Journeys Magazine 2011

SPRING 2011

INSIDE: FAMILY SUPPORT 14 Offering programs for loved ones GIVING HOPE 17 A writer shares her story

news

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A L O N G T H E WAY

message

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F RO M T H E P R E S I D E N T

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YEAR AGO WHEN I WROTE MY LETTER FOR THE SPRING issue of Journeys, the leadership of Skyland Trail was in the early stages of developing a new five-year strategic plan. It’s exciting to think how far we have come since then, as the plan has been officially adopted by the Board of Directors.

The plan is a bold extension of Skyland Trail’s reach. We will begin offering one of our core competencies, psychiatric assessment services, beyond our own client base to fill an unmet need for individuals and professionals in the community.

Other new initiatives include an expansion of our mental health-physical health integration to encompass a holistic wellness emphasis; an intensified young adult treatment focus, as they become a larger part of our client base; national outreach to serve clients beyond our traditional footprint in the Southeast, and to share our outcomes research data for the benefit of the mental health field.

Meanwhile, we are seeing the impact of an initiative started last year, which is featured in this issue: the expansion of our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Recovery Community. This reflects a sharp increase in clients we are serving who need this specialized therapy—approximately one out of every four admissions in 2010. Our team has prepared by receiving intensive training, learning evidence-based treatment methods that show superior results. Our clients in this program are less likely to drop out of therapy and less likely to need hospitalization.

Another interesting article in this issue focuses on the importance of family involvement in a client’s treatment progress. Family support systems have long been embedded in the Skyland Trail culture, and we continue to enhance this vital element of the recovery journey.

As always, we appreciate your friendship to Skyland Trail and your interest and support of our work.

ELIZABETH E. FINNERTY, M.B.A., M.H.A. PRESIDENT/CEO 1

J JOOUURRNNEEYYSS MMAAGGAAZZI N I NEE

LEADERSHIP Board Members Mark C. West, Chairman Richard C. Parker, Chairman Executive Committee Michael Tompkins, Treasurer Marjorie Wynne, Secretary Dick Bryant The Very Rev. Sam Candler Cecil Conlee William H. Fox, Ph.D. David Flint J. Rex Fuqua John C. Gordon Dana Halberg Thomas D. Hills Jim Howard, Jr. Clay Jackson Amy Rollins Kreisler Liz Lazarus J. Bart Miller Jay Mitchell Jackie Montag Charlotte Pierce-Baker, Ph.D. Michelle Sullivan Bob Walker Brooke Weinmann

SPRING 2011

NEWS

G R AY S O N C R E N S H A W : 6 Inline and On Track: How DBT Gave One Teen the Skills to Navigate Life MARSHA LINEHAN, PH.D.

Leigh Pollard, Associates President Sarah Goodman, Associates Past President Elizabeth E. Finnerty SPresident/CEO KYLAND TRAIL

11

Interview with the Creator of DBT

Emeritus Directors Vivian DuBose, Chair Dorothy C. Fuqua Betty Ann Inman Beth Jones David C. Lowance, M.D. Edward E. Noble Charles B. West Allison F. Williams Blanton C. Winship Advisory Board Members Betts Love, Chair Betsy Akers Ron Bachman Dale Belles Susan Boyd Nancy Bryant Stan Conway Ron Day Claudia de Mayo Gwynie Dennard Sally Dorsey Ceree Eberly Rick Elliott Cindy Ferguson Carol Gellerstedt Betsy Glenn Nancy Glenn Christopher Glover Danica Griffith Richard Harris Meg Heyer Hilton Howell, Jr. Billy Huger Jocelyn Hunter Don Inman Judith James, M.D. Stan Jones Ann Lally Kelly Loeffler Robin Loudermilk Melissa Lowe Cynthia Moreland Jeff Muir Colleen Nunn Patricia Reid Marcia Robinson John Rooker Jeremy Wing Robby Wynne John B. Zellars, Jr.

2

MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR

12

Doughnuts and the Beach: The Importance of DBT

6 Mark C. West Chairman of the Board Elizabeth E. Finnerty, M.B.A., M.H.A. President/CEO Skyland Trail, developed and supported by the George West Mental Health Foundation, offers hope to adults with mental illness by teaching them the skills they need to truly change their lives. Programs are offered on three campus-like settings led by a team of professionals who are specialists in their fields.

Conni Lombardo Executive Editor Susan Lindsey Writer/Editor

F A M I LY S U P P O R T AT S K Y L A N D T R A I L : 14 Resources for Clients and their Loved Ones

SKYLAND TRAIL GAVE ME HOPE: 17 Melody Moezzi Shares Her Story

EVENTS

18

Benefits of Laughter, Patron Party, Associates Luncheon and Dorothy C. Fuqua Center Dedication

Kerstin Weis Designer Skyland Trail JOURNEYS is a publication of Skyland Trail, a project of the George West Mental Health Foundation. Single copies can be requested at (678) 686-5912.

Postmaster: Send address changes to SKYLAND TRAIL, 1961 North Druid Hills Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329.

On the Cover: Grayson Crenshaw, Skyland Trail alumnus. Photography by Billy Howard.

GIVING TO SKYLAND TRAIL

20

Endowments and Planned Giving

news

|

A L O N G T H E WAY

message

|

F RO M T H E P R E S I D E N T

A

YEAR AGO WHEN I WROTE MY LETTER FOR THE SPRING issue of Journeys, the leadership of Skyland Trail was in the early stages of developing a new five-year strategic plan. It’s exciting to think how far we have come since then, as the plan has been officially adopted by the Board of Directors.

The plan is a bold extension of Skyland Trail’s reach. We will begin offering one of our core competencies, psychiatric assessment services, beyond our own client base to fill an unmet need for individuals and professionals in the community.

Other new initiatives include an expansion of our mental health-physical health integration to encompass a holistic wellness emphasis; an intensified young adult treatment focus, as they become a larger part of our client base; national outreach to serve clients beyond our traditional footprint in the Southeast, and to share our outcomes research data for the benefit of the mental health field.

Meanwhile, we are seeing the impact of an initiative started last year, which is featured in this issue: the expansion of our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Recovery Community. This reflects a sharp increase in clients we are serving who need this specialized therapy—approximately one out of every four admissions in 2010. Our team has prepared by receiving intensive training, learning evidence-based treatment methods that show superior results. Our clients in this program are less likely to drop out of therapy and less likely to need hospitalization.

Another interesting article in this issue focuses on the importance of family involvement in a client’s treatment progress. Family support systems have long been embedded in the Skyland Trail culture, and we continue to enhance this vital element of the recovery journey.

As always, we appreciate your friendship to Skyland Trail and your interest and support of our work.

ELIZABETH E. FINNERTY, M.B.A., M.H.A. PRESIDENT/CEO 1

J JOOUURRNNEEYYSS MMAAGGAAZZI N I NEE

LEADERSHIP Board Members Mark C. West, Chairman Richard C. Parker, Chairman Executive Committee Michael Tompkins, Treasurer Marjorie Wynne, Secretary Dick Bryant The Very Rev. Sam Candler Cecil Conlee William H. Fox, Ph.D. David Flint J. Rex Fuqua John C. Gordon Dana Halberg Thomas D. Hills Jim Howard, Jr. Clay Jackson Amy Rollins Kreisler Liz Lazarus J. Bart Miller Jay Mitchell Jackie Montag Charlotte Pierce-Baker, Ph.D. Michelle Sullivan Bob Walker Brooke Weinmann

SPRING 2011

NEWS

G R AY S O N C R E N S H A W : 6 Inline and On Track: How DBT Gave One Teen the Skills to Navigate Life MARSHA LINEHAN, PH.D.

Leigh Pollard, Associates President Sarah Goodman, Associates Past President Elizabeth E. Finnerty SPresident/CEO KYLAND TRAIL

11

Interview with the Creator of DBT

Emeritus Directors Vivian DuBose, Chair Dorothy C. Fuqua Betty Ann Inman Beth Jones David C. Lowance, M.D. Edward E. Noble Charles B. West Allison F. Williams Blanton C. Winship Advisory Board Members Betts Love, Chair Betsy Akers Ron Bachman Dale Belles Susan Boyd Nancy Bryant Stan Conway Ron Day Claudia de Mayo Gwynie Dennard Sally Dorsey Ceree Eberly Rick Elliott Cindy Ferguson Carol Gellerstedt Betsy Glenn Nancy Glenn Christopher Glover Danica Griffith Richard Harris Meg Heyer Hilton Howell, Jr. Billy Huger Jocelyn Hunter Don Inman Judith James, M.D. Stan Jones Ann Lally Kelly Loeffler Robin Loudermilk Melissa Lowe Cynthia Moreland Jeff Muir Colleen Nunn Patricia Reid Marcia Robinson John Rooker Jeremy Wing Robby Wynne John B. Zellars, Jr.

2

MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR

12

Doughnuts and the Beach: The Importance of DBT

6 Mark C. West Chairman of the Board Elizabeth E. Finnerty, M.B.A., M.H.A. President/CEO Skyland Trail, developed and supported by the George West Mental Health Foundation, offers hope to adults with mental illness by teaching them the skills they need to truly change their lives. Programs are offered on three campus-like settings led by a team of professionals who are specialists in their fields.

Conni Lombardo Executive Editor Susan Lindsey Writer/Editor

F A M I LY S U P P O R T AT S K Y L A N D T R A I L : 14 Resources for Clients and their Loved Ones

SKYLAND TRAIL GAVE ME HOPE: 17 Melody Moezzi Shares Her Story

EVENTS

18

Benefits of Laughter, Patron Party, Associates Luncheon and Dorothy C. Fuqua Center Dedication

Kerstin Weis Designer Skyland Trail JOURNEYS is a publication of Skyland Trail, a project of the George West Mental Health Foundation. Single copies can be requested at (678) 686-5912.

Postmaster: Send address changes to SKYLAND TRAIL, 1961 North Druid Hills Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329.

On the Cover: Grayson Crenshaw, Skyland Trail alumnus. Photography by Billy Howard.

GIVING TO SKYLAND TRAIL

20

Endowments and Planned Giving

news

|

A L O N G T H E WAY

Lecture Series Announced to Honor Mrs. Dorothy C. Fuqua

S

urrounded by friends at the Spring Associates Luncheon and Fashion Show, Mrs. Dorothy C. Fuqua was surprised with a birthday gift from her son and daughter-in-law, Rex and Duvall Fuqua, and longtime Skyland Trail supporters Edwina and Tom Johnson. To mark the milestone of Mrs. Fuqua’s 90th birthday, an annual lecture series has been created in her name.

The Dorothy C. Fuqua Lecture Series honors Mrs. Fuqua’s longtime support and dedication to Skyland Trail, as well as her commitment to recovery for those with mental illness.

The Lecture Series will allow Skyland Trail to bring the highest-level speakers to our campus from across disciplines, whether from the academic world, from writing and reporting, entertainment, athletics or politics.

This lecture series will encourage our friends, supTom Johnson, Mrs. Dorothy C. Fuqua, Rex Fuqua porters and the community to join us to raise awareness of mental health issues. Stay tuned to Skyland Trail News for a forthcoming announcement about our first lecture, tentatively scheduled for Fall 2011.

Board of Directors Endorses Strategic Plan and New Mission/Vision

THE JOINT COMMISSION AC C R E D I TAT I O N

S

kyland Trail has once again garnered high acclaim from The Joint Commission, the leader in developing the highest standards for quality and safety in the delivery of health care, and evaluating organization performance based on these standards.

The Joint Commission’s strong praise for Skyland Trail programs and staff has been rightfully earned.

The staff work hard to ensure the highest quality of care for our clients and their families. We are proud to be awarded the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission.

Validating Real-World Functional Outcomes

N

ew research from Skyland Trail that studies the reporting of functional outcomes of adults with mental illness will be presented in an upcoming issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Since 2008, Skyland Trail's clinical team has been participating in the VALERO Study, an innovative research initiative aimed at developing assessments to quantify and VALidate the Everyday, Real-world Outcomes of people with serious mental illness. Skyland Trail was one of just a handful of sites selected nationally for the VALERO Study, which is sponsored by the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) in conjunction with University of Miami’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Philip A. Harvey, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Director of the Division of

2

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

Psychology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is leading the research which aims to find the best way to determine how to measure the real-world functionality of a person with schizophrenia. For the study, adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were asked to provide a self-report about their everyday living skills, social skills and cognitive function. Their answers were then compared with the responses of friends, family and, in Skyland Trail’s case, a client’s counselor.

The research indicated that counselors at Skyland Trail had a better impression that broadly considers all aspects of a client’s functioning, than a client’s friend or relative. Counselors are also able to report real-world functioning at a more accurate level. Other participating study sites include the Atlanta VA Medical Center and the

S

kyland Trail’s Board of Directors has approved the most ambitious Strategic Plan yet, laying the groundwork for major initiatives starting this year. We’ve updated our mission and vision statements to reflect our direction and expanded reach. The planning team, which consisted of board members, community leaders and staff, worked diligently over the past year to create a framework that will allow us steady growth and expansion, but still maintain the strong community focus that has made Skyland Trail a recognizable force for mental health treatment.

Our new plan will include these features: • Wellness Focus: Skyland Trail has been a national leader in the integration of physical health care with mental health treatment. Our next advance will be to expand service capabilities and deliver a holistic wellness capability to the broader Atlanta mental health community.

• Enhanced Young Adult Programs: While all adults will continue to be served, we will utilize our expertise in the treatment of young adults to have greater impact with this segment of the population.

• Expanded Assessment Services:

in laying forth our goals, and with each new plan, we have successfully achieved our objectives—always with our vision and mission as our defining guide.

Vision: Skyland Trail will lead innovative psychiatric treatment in America.

Mission: Skyland Trail inspires people with mental illness to thrive through a holistic program of evidence-based psychiatric treatment, integrated medical care, research and education.

Skyland Trail’s skill in assessing and diagnosing mental illness is a powerful asset that can benefit many individuals beyond our own clients. We intend to provide broader access to this special area of strength.

• National Magnet: We intend to build on Skyland Trail’s reputation for successful outcomes to draw clients nationwide and also to strengthen our influence on best practices in mental health treatment progress through education symposia, collaborations, publications and peer forums.

This is Skyland Trail’s fourth strategic plan in the organization’s 22 year history. We have always been bold

Values: We value: • A compassionate and energetic community that promotes recovery • Individualized treatment focused on results-driven care • Respect for the privacy and dignity of our clients, their families and our employees • Family and support system involvement • A professionally invigorating workplace • Collaboration with other stakeholders in our community • Accessibility to our services through the reduction of financial barriers and full engagement in the treatment process

Skyland Trail welcomes gifts of stock and appreciated securities. These contributions provide tax advantages related to capital gains as well as charitable deducSkyland Trail Main Campus

University of California San Diego Outpatient Psychiatric Services clinic.

The next step of the VALERO study is to examine the usefulness of having different people report on real world functioning of an individual with schizophrenia.

SKYLAND TRAIL

tions. Please contact Senior Development Officer John Turman at 678-686-5948 or jturman@skylandtrail.org for more information about how your gift of stock can help Skyland Trail.

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

SPRING 2011

3

news

|

A L O N G T H E WAY

Lecture Series Announced to Honor Mrs. Dorothy C. Fuqua

S

urrounded by friends at the Spring Associates Luncheon and Fashion Show, Mrs. Dorothy C. Fuqua was surprised with a birthday gift from her son and daughter-in-law, Rex and Duvall Fuqua, and longtime Skyland Trail supporters Edwina and Tom Johnson. To mark the milestone of Mrs. Fuqua’s 90th birthday, an annual lecture series has been created in her name.

The Dorothy C. Fuqua Lecture Series honors Mrs. Fuqua’s longtime support and dedication to Skyland Trail, as well as her commitment to recovery for those with mental illness.

The Lecture Series will allow Skyland Trail to bring the highest-level speakers to our campus from across disciplines, whether from the academic world, from writing and reporting, entertainment, athletics or politics.

This lecture series will encourage our friends, supTom Johnson, Mrs. Dorothy C. Fuqua, Rex Fuqua porters and the community to join us to raise awareness of mental health issues. Stay tuned to Skyland Trail News for a forthcoming announcement about our first lecture, tentatively scheduled for Fall 2011.

Board of Directors Endorses Strategic Plan and New Mission/Vision

THE JOINT COMMISSION AC C R E D I TAT I O N

S

kyland Trail has once again garnered high acclaim from The Joint Commission, the leader in developing the highest standards for quality and safety in the delivery of health care, and evaluating organization performance based on these standards.

The Joint Commission’s strong praise for Skyland Trail programs and staff has been rightfully earned.

The staff work hard to ensure the highest quality of care for our clients and their families. We are proud to be awarded the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission.

Validating Real-World Functional Outcomes

N

ew research from Skyland Trail that studies the reporting of functional outcomes of adults with mental illness will be presented in an upcoming issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Since 2008, Skyland Trail's clinical team has been participating in the VALERO Study, an innovative research initiative aimed at developing assessments to quantify and VALidate the Everyday, Real-world Outcomes of people with serious mental illness. Skyland Trail was one of just a handful of sites selected nationally for the VALERO Study, which is sponsored by the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) in conjunction with University of Miami’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Philip A. Harvey, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Director of the Division of

2

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

Psychology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is leading the research which aims to find the best way to determine how to measure the real-world functionality of a person with schizophrenia. For the study, adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were asked to provide a self-report about their everyday living skills, social skills and cognitive function. Their answers were then compared with the responses of friends, family and, in Skyland Trail’s case, a client’s counselor.

The research indicated that counselors at Skyland Trail had a better impression that broadly considers all aspects of a client’s functioning, than a client’s friend or relative. Counselors are also able to report real-world functioning at a more accurate level. Other participating study sites include the Atlanta VA Medical Center and the

S

kyland Trail’s Board of Directors has approved the most ambitious Strategic Plan yet, laying the groundwork for major initiatives starting this year. We’ve updated our mission and vision statements to reflect our direction and expanded reach. The planning team, which consisted of board members, community leaders and staff, worked diligently over the past year to create a framework that will allow us steady growth and expansion, but still maintain the strong community focus that has made Skyland Trail a recognizable force for mental health treatment.

Our new plan will include these features: • Wellness Focus: Skyland Trail has been a national leader in the integration of physical health care with mental health treatment. Our next advance will be to expand service capabilities and deliver a holistic wellness capability to the broader Atlanta mental health community.

• Enhanced Young Adult Programs: While all adults will continue to be served, we will utilize our expertise in the treatment of young adults to have greater impact with this segment of the population.

• Expanded Assessment Services:

in laying forth our goals, and with each new plan, we have successfully achieved our objectives—always with our vision and mission as our defining guide.

Vision: Skyland Trail will lead innovative psychiatric treatment in America.

Mission: Skyland Trail inspires people with mental illness to thrive through a holistic program of evidence-based psychiatric treatment, integrated medical care, research and education.

Skyland Trail’s skill in assessing and diagnosing mental illness is a powerful asset that can benefit many individuals beyond our own clients. We intend to provide broader access to this special area of strength.

• National Magnet: We intend to build on Skyland Trail’s reputation for successful outcomes to draw clients nationwide and also to strengthen our influence on best practices in mental health treatment progress through education symposia, collaborations, publications and peer forums.

This is Skyland Trail’s fourth strategic plan in the organization’s 22 year history. We have always been bold

Values: We value: • A compassionate and energetic community that promotes recovery • Individualized treatment focused on results-driven care • Respect for the privacy and dignity of our clients, their families and our employees • Family and support system involvement • A professionally invigorating workplace • Collaboration with other stakeholders in our community • Accessibility to our services through the reduction of financial barriers and full engagement in the treatment process

Skyland Trail welcomes gifts of stock and appreciated securities. These contributions provide tax advantages related to capital gains as well as charitable deducSkyland Trail Main Campus

University of California San Diego Outpatient Psychiatric Services clinic.

The next step of the VALERO study is to examine the usefulness of having different people report on real world functioning of an individual with schizophrenia.

SKYLAND TRAIL

tions. Please contact Senior Development Officer John Turman at 678-686-5948 or jturman@skylandtrail.org for more information about how your gift of stock can help Skyland Trail.

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

SPRING 2011

3

news

|

A L O N G T H E WAY

Skyland Trail Clients Bloom at Southeastern Flower Show

Mary Burns, MD Joins Skyland Trail

S

S

kyland Trail clients showed off their green thumbs as big honorees at the 25th Annual Southeastern Flower Show, held February 25-27th. For the 13th year, clients were assisted by dedicated volunteer Virginia Almand, who supports horticultural therapy with her time, talent and passion for gardening.

This year, every bulb entered by a Skyland Trail client in the flower show won a ribbon—including three first-place ribbons and four second-place ribbons.

The bulbs were grown and nurtured by clients in the Social

Integration group, led by horticultural intern Lisa Dyer.

Clients in the Horticultural Therapy Program held a “Fairy Gardening Workshop,” demonstrating with Flower Show attendees how to build miniature fairy homes from natural elements like bark, seashells and cotton. The homes and garFairy Garden created and photographed by Client Rachel O. dens were made inside a tambourine, compliSusan Churchill and Horticultural menting this year’s show Therapist Libba Shortridge shared their theme “In Tune with experiences during their presentation Blooms.”

“Fairy Gardening: In Tune with Creative Arts Volunteer Nature.”

New Board of Directors and Advisory Board Members for 2011

S

kyland Trail is pleased to announce new members of the George West Mental Health Foundation Board of Directors. New Jay Mitchell Charlotte Bob Walker members elected to Pierce-Baker, Ph.D. the board for terms beginning in 2011 are Jay D. Mitchell, Executive Vice President and General Counsel Piedmont Healthcare Inc.; Charlotte Pierce-Baker, Ph.D, an author, activist and Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and English at Vanderbilt University; and Bob Walker, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Cross-Platform Development for The Weather Channel.

Skyland Trail also announced new Advisory Board members for terms that began in January 2011. New members include Ceree Eberly, Cindy Ferguson, Carol Gellerstedt, Christopher Glover, Danica Griffith, Ann Lally and Kelly Loeffler. Leigh Pollard will also serve as an Advisory Board member in her role as president of the Skyland Trail Associates.

4

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

Skyland Trail hosts ABPN Exams

S

kyland Trail was honored to host The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology annual oral examinations in April. During this time, 96 candidates for board certification came to the main campus to interview clients while being observed by an examiner. The examiners then assessed whether or not candidates met clinical expectations for certification. More than 30 clients from Skyland Trail and other community treatment centers participated in the event, which gave clinicians from around the country a chance to learn more about Skyland Trail and see the campus.

SKYLAND TRAIL

kyland Trail is thrilled to welcome Mary Burns, MD to the psychiatry team. A gifted psychiatrist with a private practice in North Atlanta, Dr. Burns has long been familiar with the work of Skyland Trail, and has supported our staff and the organization in many ways over the years. She will help us continue to provide excellent, respectful and timely care to our clients.

In addition to her work at Skyland Trail, Dr. Burns also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Emory University. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the Georgia Psychiatric Association and the Atlanta Women's Medical Alliance. Since 2000, Dr. Burns has been the governorappointed Chairwoman of the Board of Mary Burns, MD the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

She received her BA from the University of the South, her MD from Mercer University School of Medicine, was a Resident in Psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine and a Fellow in Child Psychiatry at Harvard University School of Medicine.

In her spare time, Dr. Burns volunteers with the Cathedral of St. Philip, Pace Academy and the Northside Youth Organization.

Skyland Trail 2011 Educational Events: Community Education Series August 25, 2011; 6:30 pm

Teasing, Bullying and Bystander Strategies—What Everyone Needs to Know Presented by: Jeff Dess, MA, PCCG4, CAC, BCSCR, Prevention Intervention Specialist/Consultant for the Cobb County School System, Marietta, GA

Lunch & Learn Series June 10, 2011; 11:30 am

Epidemiology of Addiction and the Molecular Mechanisms of Addiction Co-Sponsored by the Hanley Center Presented by: Karen Dodge, PhD, Director of Research, Hanley Center, West Palm Beach, FL July 29, 2011; 11:30 am

Skyland Trail Goes Tobacco Free

S

kyland Trail has taken our dedication to healthy living one step farther by becoming tobacco free on all of our campuses. A recent survey found that people with mental illness smoke 45 percent of all cigarettes in the United States, and cigarette smoking is a client’s single most deadly health habit. We hope to counter these alarming statistics with our tobacco ban—which means that clients, employees, and visitors will not be allowed to use any tobacco products on our campuses.

“Our goal with this ban is to protect and promote the health of our clients, their families and our staff members,” says Associate Medical Director Eric Chavez, MD. “We’re working hard each day to educate, encourage and develop new coping skills with our clients and staff who currently use tobacco products.”

Since November 2010, Skyland Trail has offered clients a daily Smoking Cessation Group. Our psychiatrists work with clients to find the nicotine replacement therapies that are right for them. w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

Employing States of Consciousness and Brain Frequencies for Emotional Healing, Stress Reduction and Change: An Experiential Workshop Presented by: Beverly Matthews, MS, LPC, Shiloah Center for Experiential Psychotherapy, Atlanta, GA November 4, 2011; 11:30 am

Eating Disorders and Co-Occurring Conditions Presented by: Kevin Wandler, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating Disorders, Wickenburg, AZ Please note that registration information and detailed program information can be found at www.skylandtrail.org.

SPRING 2011

5

news

|

A L O N G T H E WAY

Skyland Trail Clients Bloom at Southeastern Flower Show

Mary Burns, MD Joins Skyland Trail

S

S

kyland Trail clients showed off their green thumbs as big honorees at the 25th Annual Southeastern Flower Show, held February 25-27th. For the 13th year, clients were assisted by dedicated volunteer Virginia Almand, who supports horticultural therapy with her time, talent and passion for gardening.

This year, every bulb entered by a Skyland Trail client in the flower show won a ribbon—including three first-place ribbons and four second-place ribbons.

The bulbs were grown and nurtured by clients in the Social

Integration group, led by horticultural intern Lisa Dyer.

Clients in the Horticultural Therapy Program held a “Fairy Gardening Workshop,” demonstrating with Flower Show attendees how to build miniature fairy homes from natural elements like bark, seashells and cotton. The homes and garFairy Garden created and photographed by Client Rachel O. dens were made inside a tambourine, compliSusan Churchill and Horticultural menting this year’s show Therapist Libba Shortridge shared their theme “In Tune with experiences during their presentation Blooms.”

“Fairy Gardening: In Tune with Creative Arts Volunteer Nature.”

New Board of Directors and Advisory Board Members for 2011

S

kyland Trail is pleased to announce new members of the George West Mental Health Foundation Board of Directors. New Jay Mitchell Charlotte Bob Walker members elected to Pierce-Baker, Ph.D. the board for terms beginning in 2011 are Jay D. Mitchell, Executive Vice President and General Counsel Piedmont Healthcare Inc.; Charlotte Pierce-Baker, Ph.D, an author, activist and Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and English at Vanderbilt University; and Bob Walker, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Cross-Platform Development for The Weather Channel.

Skyland Trail also announced new Advisory Board members for terms that began in January 2011. New members include Ceree Eberly, Cindy Ferguson, Carol Gellerstedt, Christopher Glover, Danica Griffith, Ann Lally and Kelly Loeffler. Leigh Pollard will also serve as an Advisory Board member in her role as president of the Skyland Trail Associates.

4

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

Skyland Trail hosts ABPN Exams

S

kyland Trail was honored to host The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology annual oral examinations in April. During this time, 96 candidates for board certification came to the main campus to interview clients while being observed by an examiner. The examiners then assessed whether or not candidates met clinical expectations for certification. More than 30 clients from Skyland Trail and other community treatment centers participated in the event, which gave clinicians from around the country a chance to learn more about Skyland Trail and see the campus.

SKYLAND TRAIL

kyland Trail is thrilled to welcome Mary Burns, MD to the psychiatry team. A gifted psychiatrist with a private practice in North Atlanta, Dr. Burns has long been familiar with the work of Skyland Trail, and has supported our staff and the organization in many ways over the years. She will help us continue to provide excellent, respectful and timely care to our clients.

In addition to her work at Skyland Trail, Dr. Burns also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Emory University. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the Georgia Psychiatric Association and the Atlanta Women's Medical Alliance. Since 2000, Dr. Burns has been the governorappointed Chairwoman of the Board of Mary Burns, MD the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

She received her BA from the University of the South, her MD from Mercer University School of Medicine, was a Resident in Psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine and a Fellow in Child Psychiatry at Harvard University School of Medicine.

In her spare time, Dr. Burns volunteers with the Cathedral of St. Philip, Pace Academy and the Northside Youth Organization.

Skyland Trail 2011 Educational Events: Community Education Series August 25, 2011; 6:30 pm

Teasing, Bullying and Bystander Strategies—What Everyone Needs to Know Presented by: Jeff Dess, MA, PCCG4, CAC, BCSCR, Prevention Intervention Specialist/Consultant for the Cobb County School System, Marietta, GA

Lunch & Learn Series June 10, 2011; 11:30 am

Epidemiology of Addiction and the Molecular Mechanisms of Addiction Co-Sponsored by the Hanley Center Presented by: Karen Dodge, PhD, Director of Research, Hanley Center, West Palm Beach, FL July 29, 2011; 11:30 am

Skyland Trail Goes Tobacco Free

S

kyland Trail has taken our dedication to healthy living one step farther by becoming tobacco free on all of our campuses. A recent survey found that people with mental illness smoke 45 percent of all cigarettes in the United States, and cigarette smoking is a client’s single most deadly health habit. We hope to counter these alarming statistics with our tobacco ban—which means that clients, employees, and visitors will not be allowed to use any tobacco products on our campuses.

“Our goal with this ban is to protect and promote the health of our clients, their families and our staff members,” says Associate Medical Director Eric Chavez, MD. “We’re working hard each day to educate, encourage and develop new coping skills with our clients and staff who currently use tobacco products.”

Since November 2010, Skyland Trail has offered clients a daily Smoking Cessation Group. Our psychiatrists work with clients to find the nicotine replacement therapies that are right for them. w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

Employing States of Consciousness and Brain Frequencies for Emotional Healing, Stress Reduction and Change: An Experiential Workshop Presented by: Beverly Matthews, MS, LPC, Shiloah Center for Experiential Psychotherapy, Atlanta, GA November 4, 2011; 11:30 am

Eating Disorders and Co-Occurring Conditions Presented by: Kevin Wandler, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating Disorders, Wickenburg, AZ Please note that registration information and detailed program information can be found at www.skylandtrail.org.

SPRING 2011

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How DBT Gave One Teen the Skills to Navigate Life

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n most ways, 19-year-old expelled and then spent the next Grayson Crenshaw is a typical year and a half in and out of psyteenager—he spends his free chiatric hospitals. time inline skating, going to His mother, Annette Crenshaw, the movies or testing his cooking says doctors eventually found medskills at home in his mother’s ication that worked for Grayson, kitchen in Woodstock, Ga. but that he was still experiencing “The best thing I cook is shrimp rapid cycling between his highs and linguini,” he says. “That’s my ‘sucker lows and acting on irrational punch’ to the girls.” impulses.

But Grayson’s journey through Shortly before Christmas 2009, his teen years was anything but typiGrayson experienced a major cal, as he fought to control the manic episode and his family realsymptoms of his bipolar disorder— ized he needed more intensive help an illness he has had most of his life. to control his aggression. Grayson “I was struggling with a lot of came to Skyland Trail’s residential —GRAYSON CRENSHAW bipolar rages and manic depression,” treatment program in January 2010.

Grayson says, adding that he would “I needed to put myself in a act out his frustration physically, place where I could get the right becoming violent and aggressive. Grayson was sent to kind of help,” Grayson says. “When I came to Skyland, an alterative school because of his behavior problems I fell in love with the people and made truly great when he was 12. Three years later, at 15, he was friends.”

Continued on page 8

I needed to put myself in a place where I could get the right kind of help. When I came to Skyland, I fell in love with the people and made truly great friends.

B Y S USAN L INDSEY • P HOTOGRAPHY BY B ILLY H OW ARD

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

SPRING 2011

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How DBT Gave One Teen the Skills to Navigate Life

I

n most ways, 19-year-old expelled and then spent the next Grayson Crenshaw is a typical year and a half in and out of psyteenager—he spends his free chiatric hospitals. time inline skating, going to His mother, Annette Crenshaw, the movies or testing his cooking says doctors eventually found medskills at home in his mother’s ication that worked for Grayson, kitchen in Woodstock, Ga. but that he was still experiencing “The best thing I cook is shrimp rapid cycling between his highs and linguini,” he says. “That’s my ‘sucker lows and acting on irrational punch’ to the girls.” impulses.

But Grayson’s journey through Shortly before Christmas 2009, his teen years was anything but typiGrayson experienced a major cal, as he fought to control the manic episode and his family realsymptoms of his bipolar disorder— ized he needed more intensive help an illness he has had most of his life. to control his aggression. Grayson “I was struggling with a lot of came to Skyland Trail’s residential —GRAYSON CRENSHAW bipolar rages and manic depression,” treatment program in January 2010.

Grayson says, adding that he would “I needed to put myself in a act out his frustration physically, place where I could get the right becoming violent and aggressive. Grayson was sent to kind of help,” Grayson says. “When I came to Skyland, an alterative school because of his behavior problems I fell in love with the people and made truly great when he was 12. Three years later, at 15, he was friends.”

Continued on page 8

I needed to put myself in a place where I could get the right kind of help. When I came to Skyland, I fell in love with the people and made truly great friends.

B Y S USAN L INDSEY • P HOTOGRAPHY BY B ILLY H OW ARD

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

SPRING 2011

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PAT H TO R E C OV E RY

Grayson entered Skyland Trail’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) track, one of five Recovery Communities which become a client’s primary treatment system. The DBT team consists of a DBT therapist, a psychiatrist, the residential program coordinator and the day treatment coordinator. The team has received intensive expert instruction on scientifically valid treatments and how to implement and evaluate these treatments at Skyland Trail.

DBT is about accepting an individual and then encouraging them to change, says Cynthia Cosson, LAPC, NCC, who was Grayson’s primary counselor during his time at Skyland Trail.

I’ve seen DBT work for so many people and it is gratifying to watch clients get better. It’s truly rewarding because I see change in people who have been in a lot of pain for a long time.

—CYNTHIA COSSON, LAPC, NCC “DBT combines the standard cognitive behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality-testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance and mindful awareness,” she says. “The dialectic approach balances acceptance and validation of the client with the need for making changes, such as developing new coping techniques and different ways to express emotions.”

Primary Counselor Cynthia Cosson, LAPC, NCC; Associate Medical Director Eric Chavez, MD; Residential Services Coordinator Natoya McMurray, MSW, LCSW; and Day Services Coordinator Lisa McDaniel, LCSW (not pictured) all completed intensive DBT training through Behavioral Tech, LLC. 8

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

Developed by researcher Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. in the 1970s, DBT was designed specifically for individuals with self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or suicidal thoughts.

Although many clients with these behaviors meet criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD), it is not unusual for individuals diagnosed with BPD to struggle with other problems—depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, eating disorders or substance abuse.

Cynthia says the DBT program is very successful at Skyland Trail, in part because counselors, psychiatrists and residential staff are all following the same evidence-based treatment programs.

“It’s important to have everyone on the same page,” Cynthia says. “A lot of people have difficulty translating the skills they learn during the day and in group sessions into different aspects of their lives, so it’s helpful that they have that extra support. The Skyland Trail residential staff receives training in DBT coaching as well. This reinforces the skills that our clients learn and helps them translate the skills in different environments. This way it’s continual and it becomes a 24/7 program.”

Annette agrees, saying she immediately noticed the benefits of Grayson being in residential care.

“The treatment was very intense and comprehensive.

Grayson could never have done it without the residential program. It kept him constantly in focus of his goal of getting better,” Annette says. “He was surrounded by excellent treatment, good food, and continual support. He could focus on himself.”

Although Grayson unsuccessfully tried DBT at another facility, he says he could see changes in himself soon after he began his treatment at Skyland Trail.

“I had done DBT before, but it was different with Cynthia and her team,” Grayson says, explaining that with the team’s help, he has learned how to tell others exactly how he was feeling.

“DBT helped me with my bipolar illness because it taught me other ways to express myself,” he says. “Before, when I was angry I’d used the same word— I was always ‘pissed’ or ‘mad.’ Now, I can express my emotions in different words and I’ve really expanded my vocabulary so other people know what I am feeling and how they can help me. Now I use ‘frustrated,’ ‘aggravated,’ or ‘upset.’”

Cynthia also taught Grayson to recognize what triggers his anger, and to learn to walk away and diffuse a situation— instead of acting aggressively and exacerbating it. Annette agrees, and says she’s proud her son can now recognize his limits, instead of acting impulsively in a situation.

“DBT is a successful therapeutic tool—teaching him the SKYLAND TRAIL

Grayson and his mom, Annette, both credit DBT for helping Grayson learn to manage bipolar disorder and bringing their family closer together.

coping skills is definitely what he needed,” Annette says. “Now when he gets in an argument, like a typical family disagreement, he will say ‘I’m going to my room’ and he’ll walk away—which is great because it means that he knows himself better. Before he’d yell and scream and we’d all be upset.”

“DBT helps you cope with anger,” Grayson adds. “I used to bottle mine up to the point there was no end in sight to the mayhem.”

Cynthia says the DBT Recovery Community at Skyland Trail has grown over the past few years, in part because of the successful outcomes of the program.

“DBT works, not only from a research-point of view and from the outcomes we see, but from my own personal experience,” she says. “I’ve seen it work for so many people and it is gratifying to watch clients get better. It’s truly rewarding because I see change in people who have been in a lot of pain for a long time.”

I see him as a different person, he’s slower to respond to things and he’s able to use coping skills and talk things out—it’s like he’s speaking a different language. It’s been a pleasant year since Skyland. There’s —ANNETTE CRENSHAW been a positive change in our family.

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

Grayson is happy to say he’s living proof that DBT works.

“DBT helped me when I thought there was no help in sight. I thought the only way out was lashing out at everyone,” he says.

In addition to his coping skills, Grayson is also quick to express other positive changes he has seen in himself.

“Now, people want to be around me more,” Grayson says. “At first I thought it was awkward and scary, but now I can be myself—I can be silly or I can be serious. People feel SPRING 2011

9

feature

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PAT H TO R E C OV E RY

Grayson entered Skyland Trail’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) track, one of five Recovery Communities which become a client’s primary treatment system. The DBT team consists of a DBT therapist, a psychiatrist, the residential program coordinator and the day treatment coordinator. The team has received intensive expert instruction on scientifically valid treatments and how to implement and evaluate these treatments at Skyland Trail.

DBT is about accepting an individual and then encouraging them to change, says Cynthia Cosson, LAPC, NCC, who was Grayson’s primary counselor during his time at Skyland Trail.

I’ve seen DBT work for so many people and it is gratifying to watch clients get better. It’s truly rewarding because I see change in people who have been in a lot of pain for a long time.

—CYNTHIA COSSON, LAPC, NCC “DBT combines the standard cognitive behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality-testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance and mindful awareness,” she says. “The dialectic approach balances acceptance and validation of the client with the need for making changes, such as developing new coping techniques and different ways to express emotions.”

Primary Counselor Cynthia Cosson, LAPC, NCC; Associate Medical Director Eric Chavez, MD; Residential Services Coordinator Natoya McMurray, MSW, LCSW; and Day Services Coordinator Lisa McDaniel, LCSW (not pictured) all completed intensive DBT training through Behavioral Tech, LLC. 8

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

Developed by researcher Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. in the 1970s, DBT was designed specifically for individuals with self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or suicidal thoughts.

Although many clients with these behaviors meet criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD), it is not unusual for individuals diagnosed with BPD to struggle with other problems—depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, eating disorders or substance abuse.

Cynthia says the DBT program is very successful at Skyland Trail, in part because counselors, psychiatrists and residential staff are all following the same evidence-based treatment programs.

“It’s important to have everyone on the same page,” Cynthia says. “A lot of people have difficulty translating the skills they learn during the day and in group sessions into different aspects of their lives, so it’s helpful that they have that extra support. The Skyland Trail residential staff receives training in DBT coaching as well. This reinforces the skills that our clients learn and helps them translate the skills in different environments. This way it’s continual and it becomes a 24/7 program.”

Annette agrees, saying she immediately noticed the benefits of Grayson being in residential care.

“The treatment was very intense and comprehensive.

Grayson could never have done it without the residential program. It kept him constantly in focus of his goal of getting better,” Annette says. “He was surrounded by excellent treatment, good food, and continual support. He could focus on himself.”

Although Grayson unsuccessfully tried DBT at another facility, he says he could see changes in himself soon after he began his treatment at Skyland Trail.

“I had done DBT before, but it was different with Cynthia and her team,” Grayson says, explaining that with the team’s help, he has learned how to tell others exactly how he was feeling.

“DBT helped me with my bipolar illness because it taught me other ways to express myself,” he says. “Before, when I was angry I’d used the same word— I was always ‘pissed’ or ‘mad.’ Now, I can express my emotions in different words and I’ve really expanded my vocabulary so other people know what I am feeling and how they can help me. Now I use ‘frustrated,’ ‘aggravated,’ or ‘upset.’”

Cynthia also taught Grayson to recognize what triggers his anger, and to learn to walk away and diffuse a situation— instead of acting aggressively and exacerbating it. Annette agrees, and says she’s proud her son can now recognize his limits, instead of acting impulsively in a situation.

“DBT is a successful therapeutic tool—teaching him the SKYLAND TRAIL

Grayson and his mom, Annette, both credit DBT for helping Grayson learn to manage bipolar disorder and bringing their family closer together.

coping skills is definitely what he needed,” Annette says. “Now when he gets in an argument, like a typical family disagreement, he will say ‘I’m going to my room’ and he’ll walk away—which is great because it means that he knows himself better. Before he’d yell and scream and we’d all be upset.”

“DBT helps you cope with anger,” Grayson adds. “I used to bottle mine up to the point there was no end in sight to the mayhem.”

Cynthia says the DBT Recovery Community at Skyland Trail has grown over the past few years, in part because of the successful outcomes of the program.

“DBT works, not only from a research-point of view and from the outcomes we see, but from my own personal experience,” she says. “I’ve seen it work for so many people and it is gratifying to watch clients get better. It’s truly rewarding because I see change in people who have been in a lot of pain for a long time.”

I see him as a different person, he’s slower to respond to things and he’s able to use coping skills and talk things out—it’s like he’s speaking a different language. It’s been a pleasant year since Skyland. There’s —ANNETTE CRENSHAW been a positive change in our family.

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

Grayson is happy to say he’s living proof that DBT works.

“DBT helped me when I thought there was no help in sight. I thought the only way out was lashing out at everyone,” he says.

In addition to his coping skills, Grayson is also quick to express other positive changes he has seen in himself.

“Now, people want to be around me more,” Grayson says. “At first I thought it was awkward and scary, but now I can be myself—I can be silly or I can be serious. People feel SPRING 2011

9

feature

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PAT H TO R E C OV E RY

An INTERVIEW with DBT CREATOR MARSHA LINEHAN Ph.D.

D

ialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatment developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., ABPP over the past 25 years. Dr. Linehan is a Professor of Psychology, an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., ABPP University of Washington and Director of the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics, a consortium of research projects which develops new treatments and evaluates their efficacy for severely disordered and multi-diagnostic populations. Dr. Linehan spoke with us about her work.

Primary Counselor Cynthia Cosson catches up with Grayson on the Skyland Trail campus.

like they can come to me and talk now. It’s good to be able to help my friends.”

Annette is proud of her son, and sees him finally getting a grasp on an illness that had hold of him for so long.

“I see him as a different person, he’s slower to respond to things and he’s able to use coping skills and talk things out—it’s like he’s speaking a different language,” she says.

“It’s been a pleasant year since Skyland. There’s been a positive change in our family.”

Grayson, too, is excited about the new family dynamic.

“My mom and dad—I don’t know what I’d do without them. My older sister is my backbone, and my younger sister is my best friend,” he says. “Now we’re doing well. We’re planning to go skiing and to Braves games…I look forward to hanging out with my family.”

Grayson still uses his DBT skills on a daily basis—he says the workbook sits open in his room.

“Me and my mom, if we have a rough week, we’ll go back and look through the book,” he says.

Annette also sees Grayson using other skills he picked up during his time at Skyland Trail.

10

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

My mom and dad—I don’t know what I’d do without them. Now we’re doing well. We’re planning to go skiing and to Braves games...I look forward to hanging out with my family.

—GRAYSON CRENSHAW

“Sometimes they’d make collages. He’ll still do that if he gets stressed out, and I’ll see him with a magazine cutting things out,” she says. “What they did at Skyland Trail—it worked. Grayson was able to be in a place where everyone is in a similar situation and that gave him the ability to see where he was coming from and where he was going.”

And for Grayson, where he’s going is much better than where he’s been.

“DBT put a lot more life in me,” he says. “I’d recommend it to anyone. It is the best thing anyone can do if they are serious about recovery.”

SKYLAND TRAIL

Q: How did you develop the concept of DBT? A: To develop the DBT concept, I went through hundreds of treatment manuals to study effective treatment. I found the skills that have evidence that they work. DBT combines acceptance and change. It’s common now, but wasn’t when I started. There is a dialectic tension between accepting reality and changing reality, and you really need to have both of those to go forward.

Pure acceptance and support are not terribly therapeutic for many disorders and a straight focus on change is not effective; you really have to accept things before you can change them. This is a balance of validation and acceptance of change.

Q: You’ve taken a group of clients with a reputation for being somewhat treatment-resistant and created a therapeutic approach that’s non-judgmental.

Philosophically, that is very much in-line with our holistic approach at Skyland Trail. Why do you think it’s important to avoid judgment in therapy?

A: It’s hard to like someone you’re judging and hard to treat someone you don’t like. When you judge people, it does nothing to change things—you can only change things by figuring out the causes of them. Judging doesn’t figure out the cause, but instead it blames people—and blaming rarely gets you anywhere. So getting therapists to stop being judgmental is the big-ticket item for us. w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

Q: At Skyland Trail, we have a team of four clinicians who are intensively-trained in DBT.* Why is it important that clients seek out counselors who receive this intensive training?

A: If you have a treatment that’s been shown to be effective, then to do it you have to be trained—there is no good reason to believe someone can do this if they aren’t properly trained. If you’re not doing it by the book, then it’s no longer evidence-based treatment.

