FUMC Pensacola & Center for Sacred Space are hosting the 3rd Annual mental health symposium “Finding Light in the Darkness: Caring for Self and Others” on Sunday, August 25. The event is open to all people. We’ll be discussing the issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance misuse, grief & loss, loneliness, and marriage & domestic partnerships. Participants will hear licensed clinical therapists speak, spend time in peer support guided by a clinician and spiritual director, and have a time of silent reflection.
No one should suffer with mental health diseases alone. Through this event we are trying to build a community that can become a place of hospitality and welcome to those dealing with mental health issues, where there is no judgment or stigma, and by which all people can find support as we walk alongside each other while we deal with mental health issues.
We will also provide childcare for those attending (limited availability for infant – 5th Grade) (more info).
Date, time, & location
Sunday, August 25
When: Noon – 5:00pm
Where: First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, 6 East Wright Street, Pensacola, Florida
Check-in: Begins at 11:45am in the The Wright Place, Dining Room
Registration FEES & Lunch
REGISTRATION FEES
The cost for this event is $11/adult and $5/child (for childcare).
ADULT LUNCH – Street Taco Bar from Tacos Mexicanos
The “Street Taco Bar” includes 2 tacos per person, side of rice & beans, chips & queso, and a drink. Taco bar options are corn tortilla, meat, red onion, cilantro, salsa & limes.
KIDS LUNCH
Pizza, treat, & a drink
childcare
We are providing childcare for those in attendance for ages infant – 5th grade (limited availability). During this time, your children will get to enjoy a pizza lunch, playtime in our gym/playground, as well as watching the movie Inside Out. Registration is required by August 18 for any children wishing to attend. Contact Lisa Bond with any questions.
About our Therapists
Anxiety
Facilitated by: Jane Beaulieu , LCSW
(850) 221-9578 | Email Jane
Hi, my name is Janie Beaulieu, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I’ve worked as a therapist for almost 7 years. Some of the types of therapy I engage in with my clients are Cognitive Behavioral – CBT, Dialectical Behavioral – DBT, Attachment Based, Mindfulness Based, and EMDR. One of my goals as a therapist is to help you explore with curiosity and without self-criticism the struggles you may be experiencing and to view those experiences from a place of objectivity, say the riverbank rather than in the raging river, thereby allowing you the space for healing. I provide a supportive structure to the journey of navigating the inevitable challenges we face as human beings.
Depression
Facilitated by: Matthew Fortner, MA LPC
850-712-5402
Matt is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has over 20 years of clinical experience. He began working in community mental health as a residential substance abuse therapist in 2002. Shortly after, Matt began a private practice in Oxford, MS, working with individuals and families. Matt was also the Center Mental Health Consultant for several years at the Batesville Job Corps, where he oversaw the mental health needs of the 300-400 residents and provided training for staff. In 2017, Matt and his family moved to Pensacola and began a career in real estate. Matt continues to see clients one day a week in Daphne, Al.
Grief & Loss
Facilitated by: Renée Lord, Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
(727) 453-2216 | Email Renée
On May 11, 2002, a drunk driver killed Renée (Napier) Lord’s daughter, Meagan, and Meagan’s friend, Lisa. The driver, Eric Smallridge, was sentenced to 22 years in prison. In the midst of grieving the loss of her daughter, Renée came to forgive Eric, led a successful campaign to have his sentence changed to 11 years and, in turn, Eric decided to make something positive out of his tragic mistake. In 2004, Renée began her journey giving DUI presentations at a multitude of venues, including high schools, colleges, military bases, churches, prisons, and the NFL. In April 2010, Eric was granted permission to join Renée in her speaking campaign. While still an inmate bound by shackles, Eric captured the audience by boldly recounting the crash and his life in prison. Renée and Eric conclude the presentation with a compelling embrace. In 2012 Contemporary Christian Singer/Songwriter Matthew West wrote and released the song “Forgiveness” inspired by Renée’s story and on November 26, 2012, Eric was released from prison. Eric continues to join Renée in her presentations. Hundreds of thousands of people have heard Renée and Eric share about the impact of his decision to drink and drive and the healing power of forgiveness. Renée and Eric are very passionate about their mission to stop DUIs.
Loneliness
Facilitated by: Monica Davis, LMFT
(850) 483-1788 | Email Monica
I am licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide individuals, couples, and families a non-judgmental and supportive environment where my clients are able to freely express themselves while gaining insight into their lives. I specialize in PTSD, anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, adult/childhood trauma, parenting, and relationship struggles. I am a certified EMDR and Clinical Trauma Practitioner. I primarily use EMDR, somatic therapy, and parts work to treat trauma, and Emotionally Focus Therapy (EFT) when working with couples. My ultimate goal in counseling is to help you find your way to becoming the healthiest version of you.
Marriage & Domestic Partnerships
Facilitated by: Rachael Croley, LCSW
850-572-0635 | Email Rachael
Rachael is the Clinical Director at Olive Baptist Counseling. Rachael received her bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and her Master of Social Work from Florida State University. Rachael has always had a passion for people who are hurting. At an early age she saw her parents struggle through divorce and how their journey impacted her and her siblings. She believes when one member of the family is in pain, everyone hurts. Her personal experience of working through trauma and seeing family relationships restored has provided healing in her life and an earnest desire to help others. For the last 25 years Rachael has worked intensively with individuals, couples, children and adolescents in therapy.
Substance Misuse
Facilitated by: Wade Meadows, NCIP NCRC2
601-503-7711 | Email Wade
Wade Meadows is an interventionist at Clear Path Intervention. Wade works to help individuals and families deal with issues related to substance abuse and mental health. He teaches individuals and families about the realities of addiction and the path to freedom. Wade has an extensive history of work in substance abuse recovery communities and both share openly about their past struggles with addiction. Wade has used his past struggles as a way to teach and guide others toward a happy and sober life.
TRAUMA
Facilitated by: Wendy DePury, LCSW
(850) 449-9697 | Email Wendy
Wendy is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Pensacola. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in social work, both from FSU. It was there through a campus ministry, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, that Jesus became real to her and a focus for her life. Through this ministry, she met her husband of 30 years, Bill, and since has been blessed with 3 children, Aaron (27), Alyssa (24), and Aubrey (18), a daughter in love, Valerie, and her first grandchild, Owen (2). Working in the mental health field and through trials of her own, she has developed a strong desire to see the stigma of mental health issues be eliminated. Wendy is active in her home church and enjoys horses, photography, and most importantly spending time with family.
What is a spiritual director?
Each breakout group will be guided by a clinician and spiritual director. A spiritual director is a person who assists another person in discovering where and how God is at work in their life.
questions?
Contact Donell Seager at DSeager@CenterForSacredSpace.org.