Summer News from the Jung Center

flowers

May we not just grieve, but give:
May we not just ache, but act.
—Amanda Gorman


Dear Jung Center community,

Summer dreams were shattered on July 4th on the North Shore. The shooting at the Highland Park parade was one more incident of senseless gun violence. While our hearts go out to all those who lost loved ones and those who were injured and traumatized by the event, we are left wondering when it will end and what needs to be done. It has been said that the freedom to own and carry guns has taken away the right to feel safe in the schools, shopping, parades, and places of worship that are the cornerstones of everyday life. 

The Jung Center is a place to find solace, and it is also a place where we look for solutions and hope. 

Charles Small, LCSW, is on the Center Faculty and specializes in the treatment of PTSD. He shared ways to deal with the aftereffects of a traumatic event. Some avenues of hope include accessing social/family support, talking openly within these support systems about feelings and reactions to recent events, engaging in meaningful activities (including volunteering and helping others in our communities), and maintaining good health and wellness habits (including adequate sleep hygiene).  Most trauma reactions are NORMAL AND HEALTHY immediately following traumatic events and include feeling anxious/on edge, difficulty sleeping, distressing dreams, emotional numbness, and others. Although seeking support in processing our thoughts and feelings via therapy can be very helpful, it is not necessary to immediately begin treating someone for PTSD unless they exhibit significant difficulty in daily functioning for at least a month following exposure to a traumatic event. 

Remember, starting July 16, 2022, anyone in the U.S. experiencing a mental health crisis can call 988 and talk to a trained counselor

You can also find resources through the following online links:

  • Visit the National Center for PTSD’s guidance on Resources in the Wake of Mass Violence here
  • Incidents of Mass Violence here for resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  • Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News here 
  • The National Association of School Psychologist Tips for Parents and Teachers on Talking to Children About Violence can be viewed here
  • American Psychological Association’s Mass Shooting Resources here

Meanwhile the Center continues to thrive thanks to our many volunteers, donors, loyal staff and community patrons. Our first in-person event since March of 2020, Hilma af Klint’s Abstract and Visionary Art Takes us into the Future, was held in Juneand was a big success. It was such a joy to see people face-to-face! Our second on-site event, scheduled for July 30, is an art workshop by Nancy VanKanegan titled, Exploring the Shadows. We will then take a brief break in August before resuming programming in September. We hope to have more on-site programs but will be primarily offering virtual presentations in the near future. Click here to see the fall line-up and to register. 

If you are hurting, troubled or just trying to figure things out, the Jung Center continues to offer psychotherapy services via Telehealth with some options for in-person sessions. We currently accept BCBS PPO and Choice Plans. We also offer a sliding scale, self-pay option for those without insurance. Our therapists are flexible, offering virtual, phone or, in some cases, in-office sessions. To learn more and apply for therapy services, visit our website here.

The Center remains a source of serenity and enlightenment. We remain committed to connecting us all to what is good and uncovering our true selves. Come join us – we look forward to connecting with all of you over Zoom or in person. If you know someone who might benefit from our services, please feel free to share this email with them.

Be well, stay safe, and breathe in the fresh air of summer.

Cheryl Kinsman, PhD
Executive Director


Photos by Kevin Boers and Cheryl Kinsman