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This past weekend Collaborative Counseling, a leading Fort Mill counseling group, launched their first ever men’s event called Exhale. 8 men joined Charles Wimmer on a 27 hour retreat focused on slowing down, reconnecting with God and kicking off a 7 week study on Growing in Character. The weekend started off with a short shuttle ride up to Boone, NC provided by our partners over at Yellow Bike Tours. This was a great time to decompress, for guys to meet each other and learn more about the next 27 hours. After checking into our hotel, the group grabbed a big dinner at the Peddler Steakhouse. Awesome food and great conversation were had by all. After quick shuttle back to the hotel for the official kickoff of the weekend, each man was challenged on why character is important, why it must be maintained and how you must be disciplined over time to develop godly character in your life with Jesus help. It was also a time for each individual to take stock of their own life and allow time to pause from all the busyness and focus on core values. The group was challenged to wake up early for breakfast and get some quiet time with the Lord for reflection. After a delicious continental breakfast the group was fueled up and ready for the big day ahead on the mountain: An 8 mile hike on the world famous Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail. Despite chilly temperatures and some muddy trails, the group made their way up over rocks and crags and even some ice to conquer the summit. Along the way they were given different things to think about and stories were shared about why character is essential to the Christian life. Ascending down the mountain to warmer temperatures, the group jumped in the van and shuttled back to Charlotte. It’s always amazing to see how much was accomplished in 27 hours with a group of willing men. The next 7 weeks should be an exciting time of growth, mentoring and self reflection in the context of a strong community of men. Want to learn more about this type of experience for your small group? Are you a man looking for community and fellowship with other men who are serious about growing in their faith? Contact Charles Wimmer at Collaborative Counseling Group based in Fort, Mill SC for more information. TestimonialAs a busy middle aged father, I don't get many breaks to be able to focus on my internal character. Exhale provided me an incredible group opportunity to slow down and refocus on what matters most. The guys were great and I know its something I need to make a priority in my life. Highly recommend Exhale. Pictures from the Exhale Men's Weekend on Grandfather Mountain
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 Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder or PTSD is a recognized term but often misunderstood. As a therapist who specializes in treating trauma, I teasingly tell my clients, “I can smell it walk in the door!”. Although, PTSD symptoms, typically are thought to be related to the military in war zones, symptoms can also be present in disasters, abuse, violence, and terrorism right here in the United States.
The National Center for PTSD reports that, “6 of every 10 men (or 60%) and 5 of every 10 women (or 50%) experience at least one trauma in their lives. Women are more likely to experience sexual assault and child sexual abuse. Men are more likely to experience accidents, physical assault, combat, disaster, or to witness death or injury.”www.ptsd.va.gov Diagnosing trauma begins with the clinician looking for signs of the client re-experiencing the trauma: do they tend to avoid particular places or people? Are they easily aroused or are there any negative changes in beliefs and feelings? Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk M.D. (www.besselvanderkolk.net) has worked with children and adults who have experienced trauma for over four decades. His research has discovered that trauma can have a distinct impact on individuals at different stages of development. This relatively new discovery has now broadened the scope of trauma and who is affected. Dr Peter Levine, a psychiatrist who has worked in the field of stress and trauma for over forty years writes in his best seller, Waking The Tiger, that many incidents can cause traumatic reactions later in life making them not feel safe. Some of these include: birth trauma, loss of a parent or close family relative, illness, high fevers, physical injuries, severe abandonment, certain medical and dental procedures, and prolonged immobilization are just a few. There are several treatments recommend to help relieve the effects of trauma: EMDR, bio-feedback, therapeutic yoga, prolonged exposure therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and medication. As an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) trained therapist, I have personally worked with many clients who receive relief from intrusive thoughts, nightmares, emotional distress, as well as difficulty concentrating and sleeping. I treat those with small “t” traumas as well as big “T” traumas. Sessions typically require a thorough history, teaching ‘safe place’ and working through the 8 phases of the therapy. Please call today for your initial appointment to find out if EMDR could help you. 980-250-2438 or email collaborativecounselinggroup@gmail.com I look forward working along with you as you seek a healthy 2018! |
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