Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Hello, Everyone~

I hope this email finds all of you well and enjoying the day. Much gratitude to you all for engaging and inviting me to speak with the Guelph Wellington Men’s Group as it was a pleasure meeting you and sharing time with you regarding Hospice Wellington’s Art Therapy program that I am privileged to oversee.

As a manner of follow-through, I would like to bestow the gift of listening to both pieces of music I referenced at the end of my talk for you to experience and feel in connection one client’s art therapy process. I have also included four images of the corresponding sculpture to support your understanding and potential appreciation of the artwork as well and the evolution of the music…I find such resonance in the feeling conveyed through sound in both pieces. I hope you will these as gifts to deepen the connection we began and further enrich your experience as a whole.

Please note…I ask that you regard the music as a gift for your listening and to regard it as a resource to the presentation as a whole and request to not further share the music or post it online in any way. Much thanks to each of you for protecting and supporting the integrity of our program services.

Rock Sculpture name, as referenced in slideshow: The Weight of Grief, created by Celeste Roberge

Play Music Score:

1. One Day 2. Palms to the Sky

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Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Here are the responses to the questions provided below:

From Ted Pritchard: I have been the art curator at the Evergreen Centre for about 8 years, but as a year ago I have not been able to fill the role (I fall down!). The GWSA has not found a replacement yet so the Art Gallery has remained closed. This is a loss for the seniors who appreciated the Art of other seniors and those seniors who needed a display for their art. This was a therapy that has been lost. I also organized an Art Group at the Evergreen and was a member of the Watercolour Group. The GWSA has shut down its operations at the Evergreen Centre until Sept. 2021 even though the Centre may be open for younger people who are less vulnerable to COVID 19. That was a wise decision for people like me who are immunology compromised. There are a number of Guelph senior artists who are missing their home away from home.

Thank you, Ted, for sharing in your experience with the Evergreen Centre and for drawing attention to the absence being felt by seniors supported by artistic expression and encounters with the public display of artwork…I can deeply appreciate how access and encounters have been deeply impacted by COVID-19. ‘Art as therapy’ can be a significant tenet of Art Therapy practice, establishing mental focus and relaxation for those who choose to participate. The place of encountering work has also shown to be of benefit, specifically supporting cognitive functioning, so I am saddened to hear that the gallery has had to close due to not being able to fill the role. It should be mentioned that Art Therapy has shown to be of significant benefit to those impacted by Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia as a form of expression and has illustrated marked improvement with symptomology associated with the disease process.

One thought that may be considered during the interim of live programming would be Zoom art classes, working with local artists exploring an assortment of materials, or perhaps to consider a weekly encounter at a scheduled time that techniques could be explored through a semi-structured group format, with group discussion and visual sharing of works created, perhaps even to the creation of an online ‘gallery’ of sorts, where artwork could be shown and viewed by the Evergreen Centre community, or the wider community, perhaps. It may be worth exploring to support those missing art programming, just a thought…

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

From Tom Watson:draws people out, in ways that aren't accessible through verbal means? What's the difference between that and drawing out the same thoughts through writing?

Thank you for the question, Tom, mucfunctioning brain and information processing, challenging or traumatic experiences can be difficult to make sense of cognitively. Alternative methods that support the exploration and expression of these difficult experieas the use of art therapy, can provide ways to encounter the experience and improve our ability to organize the information, providing additional ways to understand, comprehend, problemtechniques (accreditpresenting issue and work with it external to the physical body, promoting increased objectivity and access to cognitive resources such as problemsolving. Art Therapy supports this technique through

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

From Tom Watson:draws people out, in ways that aren't accessible through verbal means? What's the difference between that and drawing out the same thoughts through writing?

Thank you for the question, Tom, mucfunctioning brain and information processing, challenging or traumatic experiences can be difficult to make sense of cognitively. Alternative methods that support the exploration and expression of these difficult experieas the use of art therapy, can provide ways to encounter the experience and improve our ability to organize the information, providing additional ways to understand, comprehend, problemtechniques (accreditpresenting issue and work with it external to the physical body, promoting increased objectivity and access to cognitive resources such as problemsolving. Art Therapy supports this technique through

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

From Tom Watson: Is it the case that working with their hands in creating Art draws people out, in ways that aren't accessible through verbal means? What's the difference between that and drawing out the same thoughts through

