Gloucester Pics II

Here are some more pictures from Gloucester.
First is my friend Wolff and me in front of the "Fisherman at the Wheel". The second photo is of the "Lady Grace". I beleve this fishing boat was used in the "Perfect Storm" movie as it is the same kind of boat as the original "Andrea Gail."
Wolff is a very good friend from New College who happens to be an amazing artist and poet. Please visit his website: http://www.primordialist.com/

Saying goodbye to clients

This week I informed the clients at Wayside that I will be leaving to tour with Up With People. I generally dread saying goodbye to clients as many of them find it difficult to say "goodbye" and many have not had opportunities to say goodbye in a positive manner.
I must admit, I rather primed them for it. I held a group therapy session in which I discussed situations in which people have to say goodbye and how each situation feels. The clients were great. They were able to talk about ways to say farewell that are helpful to the process, and ways that are not.
In general they handled the news well. Some have expressed sadness. Some reported feeling abandoned (which is common when staff leave). Many were very supportive and eager to hear about my tour. My hope is that I can continue communication with my clients, though the Wayside staff, to keep them posted as to my adventures.
To kick things off, I suggested that they start developing questions. I informed them that there was a good chance that I may be spending time with teenagers like them, only across the country or overseas.
I'm so impressed. They have ALREADY started developing questions. Here they are (some have been rephrased for clarification):

1) What is your name (if you feel comfortable telling us)?
2) How old are you and what ages do you have to be in order to be placed at your program?
3) How does it feel to be in a place besides home?
4) What are the rules there?
5) What are the type of goals that you make for yourself?
6) What are the coping skills that you use when you are mad?
7) What are you going to do when you get out of your program?
8) What do you think you can do better if things go bad again?
9) What will you do if you have problems with other people?
10) If you have to choose a path, what path will that be?

Again, I'm so impressed with these questions. If any of you have ever been placed outside of your home while growing up, and you feel comfortable answering these questions, I know the clients here would be thrilled to read your responses.

Actually, UWP participants, we could all answer these questions too. Though we aren't in a therapeutic program, per se, we are in a program to work towards goals...and we all have our own frustrations. If y'all feel comfortable, it would be great to have some UWP responses.

Next week, I start having my final sessions. This is going to take a lot of emotional energy on my part. Wish me luck.

Visit with an "old" friend

This is my friend Sam. I just had a wonderful visit with him today. We went out for Bertuccis, ice cream, and a game of "catch me if you can" at a local school playground. He is a smart young man and he has a terriffic sense of humor (his giggle is contageous). He enjoys music, letters, numbers, coloring, playing games, and talking about the the world around him. My friend here has a wonderful family who works exceptionally hard to care for, support, and to provide him with the best education possible.
Sam and I came to know each other in late 2001 when he came to attend a unique school in Massachusetts that specializes in the treatment of children diagnosed with autism and disorders along the pervasive developmental disorder spectrum (for more information, please visit: www.autism-society.org). At this school, Sam studies hard (under the theoretical framework of Applied Behavioral Analysis) to learn how to relate to others, communicate, find appropriate play activities....AND keep up with his academic subjects (whew). Amazingly, Sam finds a way to giggle and smile through it all. Sam and I worked together for three fantastic years. In that time he taught me much about patience and humility. These are skills that I have found infinitely useful in my counseling practice. I am forever thankful to Sam.
"Give me a smile, big man" :)
(Pictures posted with the permission of Sam's family)

Glastonbury

Here is a picture of the outside of my mother's house in Glastonbury, CT. Her town is only minutes away from the city of Hartford. Hartford has been described to me as being the insurance capital of the United States (correct me if I'm wrong, Mom and LIMRA friends). Though the city is not nearly as large or bustling as Boston or New York, I find it comfortable to walk through and I greatly enjoy traversing their new riverfront.

(For more information on Glastonbury and Hartford, please visit: http://www.glasct.org/Public_Documents/index and
http://www.hartford.gov/)

If only there was a way to incorporate scents into blogs. If it were available, I'd offer you the heavenly smells of freshly baked brownies, wine cake, pumpkin bread, and (my breakfast favorite) pancakes that often greet me when I go home. Visits with Mom warm the mind, body, soul, and palate :)