Posted: February 3, 2021

Together We Thrive Session 1: Self-Compassion in the Face of Disaster

Through collaboration, CLC-Cappella and Colorado Spirit are presenting a special six-part support series called Together We! Thrive. All six parts of the series will be presented on Facebook live, offering professional and practical ways to support your whole well-being through challenging times. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us all in many ways, including devastating isolation and loss, disruption of daily routines and in-person connections with loved ones, and heightened stressors in our lives. Together, we can fortify our resilience and find productive ways to cope with stress. Check out the full schedule for Together We! Thrive and join us live on Facebook twice each month as we explore various topics.

The first session of the series, titled “Self-Compassion in the Face of Disaster,” was hosted by Dr. Kristin Pyne, Senior Care Specialist on the Colorado Spirit team at Aurora Mental Health Center. She graduated with her doctorate last fall and has spent the majority of her academic and clinical career working with older adults. As the Senior Care Specialist, Kristin has the honor of connecting with, learning with, and helping older adults through normal reactions, such as stress, sadness, and grief, during this very abnormal time.

The session explored the range of emotions each of us has experienced during COVID-19. Those emotions include feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, and isolation as well as more positive feelings like hopefulness, inspiration, and connectedness. While the vast range of emotions may be difficult to process, Dr. Pyne reminds us that these are normal responses in uncertain times. The session taught skills for treating these emotions with self-compassion, rather than criticism, caring for oneself just as we would comfort a close loved one.

View the full video on Facebook and download the handout activity and worksheet so you can follow along!

The next session in the Together We! Thrive series is happening February 9th. Learn more: Practicing Stress Management and Self-Care During COVID-19

Colorado Spirit Wellness is a short-term program that is working to provide support to the Colorado community as we handle the current challenges. Please know that no matter what you are feeling, you are not alone. Our team is here to listen and guide you through the feelings, stressors, and emotions you may be experiencing right now. All our services are free, anonymous, and conducted by phone and available in multiple languages.

We are here to:

Listen to you and help you process the emotions you are feeling.

Support your wellbeing by sharing coping skills and techniques.

Connect you to the right resources based on your needs.

Colorado Spirit and CLC-Cappella’s leaders will provide education, facilitate discussions, and provide tangible support applicable to anyone who has been impacted by the pandemic. This is part of a federal COVID-19 crisis counselor grant program. We have provider organizations focused regionally across Colorado and for other CLC-Cappella supported states, we have links to state focused crisis counseling resources.