Thank you for the question, Tom, mucfunctioning brain and information processing, challenging or traumatic experiences can be difficult to make sense of cognitively. Alternative methods that support the exploration and expression of these difficult experieas the use of art therapy, can provide ways to encounter the experience and improve our ability to organize the information, providing additional ways to understand, comprehend, problemtechniques (accredited to White & Epston (1990), which attempts to take the presenting issue and work with it external to the physical body, promoting increased objectivity and access to cognitive resources such as problemsolving. Art Therapy supports this technique through

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Stage 1: Waves Hitting

Is it the case that working with their hands in creating Art draws people out, in ways that aren't accessible through verbal means? What's the difference between that and drawing out the same thoughts through

Thank you for the question, Tom, mucfunctioning brain and information processing, challenging or traumatic experiences can be difficult to make sense of cognitively. Alternative methods that support the exploration and expression of these difficult experieas the use of art therapy, can provide ways to encounter the experience and improve our ability to organize the information, providing additional ways to understand, comprehend, problem-solve. I employ both Narrative Therapy

ed to White & Epston (1990), which attempts to take the presenting issue and work with it external to the physical body, promoting increased objectivity and access to cognitive resources such as problemsolving. Art Therapy supports this technique through

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Stage 1: Waves Hitting

Is it the case that working with their hands in creating Art draws people out, in ways that aren't accessible through verbal means? What's the difference between that and drawing out the same thoughts through

Thank you for the question, Tom, much appreciated. When we thing of the functioning brain and information processing, challenging or traumatic experiences can be difficult to make sense of cognitively. Alternative methods that support the exploration and expression of these difficult experieas the use of art therapy, can provide ways to encounter the experience and improve our ability to organize the information, providing additional ways to

solve. I employ both Narrative Therapy ed to White & Epston (1990), which attempts to take the

presenting issue and work with it external to the physical body, promoting increased objectivity and access to cognitive resources such as problemsolving. Art Therapy supports this technique through

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Stage 1: Waves Hitting

Is it the case that working with their hands in creating Art draws people out, in ways that aren't accessible through verbal means? What's the difference between that and drawing out the same thoughts through

h appreciated. When we thing of the functioning brain and information processing, challenging or traumatic experiences can be difficult to make sense of cognitively. Alternative methods that support the exploration and expression of these difficult experieas the use of art therapy, can provide ways to encounter the experience and improve our ability to organize the information, providing additional ways to

solve. I employ both Narrative Therapy ed to White & Epston (1990), which attempts to take the

presenting issue and work with it external to the physical body, promoting increased objectivity and access to cognitive resources such as problemsolving. Art Therapy supports this technique through the art

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Is it the case that working with their hands in creating Art draws people out, in ways that aren't accessible through verbal means? What's the difference between that and drawing out the same thoughts through

h appreciated. When we thing of the functioning brain and information processing, challenging or traumatic experiences can be difficult to make sense of cognitively. Alternative methods that support the exploration and expression of these difficult experieas the use of art therapy, can provide ways to encounter the experience and improve our ability to organize the information, providing additional ways to

solve. I employ both Narrative Therapy ed to White & Epston (1990), which attempts to take the

presenting issue and work with it external to the physical body, promoting increased objectivity and access to cognitive resources such as problem

the art-making process and

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Is it the case that working with their hands in creating Art draws people out, in ways that aren't accessible through verbal means? What's the difference between that and drawing out the same thoughts through

h appreciated. When we thing of the functioning brain and information processing, challenging or traumatic experiences can be difficult to make sense of cognitively. Alternative methods that support the exploration and expression of these difficult experiences, such as the use of art therapy, can provide ways to encounter the experience and improve our ability to organize the information, providing additional ways to

solve. I employ both Narrative Therapy ed to White & Epston (1990), which attempts to take the

presenting issue and work with it external to the physical body, promoting increased objectivity and access to cognitive resources such as problem-

making process and

draws people out, in ways that aren't accessible through verbal means? What's

experiences can be difficult to make sense of cognitively. Alternative methods nces, such

as the use of art therapy, can provide ways to encounter the experience and improve our ability to organize the information, providing additional ways to

ed to White & Epston (1990), which attempts to take the

making process and

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

supporting dialogue to help make sense of the client is currently working with, or working through.

Narrative writing, or creative writing, can be a great adjunct to Art Therapy processing, one which I consistently employ to supand verbal expression. I use intentional prompts with opportunity to verbally share or not to share, though it should be underscored the act of intentional writing has shown benefit in the short term and long term. Short provdegree of catharsis and can alleviate emotional and mental distress and can also aide in someone feeling ‘better equipped’ by organizing their thoughts, to have something to share and verbally express. Long term gains illustrate the cognitive organibridge between medical science and the humanities may be worth exploring, the originator and founder of this practice being Rita Charon, physician and Executive Director of the Narrative Medicdefinitely worth exploring!

