HR in collaboration with Community Engagement and the Office of the President present "Mindful Mondays"—workshops for faculty and staff designed for both self care and enhancing connections among colleagues. RSVP requested so our presenters know how many to expect!

Throughout the history of humanity and within every known culture has been the concept of the Soul and yet over the last century or so, its value has lost much ground. For many people the idea of the soul, the essence of “who” they are resonates deeply and yet has been significantly diminished by the medical model of mental health and addiction. This presentation will bring the concept of the soul back to the forefront of discussion in how we conceptualize ourselves and others as well as the concept of Soul Exhaustion. Soul Exhaustion takes a deeper exploration of life circumstances such as poverty, adverse childhood experiences, racism, trauma and loss, and burnout and the holistic impact it has on the “who” we are. When looking through the lens of Soul exhaustion, we also must shift our thoughts on solutions to address the soul, spirit or essence of “who” we are.

Sarah Gaer holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with 24 years experience in the field of mental health care. Her early career was started working with children in residential programs, therapeutic schools, and therapeutic outreach. She also worked in a therapeutic community substance use treatment facility both as a counselor and an intake coordinator.