Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for a Loved One Is Important
As human beings, we are somewhat like watersheds. Imagine a system of interconnected basins where water flows from one to another by gravity. It quickly becomes clear that each basin’s water supply is essential for the entire system to function well. The same goes for us: to be able to offer time, energy, and compassion to our loved ones, we must first manage our own energy resources properly. Only once the first basin is well-supplied can we begin to nourish the others.
It is with this goal in mind—to help you care for yourself amidst the challenges of caregiving—that GASO offers three types of revitalizing workshops.
Wellness through Music Workshops
Our Wellness through Music Workshops offer a moment of relaxation, where music helps you face some of the challenges of caregiving. In these workshops, music becomes a healthy resource to promote resilience and foster well-being. As a participant, you are invited to listen to and share music, compose or discuss song lyrics, and explore artistic mediums such as drawing or free writing accompanied by music.
These workshops are facilitated by Annabelle Brault, a certified music therapist (MTA), and are held twice a month virtually on Zoom.
Annabelle Brault
Certified music therapist (MTA)
2x per month
according to our programming
Online
on Zoom
Art Therapy Groups
Offered three times a year, our Art Therapy Groups provide a welcoming, safe, and non-judgmental therapeutic space where caregivers can reconnect with themselves in complete freedom. In art therapy, participants create and explore artistic productions to encourage the free expression of emotions, self-awareness, and self-discovery.
In the context of caregiving, art therapy allows you to take time for yourself, helps you manage stress, and addresses the complexity of emotions tied to your situation, such as guilt, anger, or grief, all within a safe and supportive environment. In addition to reconnecting with your needs and emotions, the art therapy group allows you to build connections with others who are experiencing similar situations.
These groups are facilitated by Samantha Dobbin, a certified art therapist (MA ATPQ), and take place in person in LaSalle.
Samantha Dobbin
Certified art therapist (MA ATPQ)
2x per month
according to our programming
In person
at our offices
Group Relaxation Workshops
Our Group Relaxation Workshops provide caregivers with a much-needed break for relaxation. This is an opportunity to discover and explore techniques to help manage stress and create a deeply beneficial state of relaxation for your daily life. A variety of relaxation techniques are offered, including meditation, breathing exercises, visualization, and simple, gentle movements or stretches that can be easily repeated at home.
These workshops are facilitated by Annie Cusson, a social worker, and are offered in a hybrid format, both in-person, in LaSalle, and virtually.
Annie Cusson
Social worker
2x per month
according to our programming
Hybrid
on Zoom and at our offices