From Ross Knechtel:who are really hurting?

Thank you for this thoughtful question, Ross, much appreciated. Working in healthcare as a mental health practitioner can and will havwell as days, of challenge. Honouring that, and honouring the work can and

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

supporting dialogue to help make sense of the client is currently working with, or working through.

Narrative writing, or creative writing, can be a great adjunct to Art Therapy processing, one which I consistently employ to supand verbal expression. I use intentional prompts with opportunity to verbally share or not to share, though it should be underscored the act of intentional writing has shown benefit in the short term and long term. Short provdegree of catharsis and can alleviate emotional and mental distress and can also aide in someone feeling ‘better equipped’ by organizing their thoughts, to have something to share and verbally express. Long term gains illustrate the cognitive organization I strive to support. Narrative Medicine which supports a bridge between medical science and the humanities may be worth exploring, the originator and founder of this practice being Rita Charon, physician and Executive Director of the Narrative Medicdefinitely worth exploring!

From Ross Knechtel:who are really hurting?

Thank you for this thoughtful question, Ross, much appreciated. Working in healthcare as a mental health practitioner can and will havwell as days, of challenge. Honouring that, and honouring the work can and

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

supporting dialogue to help make sense of the client is currently working with, or working through.

Narrative writing, or creative writing, can be a great adjunct to Art Therapy processing, one which I consistently employ to supand verbal expression. I use intentional prompts with opportunity to verbally share or not to share, though it should be underscored the act of intentional writing has shown benefit in the short term and long term. Short provdegree of catharsis and can alleviate emotional and mental distress and can also aide in someone feeling ‘better equipped’ by organizing their thoughts, to have something to share and verbally express. Long term gains illustrate the

zation I strive to support. Narrative Medicine which supports a bridge between medical science and the humanities may be worth exploring, the originator and founder of this practice being Rita Charon, physician and Executive Director of the Narrative Medicdefinitely worth exploring!

From Ross Knechtel: How do you practice selfwho are really hurting?

Thank you for this thoughtful question, Ross, much appreciated. Working in healthcare as a mental health practitioner can and will havwell as days, of challenge. Honouring that, and honouring the work can and

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

supporting dialogue to help make sense of the client is currently working with, or

Narrative writing, or creative writing, can be a great adjunct to Art Therapy processing, one which I consistently employ to supand verbal expression. I use intentional prompts with opportunity to verbally share or not to share, though it should be underscored the act of intentional writing has shown benefit in the short term and long term. Short provdegree of catharsis and can alleviate emotional and mental distress and can also aide in someone feeling ‘better equipped’ by organizing their thoughts, to have something to share and verbally express. Long term gains illustrate the

zation I strive to support. Narrative Medicine which supports a bridge between medical science and the humanities may be worth exploring, the originator and founder of this practice being Rita Charon, physician and Executive Director of the Narrative Medic

Stage 2: Re

How do you practice self

Thank you for this thoughtful question, Ross, much appreciated. Working in healthcare as a mental health practitioner can and will havwell as days, of challenge. Honouring that, and honouring the work can and

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

supporting dialogue to help make sense of the client is currently working with, or

Narrative writing, or creative writing, can be a great adjunct to Art Therapy processing, one which I consistently employ to supand verbal expression. I use intentional prompts with opportunity to verbally share or not to share, though it should be underscored the act of intentional writing has shown benefit in the short term and long term. Short provdegree of catharsis and can alleviate emotional and mental distress and can also aide in someone feeling ‘better equipped’ by organizing their thoughts, to have something to share and verbally express. Long term gains illustrate the

zation I strive to support. Narrative Medicine which supports a bridge between medical science and the humanities may be worth exploring, the originator and founder of this practice being Rita Charon, physician and Executive Director of the Narrative Medicine program at Columbia University

2: Re-evaluating

How do you practice self-care as you are working with folks

Thank you for this thoughtful question, Ross, much appreciated. Working in healthcare as a mental health practitioner can and will havwell as days, of challenge. Honouring that, and honouring the work can and

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

supporting dialogue to help make sense of the client is currently working with, or

