Orenda Newsletter: On the Bright Side

Hello!

Welcome to Orenda and the launch of our monthly newsletter! Stay tuned for updates on new courses, our community, upcoming student highlights, an Ask the Expert column, and a Trauma Talk column.

Continue reading to learn more about our upcoming fee course, Rwanda, how to submit your information for the student spotlight, how to submit questions for the Ask the Expert column, and to read some tidbits on the Trauma Talk column.

Free Live Course!  Athena is hosting a course on how coaches can become integral to the delivery of mental health care within a variety of settings. This course is great for therapists who are looking to add a technician or assistant to their practice, to organizations curious about introducing trauma coaches, or how coaches may partner with therapists to support survivors. To register, go to: https://www.theorendaproject.org/taking-the-pressure-off

Student Spotlight: In the spirit of honoring and supporting existing Orenda students, Orenda will be showcasing those working towards their coaching certification. Existing students are welcome to submit their information, their bio and photo, their plans following certification, and what makes them unique. Please email a one page response to: [email protected]. 

Ask the Expert: Got questions? Ask Athena!  Please submit your questions to hello [email protected]. Please do not reveal any client information. Exclude all demographic data, story specifics, or any identifying information. Questions should be central to your curiosity versus client-specific. One question will be responded to per month. 

On Rwanda: 

Yes, we are going to Rwanda in 2023! The above video explains some of the reasons why Rwanda has been chosen (there are many more reasons, but we cannot fit them all into a 30 second video...). One beautifully unique response Rwanda had in its recovery process is its' Gacaca Courts as a means of pursuing swift and community-based justice. This process was healing for many survivors and set the stage for continued recovery. Here is a video describing the process. Trigger warning: some of violence the occurred during genocide is described in this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PkIZ814nS8,

If you are interested in joining us in Rwanda, the link to register for the course is here: 

https://www.theorendaproject.org/education

Trauma Talk Column: Interpersonal Consequences of Trauma  

Trauma often has a ripple effect and touches not only the survivor, but also those around them. The earlier and more chronically that trauma occurs, the more profoundly it will effect relationships.  Specifically, childhood neglect and sexual abuse are those that have the most profound influence on connection. Exposure to adversity including physical violence, community violence, poverty, racial trauma, and other stressors are also significant in terms of shaping our ability to related to the world around us. Specific challenges can include: