Counseling & Support

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Comment by David Baldwin on December 10, 2008 at 8:11am

I am donating family or individual therapy services for children and adults to those suffering from the fire tragedy. Sessions are private and confidential. The number of sessions will be determined by the individual situations, but several sessions, 5-10, will be available to anyone starting with me.

For more information please review my website at www.drdavidbaldwin.com or call 805-695-8300.

Comment by Patrick Murray on November 24, 2008 at 11:26am

MASSAGE AND ENERGETIC THERAPIES
805-280-5939 Patrickmurraylmt@mac.com

I am offering $25.00/hour massage and energy therapies for anyone related to the fire. I spent 10 years+ living in South Florida (Palm Beach) and am very familiar with the devastation from natural catastrophe (hurricanes there). I have excellent references locally and nationally, and am well versed in everything from deep tissue to trauma release to gentle soothing relaxing massage. I offer my services. I'd be honored if you let me help!

Comment by Nancy Black on November 20, 2008 at 4:00pm

Kathleen Barry, MFT and Jackie Kurta, MFT, Co-Presidents of SB-CAMFT, (805) 969-0060, www.santabarbaratherapy.org

WE’RE HERE TO HELP!!!

Santa Barbara, CA. 11/20/08 — Members of the Santa Barbara Chapter of Marriage and Family Therapists are available to help those affected by the Tea Fire during these challenging times.
Anyone in need of crisis therapy, grief therapy, or if you just need to talk with someone, please go to our website homepage at www.santabarbaratherapy.org for a list of therapists who are donating their services at no charge.

Together as community we will pull through this crisis.

CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) is a California nonprofit corporation, an independent, state professional organization. CAMFT activities revolve around two interrelated themes: 1. the advancement of marriage and family therapy as an art, a science and a mental health profession, and 2. the advancement of the common business interests of its members. CAMFT monitors and works cooperatively with California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Comment by Tea Fire on November 20, 2008 at 8:33am

Free counseling services provided to Tea Fire Evacuees at Community Counseling Center 805-962-3363 .

Comment by dirtgirl on November 18, 2008 at 10:12pm

DROP-IN SUPPORT FORUM
IN RESPONSE TO TEA FIRE
Thursday, November 20, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

* Have you been impacted directly or indirectly by the tea fire?
* Are you unusually jittery, short-tempered or emotional?
* Would you like to debrief with other community members about their experiences during this crisis?
* Would you like to know how to move forward in healthy and positive ways as best as possible?

This informal drop-in discussion group will bring together those who would like to address these issues in a safe place with the help of professional facilitators.

Discussion facilitated by:
Elizabeth Wolfson, PhD, LCSW has been a practicing therapist for over 27 years working with people of all backgrounds, including extensive work with survivors of trauma. She is currently the Director of Jewish Family Service and Portraits of Survival at the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara.

Arlene Westley, PhD, LMFT, has been a practicing therapist since 1975 and is currently providing clinical services at Jewish Family Service of Greater Santa Barbara. Dr. Westley has worked with a wider range of issues with a special emphasis on trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

Drop in, get support, hear from others, get input from a professional
Whether you have been directly or indirectly impacted by the fires,
we are here for you.

THERE IS NO FEE FOR THIS PROGRAM
Info: (805) 957-1116 x 119 ewolfson@sbjf.org

Location: Bronfman Family Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara

Comment by Tea Fire on November 17, 2008 at 12:38pm

COPING WITH LOSS OR TRAUMA RELATED TO THE “TEA FIRE”
Residents of the area may have strong emotional reactions due to loss or fear caused by the “Tea
Fire”.
What can I expect after experiencing a disaster?
Most child, adolescent, adult, and older adult survivors of the fire or those facing evacuation
experience some of the following normal stress responses to varying degrees. They may last for
many months after the disaster has ended, and even longer. Normal stress reactions include:
• Emotional (feeling) reactions: feelings of shock, disbelief, anxiety, fear, grief, anger,
emotional numbness.
• Cognitive (thinking) reactions: confusion, disorientation, indecisiveness, worry,
shortened attention span, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, unwanted memories,
repeated imagery, self-blame.
• Physical (bodily) reactions: tension, fatigue, edginess, difficulty sleeping, nightmares,
being startled easily, racing heartbeat, worsening health conditions, change in appetite,
etc.
• Interpersonal reactions: neediness, dependency, distrust, irritability, conflict, withdrawal,
isolation, feeling rejected or abandoned
• Spiritual (meaning) reactions: wondering why, why me, where was God; feeling as if life
is not worth living; loss of hope.
How should I manage these stress responses?
• Focus on what's most important for you and your family at the moment.
• Try to learn and understand what you and your loved ones are experiencing.
• Take good care of yourself physically, including exercising regularly, eating well, and
getting enough sleep, to reduce stress and prevent physical illness.
• Work together with others in your community to improve conditions, reach out to persons
who are marginalized or isolated, and otherwise promote recovery.
What should I do if I realize I or a family member needs help?
If you are concerned about your emotional reaction or the reactions of friends or families, you
should call the Red Cross Mental Health Team at 805-687-1331.
If you are experiencing an immediate emotional crisis, you should call the County of Santa
Barbara CARES center at 888-868-1649.