Narrative writing, or creative writing, can be a great adjunct to Art Therapy processing, one which I consistently employ to support cognitive reand verbal expression. I use intentional prompts with opportunity to verbally share or not to share, though it should be underscored the act of intentional writing has shown benefit in the short term and long term. Short provdegree of catharsis and can alleviate emotional and mental distress and can also aide in someone feeling ‘better equipped’ by organizing their thoughts, to have something to share and verbally express. Long term gains illustrate the

zation I strive to support. Narrative Medicine which supports a bridge between medical science and the humanities may be worth exploring, the originator and founder of this practice being Rita Charon, physician and

ine program at Columbia University

evaluating

care as you are working with folks

Thank you for this thoughtful question, Ross, much appreciated. Working in healthcare as a mental health practitioner can and will havwell as days, of challenge. Honouring that, and honouring the work can and

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

supporting dialogue to help make sense of the client is currently working with, or

Narrative writing, or creative writing, can be a great adjunct to Art Therapy port cognitive re

and verbal expression. I use intentional prompts with opportunity to verbally share or not to share, though it should be underscored the act of intentional writing has shown benefit in the short term and long term. Short provdegree of catharsis and can alleviate emotional and mental distress and can also aide in someone feeling ‘better equipped’ by organizing their thoughts, to have something to share and verbally express. Long term gains illustrate the

zation I strive to support. Narrative Medicine which supports a bridge between medical science and the humanities may be worth exploring, the originator and founder of this practice being Rita Charon, physician and

ine program at Columbia University

care as you are working with folks

Thank you for this thoughtful question, Ross, much appreciated. Working in healthcare as a mental health practitioner can and will have its moments as well as days, of challenge. Honouring that, and honouring the work can and

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

supporting dialogue to help make sense of the client is currently working with, or

Narrative writing, or creative writing, can be a great adjunct to Art Therapy port cognitive re-organization

and verbal expression. I use intentional prompts with opportunity to verbally share or not to share, though it should be underscored the act of intentional writing has shown benefit in the short term and long term. Short provides a degree of catharsis and can alleviate emotional and mental distress and can also aide in someone feeling ‘better equipped’ by organizing their thoughts, to have something to share and verbally express. Long term gains illustrate the

zation I strive to support. Narrative Medicine which supports a bridge between medical science and the humanities may be worth exploring, the originator and founder of this practice being Rita Charon, physician and

ine program at Columbia University

care as you are working with folks

Thank you for this thoughtful question, Ross, much appreciated. Working in e its moments as

well as days, of challenge. Honouring that, and honouring the work can and

supporting dialogue to help make sense of the client is currently working with, or

organization

share or not to share, though it should be underscored the act of intentional

degree of catharsis and can alleviate emotional and mental distress and can also aide in someone feeling ‘better equipped’ by organizing their thoughts, to

zation I strive to support. Narrative Medicine which supports a bridge between medical science and the humanities may be worth exploring, the originator and founder of this practice being Rita Charon, physician and

ine program at Columbia University-

care as you are working with folks

e its moments as well as days, of challenge. Honouring that, and honouring the work can and

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

does have an impact on you is a part of doing self-care, acknowledging that and not simply dismissing it. Allowing for oneself to be human and to have human experiences in the work is important as it support the healthy management of personal and professional boundaries that keep myself and the client safe and well-supported.

Self is not an option, something to tack on for an hour at the end of a week. It is something that needs to be a part of everyday to support our thriving, not just our survival. How do I do this? Top of mind, here is what is my current routine, but to note it changes, and should change, as I grow, and as my lived experiences change…re-evaluation is good. Here are my Top Seven:

-limit my standard workday to ten hours, maximum. It has to be an exception beyond that, to safeguard my personal mental and physical health.

-change of scenery, feel nature. I get outside, walk my rescue dogs, feel the sun, connect with intention to what I am doing.

-take intentional breaks during a day. Fifteen minutes with my favourite cup of tea, change the space I’m in and not bring any device with me. Just the tea and me.

-go to bed at the same time each night, drink water (I have to be mindful to this), cook homemade food that makes GREAT leftovers, take time off from electronics

-protect my days off. Time with good people, good food, and good art.

-do mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical check-ins. How am I really feeling? Am I feeling more than a touch of…sadness…irritation…anger…irritability? Check-ins and paying attention to what my be causing more than a touch of anything is important…honouring that I am human, that I mess up and make mistakes and that I am worthy of my own love and respect is important. I try to stay away from self-sabotage and using myself as my own personal punching bag.

-I reach out to the people I know are my support system, such as a clinical supervisor, good friends, my husband, my colleagues when I need support. I ask if they can hold space for me before I engage in processing a difficult experience I am trying to make sense of to make sure they have the capacity to hear, and be there for me.

