Family caregivers, even before the 2020 pandemic, found themselves contending with daunting responsibilities. Caring for a loved one can transpire into a lingering and exhaustive act of compassion, shadowed with doubts, fears, fatigue and loneliness. Feeling alone and isolated due to limited supports and resources, questions rise daily for volunteer family care givers. This can sound like:
- “How do I manage this range of emotions in such a demanding experience with my loved one?”
- “How do I manage my feelings: (Guilt, fear, grief, resentment, anger, and even despair)?”
- “What do I need and who can I call upon for help and/or support?”
- “What happens if I am so exhausted I feel I can’t continue?”
What do the workshop sessions look like? The Journal Workshop for Caregivers provides a non-diagnostic methodology. In the workshop sessions, participants are engaged in a structured writing that is private and self-reflective. Participants adhere to a psychological open-ended and creative methodology. Each of the 90-minute writing sessions include brief meditations and 3-5 writing segments. The writing process adheres to the structure of the Journal Workbook.
What are the benefits? Weekly, brief respite from effects of stress and fatigue.in a “sacred space” with other caregivers. Non-judgmental introspection, self-understanding and meditation. No analysis or diagnosis. Improved somatic (body) awareness, emotional balance and spiritual resilience.
Testimonials from Caregivers:
“The Journal Workbook is much more than a diary or collection of exercises. It is an integrated system of writing activities to access your feelings, personal life events and spiritual inclinations in an organized way”. – Bill Israel (The Journal Workshop facilitator)
“It was the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I am not a writer or a book worm. . . . it’s been a comfort to be able to express my emotions and put them to paper. . .”
“I always left each week’s workshop with a sense of peace and empowerment, as though I could deal with my circumstances in a positive and constructive way”.
“Amazing workshop, with a great and well-experienced facilitator, it will help to improve insight into ourselves and build inner resilience to become more engaged caregiver”
Interested in learning more about our Intensive Journal Workshop for Caregivers? Please contact Sage Schmied or Lycia Rodrigues at cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca or at 250-940-4602 to learn more.