[Adta] Leslie A. and FUN!

[Leslie Best]

After spending two days getting through the evidenced-based discussion, I have time to respond to Leslie A.'s request re: fun and respit.  It's always funny how I notice I'll think about posing a question or discussion to the listserve and then boom there it is...already formulated by others.  I'm sure others of you have the same experience.

Dealing with my own burnout in the field I considered asking a question similar to Leslie A.'s regarding what specific things dmts do to "regroup" when feeling burnout in the field of mental health.  I wonder what resources dmts use or go to to help give balance and perspective to your work/clinical life.  I have recently been so close to that place of wondering if I could/wanted to continue to caretake and counsel any population after working for seven years with acute and chronic psychiatric patients at the state hospital where I work.  Fortunately, I have made some changes that have been helpful to me in regaining the ability to remain objective in this regard.

As part of this process, I recently followed-up on an "art camp" that I have known about for several years and have toyed with the possibility of attending.  I ordered a catalogue and it looks even more fabulous than the website shows and have wanted to share it all with you!

It is the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC.  Right in your neck of the woods (literally) Leslie!!  They have numerous weekend and week-long classes in every art form you can imagine:  ceramics, textiles, blacksmithing, painting, cooking, etc.  In the evenings they have dance and music events. Pricing seems very reasonable and there are discounts for some state and regional residents.

I'm sure someone in this "bunch" of us have attended.  Maybe we will hear of their experience.  I am thinking this is a venue for Heidi Ehrenreich for sure!

Leslie Best
labestnlife at earthlink.net