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

From Ted Pritchard:affects my 4 limbs, hands and feet. They go numb. I still play the guitar badly and paint fine art as a personal therapy that gives my third age life a purpose that is essential wthrough adversity that might have become over

Well said, Tedhealth circumstances, and your motivation and actualizatioparticipating in activities that I presume (?) still give joy and as you shared, purpose and a way to preOur own personal therapy, whatever it may be, is important to get to know, and honour itmakes us feel, if we are brave enough to become attuned to it, is at the core of managing and protecting our personal health.have an easel set up with a paintininvite me to paint…it is when my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed that it can look like a task more than what it is really offering me…rest, and focus. Perspective and letting ourselves feel past the inner

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

From Ted Pritchard:affects my 4 limbs, hands and feet. They go numb. I still play the guitar badly and paint fine art as a personal therapy that gives my third age life a purpose that is essential wthrough adversity that might have become over

Well said, Ted- well said! Thank you for sharing the challenges you face due to health circumstances, and your motivation and actualizatioparticipating in activities that I presume (?) still give joy and as you shared, purpose and a way to preOur own personal therapy, whatever it may be, is important to get to know, and honour it as something valuable to us, regardless the product. makes us feel, if we are brave enough to become attuned to it, is at the core of managing and protecting our personal health.have an easel set up with a paintininvite me to paint…it is when my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed that it can look like a task more than what it is really offering me…rest, and focus. Perspective and letting ourselves feel past the inner

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

From Ted Pritchard: I have neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy. This affects my 4 limbs, hands and feet. They go numb. I still play the guitar badly and paint fine art as a personal therapy that gives my third age life a purpose that is essential with my other health issues. Art gives me purpose and gets me through adversity that might have become over

well said! Thank you for sharing the challenges you face due to health circumstances, and your motivation and actualizatioparticipating in activities that I presume (?) still give joy and as you shared, purpose and a way to pre-manage adversity that may become overOur own personal therapy, whatever it may be, is important to get to know, and

as something valuable to us, regardless the product. makes us feel, if we are brave enough to become attuned to it, is at the core of managing and protecting our personal health.have an easel set up with a paintininvite me to paint…it is when my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed that it can look like a task more than what it is really offering me…rest, and focus. Perspective and letting ourselves feel past the inner

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Stage 3: Standing and Moving

I have neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy. This affects my 4 limbs, hands and feet. They go numb. I still play the guitar badly and paint fine art as a personal therapy that gives my third age life a purpose

ith my other health issues. Art gives me purpose and gets me through adversity that might have become over

well said! Thank you for sharing the challenges you face due to health circumstances, and your motivation and actualizatioparticipating in activities that I presume (?) still give joy and as you shared,

manage adversity that may become overOur own personal therapy, whatever it may be, is important to get to know, and

as something valuable to us, regardless the product. makes us feel, if we are brave enough to become attuned to it, is at the core of managing and protecting our personal health.have an easel set up with a painting in progress at all times in my living room to invite me to paint…it is when my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed that it can look like a task more than what it is really offering me…rest, and focus. Perspective and letting ourselves feel past the inner

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Stage 3: Standing and Moving

I have neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy. This affects my 4 limbs, hands and feet. They go numb. I still play the guitar badly and paint fine art as a personal therapy that gives my third age life a purpose

ith my other health issues. Art gives me purpose and gets me through adversity that might have become over

well said! Thank you for sharing the challenges you face due to health circumstances, and your motivation and actualizatioparticipating in activities that I presume (?) still give joy and as you shared,

manage adversity that may become overOur own personal therapy, whatever it may be, is important to get to know, and

as something valuable to us, regardless the product. makes us feel, if we are brave enough to become attuned to it, is at the core of managing and protecting our personal health.

g in progress at all times in my living room to invite me to paint…it is when my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed that it can look like a task more than what it is really offering me…rest, and focus. Perspective and letting ourselves feel past the inner

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Stage 3: Standing and Moving

I have neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy. This affects my 4 limbs, hands and feet. They go numb. I still play the guitar badly and paint fine art as a personal therapy that gives my third age life a purpose

ith my other health issues. Art gives me purpose and gets me through adversity that might have become over-powering.

well said! Thank you for sharing the challenges you face due to health circumstances, and your motivation and actualizatioparticipating in activities that I presume (?) still give joy and as you shared,

manage adversity that may become overOur own personal therapy, whatever it may be, is important to get to know, and

as something valuable to us, regardless the product. makes us feel, if we are brave enough to become attuned to it, is at the core of

You may be happy to know I g in progress at all times in my living room to

invite me to paint…it is when my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed that it can look like a task more than what it is really offering me…rest, and focus. Perspective and letting ourselves feel past the inner critic is key.

