Wellness Wave Wisdom

By Julie Choi Trepkau, AMFT 147728 (she) Julie is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who holds a Master's in Counseling from National University, and is dedicated to supporting individuals from diverse populations as they navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship concerns.  Julie’s background is in yoga and education, having taught yoga internationally for over two decades as well as elementary school in Encinitas.    Healing from violence and abuse is a deeply personal and ongoing process. There is no single person, report, or event that can bring closure.   Survivors may carry the effects of their experiences for a long time, and the healing process can be aided by a circle of support from those around them. Unfortunately, many survivors report experiencing additional harm when they disclose the situation or reach out for help. The process of reporting and seeking support can lead t...

My name is Chauntrell “Chanti” Turner. I am a current student at MiraCosta College and Palomar College, studying to get my Doctorate in Psychology to become an Art Therapist. At MiraCosta, I work with Health Service as a Peer Educator and Co-Facilitate the Black Student Support Group with Tammah Watts. Additionally, I am part of the Umoja Program on campus. As a Peer Educator, I provide MiraCosta students with resources by pointing them in the right direction. In addition, to help them overcome any physical or mental barriers on campus. I have given the other Peer Educators different art topics and activities to bring to our tabling events on campus to support the students. Over the Spring semester, I have been working closely with Tammah. As a result, we created a space where Black students are supported in their daily lives and can express themselves freely. We added Poetry and Outings with Nature this semester to give students more opportunities to allow themselves to deal with ever...

Written by: James Olmos (Mental Health Therapist Trainee) Affirmations are gifts filled with love. These gifts carry a lot of weight and can lift up a person's mental state of mind. The power of affirmations can lift up an individual in many ways. Examples may include complimenting them for their presence, wisdom, gratitude, or personal strengths.  One of the most significant affirmations I received was someone simply saying, "You showed up." As someone who battles depression and anxiety, I know the overwhelming urge to expect the worst. Folx dealing with depression and anxiety frequently have to convince themselves to carry all the internal battles they are fighting and still show up. Showing up can be challenging for many people who have been hurt and acknowledging that can be therapeutic. It can be as simple as complimenting a person for their outward appearance or simply thanking them for being there. Validation in an affirming scenario is important because sometimes ...

  Join MiraCosta College Veterans Services Office, MiraCosta College Health Services and Peer Educators, and Palomar College Behavioral Health Counseling Services for a special event on Tuesday, November 9 th , at 2pm:  Veteran Mental Health: It Takes Courage to Enlist Support The online program includes: 20-minute talk from speaker Jeremy Stalnecker on how Veterans and others can move forward after trauma ( Jeremy M. Stalnecker - Mighty Oaks Foundation (mightyoaksprograms.org) Brief talk from a current student and combat military Veteran Resources for support for you and those you care about This event is geared towards Veterans, but everyone is welcome to join. Come and learn how to support a friend! Register in advance for this Zoom meeting: click here After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.