Spiritual Support Group for Mental Health and Wellness
Every 4th Monday evening from 7-8:30 at the First Congregational Church FAITH Center, southwest corner of Pine and Broadway, Boulder. For people who are affected by mental health challenges and the family members and friends who support them. Email Anne Weiher at [email protected] with any questions.
Refuat HaNefesh: A Spiritual Support Group for People Living with Mental Health Issues, their Families and their Friends
Congregation Har HaShem’s Spiritual Support Groups, called Refuat Hanefesh (Healing of the Spirit) are meant for people living with mental health issues, their family members and friends. They offer a loving, supportive and confidential meeting place. Being a faith community means being a channel or presence for what is holy or sacred. Therefore, offering a spiritual support group is an outgrowth of this presence. Spiritual support groups affirm that each person does not have to be alone with his or her journey or struggles. Hearing each other’s stories and life experiences can be a liberating and welcome break in the silence that often surrounds mental illness/brain disorders and the burdens carried as a result. Speaking in a safe and non-judgmental place allows isolation to dissipate and community to be created.
We offer two groups each of which meet twice a month. The first meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6:30-8:00 pm with the exception of Jewish and National holidays. The second group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday morning of the month from 10:30-12. These groups are open to all members of the Jewish community. While they are drop-in groups, we’ve seen that people who attend regularly tend to get more out of the experience. There is no need to register. There is no cost to participate. Together we will share and hear how faith and a reliance on a Higher Power can be helpful when coping with this disease. We also share methods that help us move through times of difficulty and articulate our sources of hope and strength.
The evening group is co-facilitated by Rabbi Deborah Ruth Bronstein, Rabbi Emerita at Congregation Har HaShem and Dr. Jed Shapiro, long term psychiatrist in Boulder CO. The morning group is co-facilitated by Rabbi Deborah Ruth Bronstein and Reggie Gray, MSW.
For more information about these groups, please feel free to email Rabbi Bronstein at [email protected].