelings Supports social and emotional learning and...

If you found yourself searching for resources to help families of young children cope during disasters and traumatic events, please allow us to point you to a new comprehensive page curated by First 5 Sonoma County. http://first5sonomacounty.org/Resources-for-Parents/Coping-Resources/

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/7640225-181/board-of-supervisors-sounds-alarm http://first5sonomacounty.org/Resources-for-Parents/Coping-Resources/

I just received a compelling email from the Hanna Boys Center reminding us to care for our bodies and hearts during this time of great stress. One incentive to care for yourself is the idea that "well staff serve well." As my friend Clare suggested earlier today, "It's the idea that we need to put on our own oxygen mask in order to live long enough to help others. Still, many of us don't know where to start with supporting our own wellness. This worksheet (attached) offers many simple...

The Redwood Empire California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist have come together to offer 3-5 FREE counseling sessions for anyone affected by the NorCal fires. See attached or click here for the list of 97 counselors who have offered their services List of RECAMFT Counselors The attached Disaster Survivor Handout is very helpful too. Click here to learn more about RECAMT and to find additional resources Redwood Empire CAMFT

In the midst of the devastating fires that continue to threaten our county, we at St. Joseph Health Hospice Grief Services would like to offer a few gentle grief reminders for anyone touched by these events . Whether you personally have experienced a loss, you are supporting others, or even witnessing the events remember: We all grieve differently, and ALL grief is valid. Extreme Self Care While chaos is swirling we must try to drink plenty of water , eat whenever possible, sleep even if...

In response to the wildfires in California, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help families and communities. These resources include: Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires En Español Wildfires: Tips for Parents on Media Coverage En Español Simple Activities for Children During Evacuations or When Playing Outside is Restricted Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic...