We all encounter hassles (the car breaks, the plumbing leaks, we catch a cold) on a regular basis and generally manage to cope; however, catastrophes are beyond our coping skills. Experiences we cannot readily fix or control challenge us in fundamental ways, indelibly changing our lives, disrupting identity, career, relationships, meaning, hope for the future, our highest god image, and our personal narratives. Using lecture, discussion, and exercises, we will explore experiences of tragic events (both personal and collective) and ways to provide self-care and assistance to others, how to be a help rather than a nuisance. This program will present a holistic model of care. Participants will learn supportive theory and research for this topic from related fields and traditions.

Related Lecture: Living in the Fire: The Wisdom of Uncertainty

Jerry M. Ruhl, Ph.D, is a psychologist, teacher, and author living in Longmont, CO. A former trustee of the C.G. Jung Society of Colorado, he more recently served for six years as Executive Director of The Jung Center in Houston. He lectures nationally and maintains a private therapy practice in both Boulder, CO, and Houston, TX. He is the co-author with Robert A. Johnson of three books: Living Your Unlived Life; Contentment: A Way to True Happiness; and Balancing Heaven and Earth.  Currently he practices tele-psychology exclusively and can see people via Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime.  He can be reached by email at [email protected] or at his website jerryruhl.com