What has been happening is that therapists are going to workshops with no supervision, and then say they’re trained. Then people [clients] come to them for DBT, and it doesn’t work and they believe it’s their last ditch effort.

Then they [the clients] say it doesn’t work and they are hopeless and in despair.

This is why we want people to get intensive training from professionals who know the treatment. Otherwise, people are calling it DBT, but not providing it—we know this is happening all over the country and it’s very disappointing.

Q: Your work has helped countless individuals learn the coping skills necessary to help change their lives. It must be so rewarding to see how effective DBT can be.

A: It’s very rewarding; I get letters from people around the world who have learned these skills. It’s very meaningful when I hear I’ve helped someone. It’s also important to be able to provide treatment for a group of people who no one thought they could treat, people who are experiencing unbelievable pain and suffering.

But the fact that we’ve done good doesn’t mean we can’t do better. Now, we’re continuing our research and trying to identify what the most important parts of DBT treatment are. *Skyland Trail’s staff received intensive DBT training through Behavioral Tech, LLC, founded by Dr. Linehan.

SPRING 2011

11

feature

|

PAT H TO R E C OV E RY

An INTERVIEW with DBT CREATOR MARSHA LINEHAN Ph.D.

D

ialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatment developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., ABPP over the past 25 years. Dr. Linehan is a Professor of Psychology, an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., ABPP University of Washington and Director of the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics, a consortium of research projects which develops new treatments and evaluates their efficacy for severely disordered and multi-diagnostic populations. Dr. Linehan spoke with us about her work.

Primary Counselor Cynthia Cosson catches up with Grayson on the Skyland Trail campus.

like they can come to me and talk now. It’s good to be able to help my friends.”

Annette is proud of her son, and sees him finally getting a grasp on an illness that had hold of him for so long.

“I see him as a different person, he’s slower to respond to things and he’s able to use coping skills and talk things out—it’s like he’s speaking a different language,” she says.

“It’s been a pleasant year since Skyland. There’s been a positive change in our family.”

Grayson, too, is excited about the new family dynamic.

“My mom and dad—I don’t know what I’d do without them. My older sister is my backbone, and my younger sister is my best friend,” he says. “Now we’re doing well. We’re planning to go skiing and to Braves games…I look forward to hanging out with my family.”

Grayson still uses his DBT skills on a daily basis—he says the workbook sits open in his room.

“Me and my mom, if we have a rough week, we’ll go back and look through the book,” he says.

Annette also sees Grayson using other skills he picked up during his time at Skyland Trail.

10

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

My mom and dad—I don’t know what I’d do without them. Now we’re doing well. We’re planning to go skiing and to Braves games...I look forward to hanging out with my family.

—GRAYSON CRENSHAW

“Sometimes they’d make collages. He’ll still do that if he gets stressed out, and I’ll see him with a magazine cutting things out,” she says. “What they did at Skyland Trail—it worked. Grayson was able to be in a place where everyone is in a similar situation and that gave him the ability to see where he was coming from and where he was going.”

And for Grayson, where he’s going is much better than where he’s been.

“DBT put a lot more life in me,” he says. “I’d recommend it to anyone. It is the best thing anyone can do if they are serious about recovery.”

SKYLAND TRAIL

Q: How did you develop the concept of DBT? A: To develop the DBT concept, I went through hundreds of treatment manuals to study effective treatment. I found the skills that have evidence that they work. DBT combines acceptance and change. It’s common now, but wasn’t when I started. There is a dialectic tension between accepting reality and changing reality, and you really need to have both of those to go forward.

Pure acceptance and support are not terribly therapeutic for many disorders and a straight focus on change is not effective; you really have to accept things before you can change them. This is a balance of validation and acceptance of change.

Q: You’ve taken a group of clients with a reputation for being somewhat treatment-resistant and created a therapeutic approach that’s non-judgmental.

Philosophically, that is very much in-line with our holistic approach at Skyland Trail. Why do you think it’s important to avoid judgment in therapy?

A: It’s hard to like someone you’re judging and hard to treat someone you don’t like. When you judge people, it does nothing to change things—you can only change things by figuring out the causes of them. Judging doesn’t figure out the cause, but instead it blames people—and blaming rarely gets you anywhere. So getting therapists to stop being judgmental is the big-ticket item for us. w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

Q: At Skyland Trail, we have a team of four clinicians who are intensively-trained in DBT.* Why is it important that clients seek out counselors who receive this intensive training?

A: If you have a treatment that’s been shown to be effective, then to do it you have to be trained—there is no good reason to believe someone can do this if they aren’t properly trained. If you’re not doing it by the book, then it’s no longer evidence-based treatment.

What has been happening is that therapists are going to workshops with no supervision, and then say they’re trained. Then people [clients] come to them for DBT, and it doesn’t work and they believe it’s their last ditch effort.

Then they [the clients] say it doesn’t work and they are hopeless and in despair.

This is why we want people to get intensive training from professionals who know the treatment. Otherwise, people are calling it DBT, but not providing it—we know this is happening all over the country and it’s very disappointing.

Q: Your work has helped countless individuals learn the coping skills necessary to help change their lives. It must be so rewarding to see how effective DBT can be.

A: It’s very rewarding; I get letters from people around the world who have learned these skills. It’s very meaningful when I hear I’ve helped someone. It’s also important to be able to provide treatment for a group of people who no one thought they could treat, people who are experiencing unbelievable pain and suffering.

But the fact that we’ve done good doesn’t mean we can’t do better. Now, we’re continuing our research and trying to identify what the most important parts of DBT treatment are. *Skyland Trail’s staff received intensive DBT training through Behavioral Tech, LLC, founded by Dr. Linehan.

SPRING 2011

11

editorial

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M E S S AG E F RO M T H E M E D I C A L D I R E C TO R

Doughnuts and the Beach:

The Importance of DBT

rapid-cycling ways. Medications seemed to help only minipposite ideas or feelings may initially appear mally. Hospitalization actually appeared to worsen sympto be contradictory. For instance, how can I toms. No psychotherapeutic techniques proved to be effecwant to look great in my swimsuit for a trip tive. Treatment options for people with these illnesses were to the beach but also really want to eat that limited, and many psychiatrists and psychologists felt unable glazed doughnut? Or how will the anger I have toward my to help them recover. At Skyland Trail, we began to see that dog who chewed one of my new shoes fit into my desire more and more individuals with such needs were requesting to snuggle with her tonight? Such seemingly conflicting admission into our programs and points of view might lead looking to us for help. We wantone to see the world ed to offer that assistance and through a polarizing perDialectical Behavior Therapy developed a program with that spective. Unresolved, goal in mind. these contradictory feelOut of desperation to help ings may also lead to poor (DBT) has provided hope to many her patients who saw the world decisions and dysfunction as contradictory opposites, a in life. patients who previously thought clinical researcher named Patients with rapidMarsha Linehan, Ph.D. develcycling mood changes or they might not recover. oped a new type of therapy that personality disorders has been shown to help people often develop polarized with rapid-cycling mood disorsenses of their worlds in ders, personality disorders, and even the same ways I just menco-morbid mood and substance use disorders reconcile tioned. Not knowing if one will feel elated or depressed at their polarized views of the world, and ultimately feel and any given point in time—or if intimate relationships will function better. The therapy is called Dialectical Behavior suddenly end because of one’s symptoms—can easily Therapy (DBT) and has provided hope to many patients polarize affected people to expect bad and scary things who previously thought they might not recover. always to occur. Many such individuals start to experience One of the basic tenets of DBT is that two things that hopelessness, agony, and despair which often leads to appear opposite can be true at the same time. One might making self-injurious and impulsive decisions, like feel so horrible that death seems like an acceptable option attempting suicide. while simultaneously deciding to keep living; one might be Historically, mental health providers had few interso angry at one’s spouse that escaping the relationship ventions for the patients who saw their worlds in these

sounds appealing while simultaneously wanting to invest in maintaining the relationship. These co-occurring ideas and feelings that seem opposite can indeed simultaneously be true. Such dialectics can open a new way of seeing the world and provide relief to patients who historically saw only one option in difficult situations.

Skyland Trail is committed to remaining informed and engaged in providing the best, evidence-based care for the clients we serve. As toxic. Through DBT, art and horticultural therapies, team the research literature showed that DBT is an emerging, exercises, volunteerism, and many other programs offered effective treatment for many of our patients, we decided it at Skyland Trail, our intent is to expand patients’ views of was essential for our clinical services to integrate DBT into the world and their place in it. Integrating DBT into our the tools we use to help our patients recover from illness. To services fits very nicely with the philosophy that drives that end, we sent a multi-disciplinary team to two weeks of everything we do. intensive DBT training and developed a DBT Recovery In the spirit of expanding options and seeing things Community with high fidelity to Dr. Linehan’s model of the differently, I ate my doughnut. It tasted great and I felt satitherapy. We are one of only a few residential treatment facilated for that moment. Then I committed to going to the ities for adults across the country with a DBT team and the gym every day before the beach trip. That felt good, too. capabilities of providing this type of therapy for patients.

Preliminary clinical and functional outcome data suggest that our DBT Recovery Community provides significant help for patients with certain Helping patients expand their world views needs. Learning and practicing new tools like mindfulness (meditation), and expectations is not merely a component of distress tolerance, and alternative coping strategies during times of DBT, it is also a theme within Skyland Trail. despair are integral to DBT, and our DBT team supports our patients and one another in cultivating these tools.

