About this ebook
Recovering The Selfÿis a quarterly journal which explores the themes of recovery and healing through the lenses of poetry, memoir, opinion, essays, fiction, humor, art, media reviews and psycho-education. Contributors toÿRTS Journalÿcome from around the globe to deliver unique perspectives you won't find anywhere else!
The theme of Volume VI, Number 2 is "Focus on Family". We explore physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental aspects of this and several other areas of concern including:Adult siblingsParenting and adult childrenHealthy parentingLoneliness and belongingImportance of love, forgiveness, and a sense of humorUnderstanding your childhoodAnimal companionshipGrowing up in a dysfunctional familyEldercareBetrayal by family...and more!
This issue's contributors include: Ernest Dempsey, Gerry Ellen, Leslee Tessmann, Bernie Siegel, Diane Wing, Patricia Wellingham-Jones, Patrick Gene Frank, Candy Czernicki, Chris Stark, Peter MacQuarrie, Nora Trujillo, Trisha Faye, Neall K. Calvert, Holli Kenley, Huey-Min Chuang, Marjorie McKinnon, Evelyn Horan, Janet Riehl, Mrrinali Punj, Robin Marvel, Don Bodey, Annie Harmon, Martha Carey, Christy Lowry, Sweta Srivastava Vikram, Susie Dunham, Aaron Ratliff, Joyce-Anne Locking and others.
"I highly recommend a subscription to this journal, Recovering the Self, for professionals who are in the counseling profession or who deal with crisis situations. Readers involved with the healing process will also really enjoy this journal and feel inspired to continue on. The topics covered in the first journal alone, will motivate you to continue reading books on the subject matter presented. Guaranteed." --Paige Lovitt for Reader Views
Visit us online atÿwww.RecoveringSelf.com
Published by Loving Healing Press www.LovingHealing.com
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About the author
Many years ago, as a teenager and young adult, I struggled with an undiagnosed syndrome.ÿ At times, the symptoms ranged from deep depression to uncontrollable anger to thoughts of suicide. Although it was confusing to me, there were other times when I felt healthy, energized, and normal. Because I kept my struggle a secret and because I didn?t know where to turn for help, the ?shame? of not being able to control my emotions contributed to deep feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.ÿ As I grew into a young woman, I made unhealthy choices in relationships and in life decisions all in a desperate attempt to ease the pain of worthlessness.
As I entered into my early thirties continually masking the craziness inside me, an extraordinary exchange occurred.ÿ For the first time in my life, I shared my secret struggle with a dear friend.ÿ Although I was embarrassed and frightened as I disclosed my story, my friend not only listened to and comforted me, but she guided me to a doctor who she thought could help me.ÿ Within a couple of weeks, I was diagnosed with severe Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (once known as PMS!) and was given a comprehensive treatment plan that included everything from medication to life-style changes to counseling.ÿ From that day forward, I committed myself to my recovering program, determined I would not waste another moment suffering, nor would I keep it silent!
After experiencing several years of wellness, I was determined to help other women, and their families, suffering from PMDD (or PMS)!ÿ In the 80?s and 90?s, PMS was not only a topic of bad jokes, but it was still largely dismissed as a legitimate medical disorder. I set out and did the following:
I started leading psycho-educational support groups for women with PMDD and continued doing so for three years. I authored a book entitled The PMS Puzzle and spoke to groups educating as many people as I could about the truths of PMS. In the mid-90?s, I went to graduate school to obtain a Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling so that I could gain more knowledge on how to further my skills in helping others. Before moving into private practice, I worked as a therapist in a large faith-based counseling center for almost a decade. I honed my skills around the areas of abuse, trauma, grief/loss, addiction, codependency, domestic violence, and all kinds of betrayal.
I have been a frequent speaker and workshop leader at professional organizations, including a three time presenter at the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist?s Annual Conferences (2010 -2012).
In our lives, there are so many variables that are out of our control.ÿ However, how well we choose to live our lives even amidst adversities is within our reach.ÿ It is up to each of us to embrace our recovering and to rejoice in the journey.
Books I have written include: Breaking Through Betrayal: And Recovering The Peace Within (2010), Betrayal-Proof Your Relationship: What Couples Need to Know and Do (2011), and Cyber Bullying No More: parenting a high tech generation (2012).
Learn more at <bwww.HolliKenley.com</b>
