Remembering 9/11

Today I'm thinking a lot about 9/11 and the days that followed... mostly the images, the grief, how much loss and suffering that was experienced all over the world. The President has declared today the first annual National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of 9/11. Check out the details at http://911dayofservice.org/ and even share your plan of service and commitment to your community.

Also, I encourage you to check out the many articles, photographs, and essays from those who experienced the tragedy or lost someone in it. This one I found to be particularly moving from the NY Times - http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/11/showcase-49/?hp. In the reader comments to that article, I found this piece - http://www.burnmagazine.org/ - which I also thought was highly significant, both the photographs and the comments on the site.

People have a wide variety of reactions to this tragedy, and I think these reactions signify the different ways we experience grief as human beings. Finding meaning is sometimes a way to move forward, not forgetting, but deepening remembrance and significance of the lives of those we lose. Things don't always happen for a reason, and we can still look for ways to learn from tragedy when we are ready.

What is Group Therapy?

Ever wondered how other people perceive you? Feel like you struggle sometimes during interpersonal interactions? Many people find helpful answers to these questions when they utilize group therapy as their change modality. Groups can be an efficient, inexpensive way to maximize therapeutic benefits, particularly when social relationships are part of your presenting concerns. While it may seem scary at first to sit in a room full of people and talk about personal matters, for many, it ends up being comforting to know that they are not alone in their struggles. This sense of community can provide hope for change and support during the often difficult change process.

Greenleaf is rolling out several different groups this fall, one of which may be right for you.

The Healthy Living Group, which meets Tuesdays from 6:30-8 P.M., is designed for people in recovery from an eating disorder, people who feel like they might be entering into disordered eating, and those who feel dissatisfied with their body after a life change or transition (e.g. menopause, post-pregnancy, etc.). This group will utilize a variety of interventions centered around the incorporation of mindfulness into eating, exercise, and the experience of the body and self. It will offer a supportive environment to facilitate wellness for life.

The Teen Stress Group, which meets Mondays from 4:30-6 P.M., is geared toward teens who are struggling academically and personally. The majority of teens report that they are over-stressed. A teen who is isolating, experiencing problems in school, showing mood instability or extreme irritability, or who is experiencing a change in appetite or sleep patterns may be a teen who needs the kind of help this group will provide. Help a teen you know avoid more severe problems like truancy, addiction, or even suicide, by referring them to Greenleaf for help.

Later this fall, Greenleaf will offer support and education groups for friends and family about Eating Disorders. More information will be provided closer to the start of the groups.

Interested in a group? Want to talk more about group therapy in general? Call or email Greenleaf today for your free 1-hour consultation to discuss your needs. 303-478-3466 or courtney@greenleafcc.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Eating Disorder Foundation

Millie and I went to such an inspiring event last night held by the Parent Committee of the Eating Disorder Foundation. It was a fundraiser for the Foundation, which was begun by Toni Saiber, who has inspired thousands of people with her openness about her own recovery from an eating disorder. Toni has poured so much for herself into the foundation, and her hard work is paying off in the foundation's growth and impact on the Colorado community and beyond. Check out their website - http://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/ - and look for their moving public service announcements and an upcoming film.

Seeing the screening of the Eating Disorder Foundation's public service announcements last night reminded me of the many people I have met and worked with struggling with an eating disorder, and the many I have met who have recovered and give back to others trying to move forward in their journey to health. I was also reminded of the people I knew who passed away from their disorder and the impact they had on my life and work. Eating disorders are the most deadly psychological disease. If you know someone struggling with an eating disorder, don't wait to help them find the care they need.

The Eating Disorder Foundation has both volunteer and donation opportunities. If eating disorders are an issue you are passionate about, get involved. There is much education, research, and activism left to be done.

Ever been to therapy and felt like it wasn't worth your time or money? Maybe you found that despite many sessions, you got little relief from your symptoms. If you've had an experience like this, or if you've avoided trying therapy because you think it won't help, you've come to the right place with Greenleaf Counseling Center, LLC.

We are a practice devoted to helping individuals realize their potential through promoting recovery from concerns like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, family disputes, and relationship issues. We believe in empowering clients to find their own capacity to achieve lasting change and freedom from long-standing problems.

We are a different kind of counseling center. We believe in helping each person who walks through the door find the therapist that is right for them, wherever they may be located. We believe that therapy shouldn’t last forever. Change can be permanent, and with the right dose of nurturing and clinical expertise, we believe people can be liberated from problems they may have faced for many years. People seek services at Greenleaf for a variety of reasons. Regardless of why, when they come in they find the nonjudgmental support, unbiased ear, and honest feedback they need to take the control over their lives.

If you're hesitant, we understand. Come in for your free consultation, where you will be able to experience Greenleaf and see what it would be like to be a client. You can interview us, tell us what you're looking for, and we will be open about whether or not we can help. If we can't meet your needs adequately, we will help you find someone who can. That is our commitment to you.

Looking for group treatment? Groups can be a cost-effective, unique way to learn about yourself and how you interact with others. Greenleaf is beginning a Healthy Living Group this fall, which may be right for you if you've ever had an eating disorder and have continued concerns about your eating. The group will incorporate cutting edge treatment modalities and be an on-going source of support for you as you move forward in your journey with food and your body. 

If you're interested in a free consultation, please visit our website - www.greenleafcc.com - or give us a call at 303-478-3466. We'd love to hear from you!