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

I have neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy. This affects my 4 limbs, hands and feet. They go numb. I still play the guitar badly and paint fine art as a personal therapy that gives my third age life a purpose

ith my other health issues. Art gives me purpose and gets me powering.

well said! Thank you for sharing the challenges you face due to health circumstances, and your motivation and actualization to continue participating in activities that I presume (?) still give joy and as you shared,

manage adversity that may become overOur own personal therapy, whatever it may be, is important to get to know, and

as something valuable to us, regardless the product. How something makes us feel, if we are brave enough to become attuned to it, is at the core of

You may be happy to know I g in progress at all times in my living room to

invite me to paint…it is when my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed that it can look like a task more than what it is really offering me…rest, and focus.

critic is key.

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

I have neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy. This affects my 4 limbs, hands and feet. They go numb. I still play the guitar badly and paint fine art as a personal therapy that gives my third age life a purpose

ith my other health issues. Art gives me purpose and gets me

well said! Thank you for sharing the challenges you face due to n to continue

participating in activities that I presume (?) still give joy and as you shared, manage adversity that may become over-powering.

Our own personal therapy, whatever it may be, is important to get to know, and How something

makes us feel, if we are brave enough to become attuned to it, is at the core of You may be happy to know I

g in progress at all times in my living room to invite me to paint…it is when my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed that it can look like a task more than what it is really offering me…rest, and focus.

I have neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy. This affects my 4 limbs, hands and feet. They go numb. I still play the guitar badly and paint fine art as a personal therapy that gives my third age life a purpose

ith my other health issues. Art gives me purpose and gets me

well said! Thank you for sharing the challenges you face due to

powering. Our own personal therapy, whatever it may be, is important to get to know, and

How something makes us feel, if we are brave enough to become attuned to it, is at the core of

You may be happy to know I g in progress at all times in my living room to

invite me to paint…it is when my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed that it

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

From Jim’s iPad: what percent of people facing loss need therapy?

That’s a good question, Jim….I have spent the past ten years with a specific focus on our encounters with death and bereavement and what I have come to know is that we should assume support is needed. I do not know if everyone requires therapy, specifically, though I would be inspired that leveraging support through individuals specifically trained and educated to aide in grief recovery should be considered. Having someone who can and will be present to our grief journeys is a key component to our healing- having someone bear witness to our lived experience through loss, allow for us to feel and honour the loss and the importance of the relationship is important. I would hope if someone feels the need of support they will reach out, and we see or know someone who has experienced loss, we have the courage to reach out and ask how they are, let them know there is support…Grief is a tricky thing…we have very few rituals that support individual and community grief processing, we have little language to express the emotional distress, our lives our full and complex and we are often distracted, and possibly exhausted to offer support to others…we struggle to know what to say when we know someone is hurting…we ask if they are doing better, tell them they look like they are doing better, not knowing what they are choosing not to share underneath, perhaps from fear of judgement or pity.

In short, Jim, I think we are ill-equipped to support people, however well-intentioned we are, in part from the busyness of life and lifestyle and pace, and perhaps trusting ourselves that our presence in being there for someone is worth something, though it also takes us to be courageous and brave and uncomfortable, at times. I hope everyone experiences therapy at some point in their lives to hopefully show what it can be to be supported, and perhaps be further inclined to access support, whatever it may be, when we need support. That’s what we are here for.

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Thank you, everyone, for making this exchange and our discussion so worthwhile.

Blessings, everyone,

Nicole

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Thank you, everyone, for making this exchange and our discussion so worthwhile.

Blessings, everyone,

Nicole

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Thank you, everyone, for making this exchange and our discussion so

Blessings, everyone,

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Stage 4: Vulnerability

Thank you, everyone, for making this exchange and our discussion so

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

tage 4: Vulnerability

Thank you, everyone, for making this exchange and our discussion so

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

tage 4: Vulnerability

Thank you, everyone, for making this exchange and our discussion so

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Thank you, everyone, for making this exchange and our discussion so

Nicole’s Follow Up to Tuesday’s Presentation

Thank you, everyone, for making this exchange and our discussion so