Jaws

A straightforward and personal account of the presenter’s own progressive decline into Eating Disorder and Depression; then the struggle and process of recovery, outlining the effects on her personal life, as well as the impact on professional practice and functioning. Presenter utilizes her own art, poetry, journal entries, and humorous anecdotes, to convey this most powerful information. Participants will leave this presentation having had a candid and unedited ‘inside view’ of illness and recovery, gaining information unavailable through other courses or materials.
In a resolute effort to raise awareness, she describes her experience as a ‘Healer’ who attended to her own process, in a determined effort to gain insight and share with others what she has learned — about herself, and more generally, about the challenges of being a helping professional in today’s culture. This presentation also includes a discussion of the prevalence of illness in Healers, possible causes and effects, and the need to address the stigma of Healers who are struggling. Discussion focuses on the positive effects of acknowledging one’s needs, addressing illness, and using/integrating this experience into one’s practice — often as a more effective, balanced Healer.