Helping patients expand their world Expansion of my world view led to new options that helped views and expectations is not merely a component of DBT, it me in several unanticipated ways. Skyland Trail’s intensive is also a theme within Skyland Trail. People with any type of DBT team helps our patients resolve more-serious conmental illness tend to become focused on their illness and flicts, and hopefully new, happy points of view. themselves. We believe that this can become consuming and

12

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

By Raymond J. Kotwicki, MD, MPH Vice President of Professional Services & Medical Director

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

SKYLAND TRAIL

SPRING 2011

13

editorial

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M E S S AG E F RO M T H E M E D I C A L D I R E C TO R

Doughnuts and the Beach:

The Importance of DBT

rapid-cycling ways. Medications seemed to help only minipposite ideas or feelings may initially appear mally. Hospitalization actually appeared to worsen sympto be contradictory. For instance, how can I toms. No psychotherapeutic techniques proved to be effecwant to look great in my swimsuit for a trip tive. Treatment options for people with these illnesses were to the beach but also really want to eat that limited, and many psychiatrists and psychologists felt unable glazed doughnut? Or how will the anger I have toward my to help them recover. At Skyland Trail, we began to see that dog who chewed one of my new shoes fit into my desire more and more individuals with such needs were requesting to snuggle with her tonight? Such seemingly conflicting admission into our programs and points of view might lead looking to us for help. We wantone to see the world ed to offer that assistance and through a polarizing perDialectical Behavior Therapy developed a program with that spective. Unresolved, goal in mind. these contradictory feelOut of desperation to help ings may also lead to poor (DBT) has provided hope to many her patients who saw the world decisions and dysfunction as contradictory opposites, a in life. patients who previously thought clinical researcher named Patients with rapidMarsha Linehan, Ph.D. develcycling mood changes or they might not recover. oped a new type of therapy that personality disorders has been shown to help people often develop polarized with rapid-cycling mood disorsenses of their worlds in ders, personality disorders, and even the same ways I just menco-morbid mood and substance use disorders reconcile tioned. Not knowing if one will feel elated or depressed at their polarized views of the world, and ultimately feel and any given point in time—or if intimate relationships will function better. The therapy is called Dialectical Behavior suddenly end because of one’s symptoms—can easily Therapy (DBT) and has provided hope to many patients polarize affected people to expect bad and scary things who previously thought they might not recover. always to occur. Many such individuals start to experience One of the basic tenets of DBT is that two things that hopelessness, agony, and despair which often leads to appear opposite can be true at the same time. One might making self-injurious and impulsive decisions, like feel so horrible that death seems like an acceptable option attempting suicide. while simultaneously deciding to keep living; one might be Historically, mental health providers had few interso angry at one’s spouse that escaping the relationship ventions for the patients who saw their worlds in these

sounds appealing while simultaneously wanting to invest in maintaining the relationship. These co-occurring ideas and feelings that seem opposite can indeed simultaneously be true. Such dialectics can open a new way of seeing the world and provide relief to patients who historically saw only one option in difficult situations.

Skyland Trail is committed to remaining informed and engaged in providing the best, evidence-based care for the clients we serve. As toxic. Through DBT, art and horticultural therapies, team the research literature showed that DBT is an emerging, exercises, volunteerism, and many other programs offered effective treatment for many of our patients, we decided it at Skyland Trail, our intent is to expand patients’ views of was essential for our clinical services to integrate DBT into the world and their place in it. Integrating DBT into our the tools we use to help our patients recover from illness. To services fits very nicely with the philosophy that drives that end, we sent a multi-disciplinary team to two weeks of everything we do. intensive DBT training and developed a DBT Recovery In the spirit of expanding options and seeing things Community with high fidelity to Dr. Linehan’s model of the differently, I ate my doughnut. It tasted great and I felt satitherapy. We are one of only a few residential treatment facilated for that moment. Then I committed to going to the ities for adults across the country with a DBT team and the gym every day before the beach trip. That felt good, too. capabilities of providing this type of therapy for patients.

Preliminary clinical and functional outcome data suggest that our DBT Recovery Community provides significant help for patients with certain Helping patients expand their world views needs. Learning and practicing new tools like mindfulness (meditation), and expectations is not merely a component of distress tolerance, and alternative coping strategies during times of DBT, it is also a theme within Skyland Trail. despair are integral to DBT, and our DBT team supports our patients and one another in cultivating these tools.

Helping patients expand their world Expansion of my world view led to new options that helped views and expectations is not merely a component of DBT, it me in several unanticipated ways. Skyland Trail’s intensive is also a theme within Skyland Trail. People with any type of DBT team helps our patients resolve more-serious conmental illness tend to become focused on their illness and flicts, and hopefully new, happy points of view. themselves. We believe that this can become consuming and

12

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

By Raymond J. Kotwicki, MD, MPH Vice President of Professional Services & Medical Director

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

SKYLAND TRAIL

SPRING 2011

13

healthcare

I

|

R E S O U R C E S F O R FA M I L I E S

Family Support at Skyland Trail

t’s been more than four years since Don and Maryland

McCarty’s son David received a

Jill Rosenberg, LaQuisha White, Tara McDaniel and Shelley Danser work together to make sure families get the support they need while a loved one is at Skyland Trail.

diagnosis of schizophrenia, permanently altering the fabric of their

close-knit family.

“We go from having a son who’s in college and who is going on a mission trip, to having a son who is—just one month later—always afraid and paranoid,” says Maryland McCarty. “It was a very rapid turnaround and it left us stunned, shocked, confused and frightened.”

By

Don and Maryland McCarty, whose son received treatment at Skyland Trail

Su s a n L i n d s e y •

Ph oto g r aphy By

The McCartys had no family history or experience with mental illness, and soon found they were navigating uncharted territory as they searched for ways to help David recover from his illness.

“We didn’t know what to expect and we certainly didn’t know what kind of journey we would be on,” says Don McCarty.

“I was totally confused,” adds Maryland, who initially thought her son would be better in a matter of weeks. “I did not understand what I was tackling.”

When David came to Skyland Trail in March 2007, Don and Maryland found the treatment they needed for him and soon realized they, too, were part of the Skyland community.

“We’re not just here for the individual with a mental illness, we’re here for their family and loved ones as well,” says 14

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

K at i e G u d g e l

Tara McDaniel, MS, LPC, Skyland Trail’s family advocate.

“Family members are often a significant part of a client’s support system, so it’s crucial the family is educated about the illness and its symptoms.”

To provide education about mental illness and recovery, Skyland Trail offers different levels of family therapy and support programming to make sure the family unit is treated in tandem with the client. One of the newest additions to the continuum of care is a one-day family orientation, coordinated by Admissions Director LaQuisha White, MS, LPC. “We know this process is stressful and that coming here is often the culmination of many smaller battles with mental illness,” White says. “Our orientation is a chance for the families of our clients to meet our treatment team and to learn about what their loved one will go through in recovery.”

SKYLAND TRAIL

By giving families practical information, the Skyland Trail team hopes to set a strong support structure in place from the very beginning.

“It is important for family members to have their own source of support during this difficult time,” says McDaniel.

“We have both education and support for families available so they can appropriately participate in their loved one’s recovery.”

The stress placed on family members and friends by a loved ones’ illness underscores the need for comprehensive treatment for the entire support system. Skyland Trail’s primary counselors will often incorporate family members into a client’s sessions, or arrange an appointment with family therapist Jill Rosenberg, LCSW. “Supporting someone who has a chronic mental illness can be an overwhelming task,” Rosenberg says. “A major goal of family treatment is to understand the challenges the client is going through and help the family provide the best possible care for their loved one.

“Family therapy can be very challenging, but the rewards for participation can be tremendous.”

With their son in the residential treatment program at Skyland Trail South, the McCartys began participating in the Family Support, Training and Education Program (STEP) meetings. The once-a-week group, run by Adjunctive Therapies Coordinator Shelley Danser, gives family members a chance to learn more about mental illness from experts in the field, and also learn coping skills for themselves and their loved ones.

Maryland says she was also touched by the camaraderie she found at STEP, finding comfort and strength with others who were on a parallel path.

“It was a support group where people could share stories and you realize you’re around people who understand,” Maryland says. “STEP has outstanding speakers and is prew w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

sented in an intimate environment, where you have an opportunity to learn and ask questions.”

Maryland says she appreciated being in a place where her story resonated with others and where she could get practical advice.

“Everything you thought was going to happen is unraveling, so it’s very helpful to have the correct inforContinued on page 16

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES AT SKYLAND TRAIL Family Orientation: A monthly one-day education and process-oriented seminar appropriate for all caregivers and designed to provide the families of our new admissions with general information regarding the process and experience of recovery.

The family Support, Training and Education Program (STEP): gives families and friends the knowledge and skills for self care through educational seminars, as well as appropriate support for loved ones with mental illness.

The program is divided into three 12-week sessions that run throughout the year. Please visit our website for a calendar of upcoming STEP speakers: http://www.skylandtrail.org/support-groups Family Therapy and Family Counseling: Sessions are available by appointment through a client’s primary counselor.

Family Advocate: available as a resource for those with a loved one at Skyland Trail.

SPRING 2011

15

healthcare

I

|

R E S O U R C E S F O R FA M I L I E S

Family Support at Skyland Trail

t’s been more than four years since Don and Maryland

McCarty’s son David received a

Jill Rosenberg, LaQuisha White, Tara McDaniel and Shelley Danser work together to make sure families get the support they need while a loved one is at Skyland Trail.

diagnosis of schizophrenia, permanently altering the fabric of their

close-knit family.

