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Refuat Hanefesh: A Healing of the Spirit – Monthly Spiritual Support Group for Mental Health and Wellness, For People Struggling With Mental Illness, Their Families and Friends.
Fourth Monday night of the month; 6:30 – 8:00 pm; next session is Monday January 23rd. Drop in. No registration necessary. Cost: Free of charge.
One in every four people in every faith community is affected by a brain disorder. That means 25% of our community may need help coping with their own mental health issues or those of a family member or friend. Being a faith community automatically means being compassionate and being a channel for what is holy or sacred. Over the last year we have sponsored a monthly support group that is open to Har HaShem members and members of the wider Jewish community. We offer a safe and loving place where people can meet confidentially and openly name how their spiritual life/faith can help with mental health challenges. In our discussions we share and hear how faith and reliance on a Higher Power can be helpful in coping with brain disorders. Facilitators for the meetings are Rabbi Deborah Ruth Bronstein and Dr. Susan Ollar, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
Rabbi Bronstein came to Har HaShem in 1994 and served as the senior rabbi for 21 years. She is now the Rabbi Emerita. Rabbi Bronstein is a member of the board of the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness and has been engaged, within the congregation and in the community, with people who struggle with mental health issues.
Dr. Ollar is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar illness, chronic illness, and pain management. She also provides evaluations and treatment of cognitive problems including dementias and other neurological disorders. Dr. Ollar is a member of the American Psychological Association and is on the Medical Staff of Boulder Community Health. For more information, visit her website at: www.BoulderIntegrativePsychology.com.
