Description

Without warning and for eight months and counting, the U.S. and the world have suffered an unfolding disease-borne tragedy resulting in loss, grief, fear, division, and sudden unprecedented lifestyle alterations. A panoply of environment-based sources of anxiety and depression arose on top of a national epidemic of mental health challenges already in play. Dr. Vicki K. Harvey and Robin Kempster, R.N. explore the assault on our psychic well-being, strategies to calm our inner state, and ways to share our care with others. Listening is a powerful way to support those going through challenging times. "Tips for Listening" will be discussed, based on guidelines from the Companionship Training, a program from Pathways to Promise.

Workshop Leadership

Dr. Vicki Harvey is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Brea, California. She and her husband are currently fostering two brothers, thirteen and seven years old. The trials of navigating the Covid world with her clients, herself, and her family while striving for a spiritual center are a daily challenge, but also a joyous source of kinship. Vicki credits the holding womb of the Diamond Bar United Church of Christ for the larger welcome, nurturing environment, and tenacity of spirit for making this possible. She currently serves on the UCC Mental Health Board of Directors.

Robin Kempster is the Parish Nurse at First Church Berkeley, UCC, in California.  She started the Mental Health Ministry at the church and has encouraged others to join together and to be active participants.  The goals of the ministry are to provide opportunities to reduce stigma for those with mental health challenges, to share our stories, and to educate ourselves around mental health issues. She serves as secretary for the UCC Mental Health Network Board of Directors.