Wellness Wave Wisdom

By Melissa Collins-Porter Melissa is a Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee who is currently enrolled in Point Loma Nazarene University’s Masters in Applied Clinical Counseling program. Melissa received a B.A. in Communication from UC San Diego and an M.A. in Film from SDSU. Melissa taught as an adjunct at MiraCosta for 20 years in the Department of Theatre and Film. After the COVID lockdown, she noticed that many of her students were struggling with mental health and was called to make a career change. Her approach to client care is informed by psychodynamic theory, social justice, neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirmation. What is AA? AA stands for Alcoholics Anonymous. It is a 12 Step Recovery Program for people with Substance Use Disorder. There are other AA-based groups for people who are addicted to drugs, gambling, or sex. Anyone who struggles with Substance Use Disorder and desires recovery is welcome at an AA meeting. The “anonymous” part means that attendance at an AA meeting an

TWO QUESTIONS FOR Adela Sanchez on Narcan Training  1.       What led you to bring Narcan training to MiraCosta? Narcan (naloxone) training in community colleges, especially when provided by a nurse, offers numerous benefits. As someone who grew up in this community being able to offer training for students, faculty, and staff is especially important to me. There are so many obstacles in healthcare so when there are opportunities for free programs and resources, I am immediately drawn to them. Empowering community members, especially in a college setting, fosters a sense of responsibility and community care. Trained individuals can act confidently in emergencies, contributing to a safer environment for everyone! I’ve seen too many accidents turn fatal so anything we can do to help is worth it. ·          Narcan equips us with the ability to respond swiftly to opioid overdoses. This can save lives in situations where medical help might not be immediately available.  ·        

TWO QUESTIONS FOR:  Tammah Watts about Recovery Meetings on Campus 1.   What led you to become a SMART Recovery Group facilitator?   Oh, I love this question because it’s a testament to the power of friends and their influence on us. By this I mean that I first heard about SMART Recovery from a longtime friend of mine, who also happens to work in the mental health field. I became curious about how she spent her Sunday mornings and she began to share about SMART Recovery and her volunteerism with the organization as a facilitator for several years. Eventually, she asked me if I would consider becoming a facilitator because the  program was growing throughout San Diego and there was a need for more facilitators to provide meetings online and in person. The more I learned, the more I became interested in the organization -in particular, the 4-Points Program   and their evidence-based approach and principles .I attended m

By: Abby (Abigail) Burd, MSW, LCSW, LCS26867 Coping mechanisms are the strategies and behaviors we use to manage stress, navigate challenges, or cope with difficult emotions. These can range from healthy habits to less optimal choices. Sometimes we reach for alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms. It’s important to recognize that these coping strategies emerge from a genuine need for relief, comfort, or escape. MiraCosta College mental health counselors emphasize understanding and acceptance without judgment. This helps us approach discussions around substance use with compassion and empathy. The Role of Coping Mechanisms Many of us turn to substances not out of recklessness, but as a way to manage stress, pain, or overwhelming emotions. This coping mechanism is rooted in a basic human desire for relief and well-being. Acknowledging this can shift the conversation from stigma and shame to understanding and support.  What might it be like to say, “thank you” to the substance for serving

by Nidya Ramirez Ibarra, LMFT Nidya Ramirez Ibarra is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who grew up in Escondido, CA. An immigrant and past community organizer, Nidya utilizes her knowledge and years of experience as a therapist to co-create a space to initiate change, gain insight, build skills, and establish support. Prior to joining the mental health team at MiraCosta College, among Nidya’s experiences was working for 8 years at a local non-profit with families, individuals, and children struggling with trauma due to intimate partner violence and sexual abuse. In addition to working with student in individual, relationship, and family counseling sessions, Nidya also facilitates MiraCosta’s UPRISE support group for undocumented/ mixed status students and their loved ones. During almost a decade of working in therapy with individuals who had been victims of intimate partner violence I heard many inquire, with the hopes of a promising answer, whether

By Tammah Watts Tammah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is certified as a SMART Recovery Facilitator, Clinical Trauma Professional, Domestic Violence Advocate, and Mindfulness-Based Meditation Facilitator. Her book, Keep Looking Up: Your Guide to the Powerful Healing of Bird Watching, was published by Hay House in 2023. “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger — something better, pushing right back.” – Albert Camus Welcome to summer semester 2024! This time of year can feel a little less rushed in terms of the pace of how things move along. The soon-to-be warmer days invite many of us to take it easy. It can also be an opportunity to pause and take stock of where you are in life midway into the year. Doing so can be helpful to evaluate and determine your intentions going forward. For the first time thi