A Sheltering Tree - Center for Counseling & Creativity

01/18/2023

Wednesday, January 18 @ 11:00 am PST - 12:00 pm PST - Join Master Storyteller Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, and Musician Karen Drucker as they share songs and stories about finding the courage to live our best life. Here’s to rebirth!

12/27/2022

Posted by my friend Barb Petsel—

New Year's Resolutions for the Grieving
this was a post a year or two ago by Hospice of the Red River Valley and thought I would share-
• I resolve to not place time limits on my grief; it will take as long as it takes.
• I resolve to acknowledge my grief as my own—that it is as individual as I am—and will take shape in its own unique way.
• I resolve to be mindful of the need for flexibility when it comes to the expectations of others (and myself).
• I resolve to not be pressured by “shoulds.”
• I resolve to cut myself some slack when I am not as productive as I might like, behave in ways uncharacteristic of my usual self or simply “don’t care.”
• I resolve to accept that others may not understand my pain, and it is probably not realistic to expect that of them. (Until one has walked the path, how can one know the terrain?)
• I resolve to express my feelings without guilt, and not apologize for tears.
• I resolve to be grateful for concerned others who willingly just listen.
• I resolve to recognize that my acceptance of assistance and support of others allows them the blessing of giving.
• I resolve to forgive those who say or do that which feels hurtful, recognizing that unkindness is not intended.
• I resolve to extend to myself the same grace and patience I would to others, were they in my situation.
• I resolve to find some little way each day to begin to reinvest in life, in an effort to move toward hope and a sense of purpose.
• I resolve to continue to speak my loved one’s name, tell our stories and embrace my memories.

12/23/2022

So, while I have moved out of 406 S. Chestnut in McKinney, "A Sheltering Tree" continues. I will be doing face-to-face sessions at Callender Lake along with occasional workshops and small retreats. "Counseling" and "Creativity" continues -- through Zoom and at a new location.

Holiday blessings!

09/06/2022

We promised to always say their names and to never, ever forget...

Remembering the families whose precious children should be entering the 5th grade in Uvalde and the teachers who should be awaiting a new class of students.

08/27/2022

I have always loved this story -- and I am delighted Rachel has made it into a children's book!

08/20/2022

07/21/2022

Only 2 spots remain for the September A Memory Grows Su***de Loss Retreat will be held September 8-11th in Granbury, Texas!

Your child's life is so much more than the way that they died and their story is not over. We hope you will join us for the special time as we remember and celebrate the life of your child in a safe spot where others understand this journey of grief and love.

For more information and registration please click here: https://amemorygrows.org/event/september-suicide-loss-retreat/

07/03/2022

In his fourth book of well-loved quotes, Jeff Brown delivers his most compelling message yet: the power of love, friendship, and healing. In his notoriously candid style, Jeff dazzles us with poignant, intimate, and insightful heartspeak. His wisdom and word wizardry encompass all forms of relati...

06/26/2022

The July Retreat for Homicide Death is just a little over a month away! A huge thanks to A Bed For My Heart for sponsoring this special time together and helping to underwrite the cost!

This retreat is for parents whose child of any age was murdered. This special time away will provide a safe space for community support with others who are walking this specific loss journey. We would be honored to remember your child with you and to spend this time celebrating their life!

Space is limited and scholarship assistance is available by request. Feel free to contact us with questions. We hope to hear from you soon! https://amemorygrows.org/event/july-retreat-for-homicide-death/