A couple of months ago, I was on the west coast and had the opportunity to visit with my longtime friend Phyllis and her husband Bradford. I’ve only spent time with him on three occasions, the first of which was their wedding weekend. From the first time I met him, I felt a great connection. While visiting this last time, Phyllis took me by Bradford’s office where he practices drama therapy. I felt instantly at home and was ready to lounge on his couch for my counselling session. Later that evening,, when I had dinner with them, I was captivated by Bradford’s accounts volunteering in many places with a range of clients, from the homeless to the formerly incarcerated. So, last week, I immediately thought of Bradford when I was thinking of what new perspectives and stories I could share with you. I know you will enjoy his submission as much as I did.
Compassion, Kindness and Humor: One Therapist’s First Experience on Working with the Mentally Challenged
I’ll tell you a funny story. I got “bamboozled”, many years ago, into working with my first group of mentally challenged patients at our local community outreach center. I am a Creative Arts Therapist who had worked in many environments around Southern California including Battered Women’s shelters, Children’s Hospitals, Prisons, Schools and a great deal of Drug & Alcohol Rehab, which is what I was doing when this story takes place. Continue reading
Familiar Minds 