Confronting Death To Live A More Mindful Life

This following is a snippet of an article written by JFS Therapist, Jordan Gerecke. To read the full article, visit the JFS blog.

“What do you think happens to us after we die?” I ask my client, simultaneously curious and trepidatious. Death is a difficult topic for many of us, especially those of us who live in Western society, which places a taboo over the topics of death and dying. This very taboo may be arousing some discomfort in you as you read this. My goal is not to cause discomfort, but rather to challenge the notion that we benefit from avoiding thinking about death and to present an alternative in which confronting our mortality can lead us into living more fulfilling lives.

Looking at death for the reality it is can not only help alleviate the anxiety surrounding death, but also motivate us to make the most out of life. When I discuss this with my clients, especially those whose lives have been touched by aging or chronic illness, I speak to them about striking a balance. We do not want to be so aware of death that its inevitability consumes us, poisoning our lives with anxiety and hopelessness. However, we also do not want to live in denial of death, as this can lead us to mindlessly move through the years, always assuming that we will have more time. There is a sweet spot somewhere in the middle, where a mindfulness of death can lead us to live more mindful lives.

STAFF & VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS:

Let’s meet Mary!

A lifelong resident of Delaware, Mary is happy to be doing work that she loves. Mary earned her Master of Social Work from Widener University, and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Washington College. 

What inspires you to come to work every day?

“Knowing that I am a safe space for my clients to turn to when they need help or need someone to work through things with. I also feel inspired to come to work every day knowing that I have the chance, as a clinician, to change the way people think about therapy. Even if I’m working with an individual client, I can potentially have the ability to influence their friends/family’s idea about therapy and challenge some of that potential negative stigma surrounding it.”

What is the best part of your job?

“Building therapeutic relationships with the individuals and families that I work with. I feel really honored that my clients allow me to get to know them and their stories, the parts of them that are most vulnerable, or parts of themselves that they never felt comfortable sharing with anyone before. It’s a privilege and an honor that I take very seriously.”

What is a fun fact about you?

“My family’s nickname for me is Birdie.”

Click here to read more about Mary!

Let’s meet Beverly!

Beverly is a volunteer for the JFS Care Navigation and RISE programs.

What is the best part of volunteering?

“The best part of my driving volunteering is meeting new people and learning about them and their amazing stories. The best part of the refugee program is meeting and finding out that there are so many people in the community that want to help. I have not encountered anyone who has been negative. When I mention a need or when I am with a refugee family at a doctor, social services, and various appointments, everyone is so helpful and asking what else does the family need. Our group likes to say that we have many “angels” looking over our shoulder.”

Would you recommend volunteering for JFS? Why?

“Yes! Helping others has helped me see the world from a different perspective. And helping

others has been proven to be great for one’s mental health, and who wouldn’t want that?”

What is a fun fact about you?

“I was a collegiate gymnast and growing up I participated in many sports, but my favorite was playing rugby.”

What is one food you could eat every day?

“Cheese!”

Click here to read more about Beverly!

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: THERAPEUTIC COUNSELING

You don’t have to face your challenges alone—our individual and family counseling services help children, teens, adults, and families develop strategies to cope with your unique challenges.

JFS Delaware provides a safe and supportive environment with experienced, professional therapists ready to work with you.

Counseling Services

• Individual & Family Counseling
• Psychiatry & Medication Management Cancer-Specific Counseling
• Counseling for Substance Use & Co-Occurring Issues Play Therapy
• Community-Based Counseling
• Counseling for Older Adults
• Support & Therapy Groups

Areas of Expertise

• Depression & Anxiety
• Behavioral Issues
• Grief & Loss
• Substance Use
• LGBTQIA+
• Marriage & Family
• Maternal Mental Health

Learn more and get started on your therapy journey with JFS Delaware. Visit jfsdelaware.org/request-therapy or call 302-478-9411 ext. 306.

JFS Fellowship Program Video

Click on the image above to watch a video about the JFS Fellowship Program!

"Really who benefits most is the community. There will be thousands of clients throughout the state of Delaware who would not have received service if it wasn't for us." - Wendell Covell, JFS Fellowship Program Clinical Director

The JFS Mental Health Fellowship Program is an innovative response to the rapidly increasing mental health demand throughout our community, as well as the shortage of Licensed Mental Health providers throughout the state. Watch the video to hear more from Wendell and two of our Fellows!

COMPASS Spring Gatherings

Thank you to the families who joined us for our COMPASS spring gatherings! We held one gathering at the Dory Zatuchni Village Garden and another at the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Sussex County. It was wonderful to spend time outdoors in the spring weather with COMPASS families.

Visit jfsdelaware.org/compass/ to learn more about our COMPASS program.

Ukrainian Gathering in Sussex County

A fantastic time was had by all at another of our Ukrainian gatherings in Sussex County! Thank you so much to everyone who came out and joined us!

If you would like to get involved in our refugee support efforts, visit jfsdelaware.org/volunteer/.

Job Openings:

• RISE Case Manager
• RISE Case Manager for Haitian Creole Refugees
• Licensed Social Worker in Wilmington
• Licensed Social Worker in Lewes
• JFS Fellowship

COMING UP:

Mom's Space Support Groups

• Weekly support groups every Tuesday at 10 am on Zoom led by clinicians with specialty training (PSI trained)
• A safe space for women/birthing people to CONNECT, share, and ask questions 
• Providing education about various topics pertaining to maternal mental health 
• Facilitating access to additional support & wellness services

These virtual groups are educational and offer a space for moms to connect in a safe setting with a trained professional. There is no cost to join. 

At JFS Delaware, our goal is to ensure that moms and their babies get and remain healthy before, during, and after pregnancy. You are not alone, let's us help you to feel and be well. 

Click here to register or call 302-478-9411 to contact a member of our Support Services team for assistance.