Community Newsletter

Tree of Hope Counseling Co-Owners

Kara Juszczak, LCSWR

Pete Navratil, LCSWR

2300 East Avenue

Rochester, NY 14610

www.treeofhopecounselingrochester.com

As fall approaches, change and transition are big themes. I recommend to my clients that during this natural transition time, that they consider shifts they would like to make. Associating new habits and routines with an inevitable change of season increases the chances they will gain momentum. For me, I hope to spend the first 30 minutes after my sons get on the bus for school to do some yoga before heading into the office. This opportunity is available, and if I associate this time with other transitions happening, it can become a routine. I challenge you to consider how you might truly engage in shifting toward something that nurtures you and supports your self-care! Good Luck!

Religious trauma can occur when religious leaders use religion in order to amass power and control rather than help people. When they use manipulation, deceit, shame and fear to control people's behaviors rather than supporting them to be their authentic selves. The impact on people involved in these groups can range from symptoms of depression and anxiety, to PTSD, sexual health issues, and problems with relationships. Not all religion is bad, and no one religion causes religious trauma - any group of people can become damaging over time depending on the character of the leadership, whether it's a fundamentalist Christian cult in rural upstate NY or a yoga group based in a big city. Therapy for religious trauma involves helping you to find your voice again, unpack the indoctrination you experienced, empower you to have boundaries and limits, and develop self-compassion as an antidote to shame and fear.

Learn more about Tree of Hope Affiliate Susanna at her website: goodearthcounseling.com

Tree of Hope Counseling, LCSW, PLLC SE CPE, is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0322. We have also partnered with 716 CEU to offer LMHC CEUs.

Approved for 24.0 SW & LMHC CEUs by Tree of Hope Counseling & our partner, 716CEU!

Learn the Art and Science of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques or “The Tapping Technique”) in this EFT workshop and join millions worldwide who are learning this life-changing technique. EFT, commonly referred to as Tapping, has gained rapid popularity because it has been demonstrated to quickly and effectively resolve dysfunctional feelings, thoughts, behaviors and beliefs which can lead to challenges in relationships, health, work and more. Basically, if there are negative emotions and stress involved, EFT may well be able to resolve those aspects that can lead to significant relief and ease in one’s life. Learn to implement this powerful mind-body approach which is supported by peer-reviewed research, drawing from the fields of interpersonal neurobiology, neuroplasticity models and the field of epigenetics.

Upcoming Dates:

EFT Level 1-2 Online Sept 21-23: https://www.efttappingtraining.com/workshop/eft-level-1-2-online-september-21-23-2023/

EFT 1-2 Online November 2-4: https://www.efttappingtraining.com/workshop/eft-level-1-2-online-nov-2-4-2023/

This four session group for adults will be facilitated by Tree of Hope Affiliate Kaitlyn Berube, LCSWR, clinician and grief educator and will be held on the following Tuesday afternoons from 3:00-4:30pm: 10/10,10/17,11/7,11/14 at Tree of Hope Counseling (2300 East Ave Rochester, NY). This group will offer connection with others who are experiencing grief and will be focused around education, supportive processing, and creative activities.

This is planned to be an in person group. To register, complete this interest form.

Tree of Hope Affiliates Amy Loblaw, ATR-BC, LCAT and Kate Dunlavey, LCSWR, are going to be running another round of the Circle of Support group this fall. It will run virtually on Tuesday evenings 5:30pm-7:00pm for 8 weeks. The dates are as follows: 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5 and 12/12. Cost is $150/group. Here is the link for people to register: https://forms.gle/4smpNRuPEC7bXHBK6

This group is to provide information and resources on all things LGBTQ+ for parents/guardians and allies of LGBTQ+ youth/young adults. We will address any related parenting stressors and find support so that you can better understand and support your LGBTQ+ loved ones.

When: We will meet once a month on the second Saturday from 9-10am. Next meeting date: 9/16/23

Where: Online

Cost: $20/group meeting. (Reduced fee for more than one person per family.)

For more information or to attend please contact Gem for the link at gemkorman@gmail.com.

Join us on First Fridays for Group Sup - RSVP here!! Virtual Group Sup is an opportunity to connect with other mental health professionals, for support, consultation, case review, ethical dilemmas, and/or community/professional questions. These group supervision sessions are loosely facilitated by Tree of Hope Counseling licensed clinical social workers. Open to all community providers!

Next dates:

October 6th, 11:30am-1:00pm

November 3rd, 11:30am-1:00pm

We request that you RSVP in advance so we can take care of payment and email you the Zoom link. Please RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/treeofhopegroupsup

All are invited to view the Aftershock Documentary on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 6p-8:30p, hosted in partnership with JFS, Nazareth University and Chelse Inman. This documentary delves into the disproportionate numbers of Black women who are failed every year by the U.S. maternal health system. Following the viewing of the documentary there will be a Panel Discussion with women in our community who are making a positive difference in the lives of Black women and their families.

The hope is that this event and action steps that will be provided to attendees will bring awareness to this humanitarian crisis and be a step in the right direction to shift the narrative and make sure that Black women and their families are safe, empowered and cared for in our community during such a vulnerable time.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please be sure to RSVP to help us plan for event needs such as food and resources. We are hoping that many Perinatal professionals are in attendance so please pass this event along to your networks far and wide!

Register for this free screening via the QR code below or this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aftershock-documentary-viewing-and-panel-discussion-tickets-677484262667

Back-to-school is always a time met with mixed emotions, especially for the growing numbers of youth that struggle with feelings of anxiety and depression. Mental Health America now has new, free resources to help support parents, teachers, students, caregivers, and others during this time of transition.

The 2023 Mental Health America Back-to-School toolkit focuses on an area that MHA has seen be a key driver of youth mental health concerns: social media and online activity. The toolkit, "Selfies, Social, & Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaces for Youth," provides educational information and tips on how to tackle some of the most common online stressors for youth, like social comparison, body image, misinformation, and cyberbullying.

Inside the toolkit you’ll find:

• Fact sheets and tips for youth

• Fact sheets and tips for adults

• Key messages

• A sample drop-in article

• Sample social media posts and images

• Posters

• A guide to national and local resources