This is a grassroots initiative that promotes a community review of the cultural fabric that surrounds mental health. During 2019 we presented a guided panel discussions in the Roaring Fork Valley focusing on the “Healing Properties of Grief”, the indiscriminate and seemingly unwanted intruder. The plan is to have our next Panel early 2020 and have 4 yearly Panels.
Our first panel (JUNE 2019) was at TRUE NATURE HEALING ARTS in Carbondale, CO. Click to see
The panel was under the guidance of:
Wewer Keohane Ph.D, Artist, Author, Dream & Creativity Coach – Author of Artful Dreaming
Annemarie Zanca MA, LPC, Mental Health Professional working in the Roaring Fork School District, Founder of the Andy Zanca Youth
Empowerment Program
Sheri Gaynor, LCSW, Expressive Arts Therapist, Equine Facilitated Learning Instructor, Life Coach
Jarid Rollins LCSW Behavioral Health Clinician at Midvalley Family Practice
Sean Jeung Chaplain at Valley View Hospital Glenwood Springs, CO
Charles Morris Author of Butterfly The Journey from Loss to Recovery, A Guide For Transformation
Moderators: Cara Lynch and Michelle Zinarti – Founders of the Colorado Peace Institute
The panel presentations describe how and why identifying, articulating and processing toxic emotions from loss and grief are the tools to help create an environment for healing and prevention.
GOAL #1
Empower and enhance the strength and effectiveness of the healing agencies in the Roaring Fork Valley.
The presentations address the healing modalities represented by the panel members and also supply a list of the participating support agencies with names and telephone numbers. Within the community we hope an increased awareness of processing unhealthy emotions, thereby reducing stress and the benefits of doing so will create a conduit to the different healing agencies of the Valley. In essence this is a grass roots effort. It matters not who helps, it is only important that there is transparency for effective care and healing.
GOAL #2
Introduce children, teens and adults to the importance of and ability to address and process negative emotions thus building resilience
Where and when do we start? Ideally the where would be in the family. The earlier the prevention the better. All of the above coupled with mindfulness training can lead to mental and consequently physical health. These tools are an inroad to making healthy choices, the clear thinking that builds resilience and self-reliance. This would be a gift to our children affording them the ability to navigate a radically changing world with an unknown and uncertain future.
GOAL #3
Address suicidality in the Roaring Fork Valley
Promoting wellness in children, teens and adults includes resolving grief and trauma in a wholistic way, by incorporating mindfulness and accessible platforms for processing and resolving risk related circumstances. It is suicide prevention for all.