E-Connect Newsletter / 1.18.17
Greetings from our new executive director, Jim Hayes

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James E. Hayes, D.Min., M.Div., Executive Director
"Start where you are, with what you have. Make something of it and never be satisfied." -George Washington Carver

January 2017 - I am so grateful to begin work here at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center. I thank those I have already met for the many ways you have welcomed me to this talented place. One of my first steps in taking on my new role is to listen to the wisdom of the community. I am meeting with staff, board members, donors and various constituencies in the community who have a stake in our success. I have also been privileged to have a good bit of time with Ellery before his official retirement.

All of these rich conversations reminded me of the above Carver quote. He is near the top of my pantheon of influences for a number of reasons.

Register now for our trauma sensitive yoga group


Kathe Irvine, L.M.S.W.
The goal of Trauma Sensitive Yoga is to befriend, reconnect with and feel empowered in your body. In a safe and predictable environment, you are invited to notice sensations, experiment with movement and breathing, and practice making choices about what is right for you.

Register online now for trauma sensitive yoga, facilitated by Kathe Irvine, L.M.S.W., therapist at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center and trained trauma sensitive yoga provider. Kathe provides counseling and psychotherapy to individuals as well as couples and families. Kathe has a special interest in providing holistic care to resolve issues of grief, trauma, life transitions, divorce, anxiety and depression. 

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New support group for survivors of suicide loss

The Center is starting a new support group for survivors of suicide loss, no matter how long ago your loss occurred. 
  • Third Tuesdays Monthly
  • 7-8:30 p.m.
  • at the Center, 8553 Urbandale Avenue, Des Moines, IA
  • facilitated by Center clinicians
  • no need to RSVP, just come

More information, including a printer-friendly flyer here.

Why I work at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center

We are pleased to present the first in a series of staff reflections on "why I work here." These reflections seek to celebrate the joy of working together where diversity in experience and spirituality is celebrated.


Zeb Treloar-Reid, M.Div.
by Zeb Treloar-Reid, M.Div., Administrative Assistant, Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center

December 2016/January 2017 - I am grateful to be in this place because of the work we are able to do together. There are very few professions that truly give people new life, and it's amazing to be a part of this work.
In less than a full year of working in this position as administrative assistant at the front desk, I have been able to see the suicidal live a second day, anxiety turn to peace, and mourning be comforted.

Health Tip - Exercise gratitude


January 2017 - The turning of the year provides an opportunity to look back with gratitude for all that has given us life in the past year, and to direct that positive energy into our communal and individual resolution to make 2017 an even better year.

I'm a big believer in the nurturing of habits and virtues. Through the habitual exercise of virtues we value, we can make them a more integral part of who we are. Gratitude is certainly one of those virtues for me.


More health tips from the Center here: 



Save the Date: May 19, 2017
    • 19th Annual Women Helping Women Luncheon
    • Embassy Suites downtown Des Moines
    • Benefiting vulnerable girls and women who need quality mental health counseling 
    • Speaker and honoree to be announced soon!
2017 Women Helping Women Committee_ an energic and creative group of people who care

The 2017 Women Helping Women planning committee, co-chaired by Jann Freed and Anne Kelly

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Sign up to receive the speaker announcement as soon as it's released.

Alicia Krpan
Spanish-speaking counseling services available

The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is pleased to offer Spanish-speaking counseling services with thanks to Alicia Krpan, one of our three graduate practicum students* for 2016-2017. Alicia specializes in providing counseling services to children and families, and also serves adults. To schedule an appointment with Alicia, please call the Center's intake specialist, Carol, at 515-274-4006.

*The Center is a leader in providing a rigorous, quality practicum experience for qualified graduate psychotherapy students.  More information about this program here.
Sign up for the Center's Leadership and Spiritual Life program newsletter


Did you know the Center has a second newsletter? 

In addition to this newsletter which focuses on clinical aspects of the Center's mission, we also issue monthly news on topics related to the Center's Leadership and Spiritual Life programs -- communicating additional opportunities for learning and growth including professional development choices for clergy and congregational leaders. 

 

 

Sign up to receive the Center's monthly Leadership and Spiritual Life newsletter:

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Click image for a 2016 year in review

We are deeply grateful for your trust and support in 2016. 
 

Our mission is to bring understanding, hope and healing to people of all ages through counseling and education.
Our key services:  

Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization  serving more than 4,000 individuals annually including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Although best known for its 44 years of quality, professional mental health therapy, the Center is a multi-faceted organization providing a range of services:
  • Counseling, including specialized services for children and adolescents
  • Psychological testing and assessment
  • Psychiatric consultation and care
  • Training for clinical professionals
  • Leadership and spiritual life programming 
  • Career Coaching
  • Conflict transformation and strategic planning services for congregations, nonprofits and businesses
 www.dmpcc.org   / 515-274-4006
In gratitude,

Terri Mork Speirs
Director of Marketing and Communications
Interim Director of Development
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
515-251-6670