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Connectors Group

What Can Be Learned In Therapy?

Friday May 22nd at 1:30pm Pacific Time

(2:30pm Mountain Time;3:30pm Central Time; 4:30pm Eastern Time)

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The Connectors Group
When I work with an individual on improving their energy and mental clarity while also addressing other mental and physical health challenges, I often ask if they have done therapy and, if so, what they learned from it.

Often the response is that they told someone their story of childhood, loss, challenges... This, of course, is important, but what did they learn?

For myself, I has seen several therapists over time. With each therapist, I was mostly unclear about what I was learning at the time; I just wanted to feel better. In retrospect, I can see that I was learning:

  • to tell my story and not edit out the uncomfortable moments

  • how to have an observational self that is not the internal critic

  • how to trust myself and trust others

  • how to set boundaries for myself and others

  • how to learn from my mistakes

  • how to talk small steps forward, rather than try to leap into what I have not experienced before

  • how to have hope

Recently, I was talking to my friend and colleague Dr. Jane Tornatore, who is one of the therapists that I refer out to when someone is struggling and is looking for more than “just talking” about what’s going on. I realized that part of why I enjoy referring to Jane is that she’s clear about what skills people need to learn to help their brains better integrate their experiences. Neuroscience supports that it’s this integration that helps people feel more stable and engaged in their lives.

Join us for a free discussion with Dr. Jane Tornatore about What can be learned in therapy.

Zoom Meeting Information

  • Click this link to join the Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95596758077 or

  • Dial by your location: 253 215 8782 US (Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abJMR7hgO8)

  • Meeting ID: 955 9675 8077

  • Note: Once you log-in to Zoom you’ll be in a “waiting room” until we begin.


Meet Dr. Jane Tornatore:

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Dr. Jane Tornatore is a therapist, speaker and author based in Seattle, WA. She has been in private practice for 15 years. Her style incorporates compassion, curiosity, deep listening, and heartfelt optimism, along with powerful shots of playfulness. Jane has dedicated her career and her life to helping people love themselves and have self-compassion. She received a Master’s degree at the University of Illinois, and a PhD at the University of Minnesota. Before going into private practice, she spent two decades working in the field of Alzheimer’s, including research and working for the Alzheimer’s Association. She has authored over 20 articles and just published a book—Everything is Perfect, Just Not ME! A Roadmap for Self-Acceptance. Learn more about Jane at: doctortornatore.com


The Connectors Group consists of a wide range of individuals who are in positions to help other people navigate their lives better: mental health therapists, executive coaches, psychiatric nurse practitioners, supervisors and project managers, lawyers, teachers, and community organizers.

Recognizing and Addressing Addictions in the Time of COVID-19

Friday April 24th at 1:30pm Pacific Time

(2:30pm Mountain Time;3:30pm Central Time; 4:30pm Eastern Time)

The Connectors Group
For some people, this COVID-19 moment can be a set-up for additions, which can lead to long-term physical, financial and relationship challenges. We have brought together three experts who will share different approaches to addressing addictions:

  • Ambrosia Eberhardt – 12 step programs

  • Andrea St. Clair - Outpatient and inpatient recovery, and alternatives to 12-step programs

  • Alida Schyler – Harm Reduction approaches

The below video is the recording of the webinar about Recognizing and Addressing Addictions in the Time of COVID

Meet our panelists:

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Ambrosia Eberhardt, Program Manager, Parents for Parents Program, Rising Strong, Spokane, WA

For the last 4 years, Ambrosia has been supporting parents entering Child Protective Services in achieving the skills and sobriety needed to regain custody of their children. She supervises and trains Parent For Parent (peer support) programs, and educates professionals about the complexity of the child protective services system. She uses her voice and experience to influence policy and law changes that impact the population she serves. Ambrosia co-founded a local advocacy group called Spokane Parent Advocacy Network, is a member and prior facilitator of the Washington State Parent Ally Committee, and is currently involved in taking this work internationally to support the creation of the International Parent Advocacy Network. Ambrosia empowers people to walk through complex situations and navigate the child welfare system successfully, using her own story to inspire hope in others. She teaches HOPE classes and champions a Protein for All program. Learn more

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Andrea St. Clair, Client Care Coordinator, Counselor and Chemical Dependency Professional

Andrea began her work as a Chemical Dependency counselor in 1990 after completing the Addiction Studies Program at Seattle University. She has a BA in Holistic Psychology and Counseling from Antioch University and a MA in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. She draws from Person Centered and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapies to support clients in achieving wellbeing and the quality of life they desire. Her dedication to respectful holistic treatment and her quest for better ways to meet client needs led Andrea to a Positive Alternative. She facilitates groups, provides individual therapy, and is often the first person individuals speak with when they call A.P.A. for information about our program. Her ability to connect, offer compassion, and present a thorough picture of what may best suit their needs is reassuring to callers who often feel vulnerable when seeking help. This initial contact opens the door to treatment and desired change. She has been providing group and individual counseling and working as resources coordinator at A Positive Alternative since 2009. Learn more

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Alida Schuyler, Recovery coach

Alida has been a professional life coach since 1997 and specializes in addiction recovery.  She works with clients who struggle with over drinking or over drugging, and supports goals of harm reduction, moderation, and abstinence. She developed one of the first trainings in professional recovery coaching, and is currently developing a nonprofit in Kentucky to provide housing, safety, and stability to women seeking recovery. Learn more

The Connectors Group consists of a wide range of individuals who are in positions to help other people navigate their lives better: mental health therapists, executive coaches, psychiatric nurse practitioners, supervisors and project managers, lawyers, teachers, and community organizers.

Hope Centered and Trauma Informed: Remembering Hope in a Time of Fear

Dr. Kristen Allott and Natasha Duarte interview Chan Hellman, PhD, co-author of the award-winning book “HOPE Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life”. Chan introduces the language and science of Hope and shares his insights into how we can cultivate hope during these uncertain times.

This is a recording of a live webinar.

Chan M. Hellman is a professor of social work at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center. He has written more than 150 scientific publications and has presented at numerous national and international conferences worldwide. Chan has also presented his work on hope with TEDx in the Spring of 2020. Chan’s research is focused on hope as a psychological strength helping children and adults overcome trauma and adversity. Chan is the co-author of the award-winning book “Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life” with his co-author Casey Gwinn, published by Morgan James.