“We go from having a son who’s in college and who is going on a mission trip, to having a son who is—just one month later—always afraid and paranoid,” says Maryland McCarty. “It was a very rapid turnaround and it left us stunned, shocked, confused and frightened.”

By

Don and Maryland McCarty, whose son received treatment at Skyland Trail

Su s a n L i n d s e y •

Ph oto g r aphy By

The McCartys had no family history or experience with mental illness, and soon found they were navigating uncharted territory as they searched for ways to help David recover from his illness.

“We didn’t know what to expect and we certainly didn’t know what kind of journey we would be on,” says Don McCarty.

“I was totally confused,” adds Maryland, who initially thought her son would be better in a matter of weeks. “I did not understand what I was tackling.”

When David came to Skyland Trail in March 2007, Don and Maryland found the treatment they needed for him and soon realized they, too, were part of the Skyland community.

“We’re not just here for the individual with a mental illness, we’re here for their family and loved ones as well,” says 14

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

K at i e G u d g e l

Tara McDaniel, MS, LPC, Skyland Trail’s family advocate.

“Family members are often a significant part of a client’s support system, so it’s crucial the family is educated about the illness and its symptoms.”

To provide education about mental illness and recovery, Skyland Trail offers different levels of family therapy and support programming to make sure the family unit is treated in tandem with the client. One of the newest additions to the continuum of care is a one-day family orientation, coordinated by Admissions Director LaQuisha White, MS, LPC. “We know this process is stressful and that coming here is often the culmination of many smaller battles with mental illness,” White says. “Our orientation is a chance for the families of our clients to meet our treatment team and to learn about what their loved one will go through in recovery.”

SKYLAND TRAIL

By giving families practical information, the Skyland Trail team hopes to set a strong support structure in place from the very beginning.

“It is important for family members to have their own source of support during this difficult time,” says McDaniel.

“We have both education and support for families available so they can appropriately participate in their loved one’s recovery.”

The stress placed on family members and friends by a loved ones’ illness underscores the need for comprehensive treatment for the entire support system. Skyland Trail’s primary counselors will often incorporate family members into a client’s sessions, or arrange an appointment with family therapist Jill Rosenberg, LCSW. “Supporting someone who has a chronic mental illness can be an overwhelming task,” Rosenberg says. “A major goal of family treatment is to understand the challenges the client is going through and help the family provide the best possible care for their loved one.

“Family therapy can be very challenging, but the rewards for participation can be tremendous.”

With their son in the residential treatment program at Skyland Trail South, the McCartys began participating in the Family Support, Training and Education Program (STEP) meetings. The once-a-week group, run by Adjunctive Therapies Coordinator Shelley Danser, gives family members a chance to learn more about mental illness from experts in the field, and also learn coping skills for themselves and their loved ones.

Maryland says she was also touched by the camaraderie she found at STEP, finding comfort and strength with others who were on a parallel path.

“It was a support group where people could share stories and you realize you’re around people who understand,” Maryland says. “STEP has outstanding speakers and is prew w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

sented in an intimate environment, where you have an opportunity to learn and ask questions.”

Maryland says she appreciated being in a place where her story resonated with others and where she could get practical advice.

“Everything you thought was going to happen is unraveling, so it’s very helpful to have the correct inforContinued on page 16

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES AT SKYLAND TRAIL Family Orientation: A monthly one-day education and process-oriented seminar appropriate for all caregivers and designed to provide the families of our new admissions with general information regarding the process and experience of recovery.

The family Support, Training and Education Program (STEP): gives families and friends the knowledge and skills for self care through educational seminars, as well as appropriate support for loved ones with mental illness.

The program is divided into three 12-week sessions that run throughout the year. Please visit our website for a calendar of upcoming STEP speakers: http://www.skylandtrail.org/support-groups Family Therapy and Family Counseling: Sessions are available by appointment through a client’s primary counselor.

Family Advocate: available as a resource for those with a loved one at Skyland Trail.

SPRING 2011

15

editorial STRESS CAN TEAR PEOPLE APART OR IT CAN BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER—I AM AN ADVOCATE FOR BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER.

THE GIFT OF SKYLAND TRAIL

Skyland Trail Gave Me Hope

NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ALONE. SOME OF THE CLOSEST FAMILIES ARE

THOSE THAT HAVE ENDURED SOME OF THE MOST DIFFICULT CHALLENGES AND HAVE COMMITTED TO WORKING ON THESE CHALLENGES TOGETHER. IT IS TREMENDOUSLY REWARDING AND INSPIRING TO WORK WITH FAMILIES WHO ARE ACTIVELY DEALING WITH SUCH CHALLENGES.

|

—Jill Rosenberg, LCSW, Skyland Trail’s family therapist

MELODY MOEZZI IS A WRITER, ATTORNEY, SPEAKER AND ACTIVIST. SHE IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF THE

Family Support continued from page 15

mation and knowledge of the disease and how to support your loved one.”

Don says the family support was crucial in giving his family the tools necessary to move forward.

“Through education and support you transform, and you understand what you’re dealing with and you begin to realize different expectations need to be set for not only your loved one but also for yourself,” he says. “That’s comforting, once you realize a course of action.”

Providing families with that course of action is what the different family support programs at Skyland Trail aim to do— welcoming family involvement from the time of admission, to when a client has moved on in their recovery.

“The ultimate goal of family treatment is to encourage respect for a loved one’s struggle, promote a better understanding of their illness, provide new tools to empower the family to take better care of themselves and offer a clearer understanding of what can be done to promote a family’s

overall wellness and recovery,” Rosenberg says.

Today, the McCarty’s speak of David’s many accomplishments since he has moved on from Skyland Trail. He’s now living in a group home and working at a food co-op in nearby Gwinnett County.

“It was lots of little steps. I can’t imagine doing it without the support of a facility like Skyland Trail. David wanted to be a minister and he is still serving others, but in a different way,” says Maryland. “And he sings in the choir at church.”

“Yes, there he is,” adds Don, “a person with schizophrenia front and center singing in the choir.

“I think Skyland Trail gave him a nice foundation to help deal with his illness. David will tell you he’s not the same person, he’s said that before. He’s acknowledged that to us and we know that. You have to have new dreams and expectations going forward and I tell him all the time, ‘I’m proud of you David.’”

COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR FAMILY ADVOCATE As a family advocate, Tara McDaniel, MS, LPC serves as a liaison between a client’s family and staff at Skyland Trail.

Why doesn’t my loved one want me to know about his/her treatment?

I talk with families about HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) and the importance of respecting the client’s privacy. I encourage families to attend support groups and share their experiences and feelings in this environment. I also encourage practicing self-care during this difficult time. Tips include maintaining physical fitness through 16

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

regular exercise and proper nutrition, knowing when to say “no” or set boundaries with others, scheduling time with friends, and educating yourself on mental illness and other available resources for family members.

How long will my loved one be in treatment?

We talk about recovery being a process for each client. I discuss the various levels of treatment available at Skyland Trail and how a client might move through these levels. I strongly encourage families to attend our support group to become educated on their loved one’s illness and learn about the

recovery process. If they are unable to attend STEP, we discuss other education and support options for families.

How do I set a specific limit or boundary with my loved one?

I always encourage families to pose these questions to our primary counselors. The primary counselor is a wonderful resource and can help guide families with these issues. Of course, boundary setting is often being discussed in our family support group so I let families know this would be a great resource too. I also suggest individual therapy and other support groups as needed.

SKYLAND TRAIL

I

AWARD-WINNING BOOK, WAR ON

ERROR: REAL STORIES OF AMERICAN MUSLIMS.

n the fall of 2008, I experienced my first acute manic episode and, quickly thereafter, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My mania had paved the way toward full-blown psychosis before I was hospitalized and, by the time I was admitted, my delusions and hallucinations were so intense that I could no longer distinguish fantasy from reality. I was seeing and talking to bands of imaginary little people; I believed I had a fictitious new job waiting for me in Rome, despite never having applied for one; and I was certain that God was sending me messages. In short, I had lost my mind.

I was blessed to have a family full of physicians who quickly recognized my mania for what it was and got me to the hospital before I could do permanent damage to myself or anyone else. While a psychiatric hospital was certainly the best place for me at first, as it helped me get stabilized, it wasn’t the best place for me to actually get well.

I needed more than temporary stabilization after my psychotic break. I needed the support, education, compassion and guidance that lead to true recovery. I found all of that and more at Skyland Trail.

Upon arriving at Skyland, I was terrified. My family had chosen Skyland Trail because of its stellar reputation in treating bipolar disorder in particular, but I was not in on the decision, as I was still too fragile to engage in any higher-level decision making. I could decide to get up, brush my teeth, shower and eat, but that was pretty much it. So, I trusted my husband and my parents to make the right decision, and true to form, they did.

The fears that I felt upon entering the doors of Skyland Trail were allayed within minutes. I was immediately aware that this place was nothing like the psychiatric wards I had become used to. The staff looked me in the eye when they spoke to me; they didn’t patronize me; they didn’t seem

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

afraid of catching what I had, and they genuinely wanted to help. To top it off, the grounds were actually conducive to healing. From the greenhouse to the gym to the library to the music room, it was clear that this was a very special place. In the psych wards and hospitals, there were no flowers or gyms or greenhouses, no musical instruments or libraries, no yoga classes or nutritionists.

But Skyland isn’t just unlike any mental health facility I’ve ever attended. It’s unlike any other place I’ve ever been. In the nearly two months I spent in Skyland Trail’s day treatment program, I learned more about myself and my potential than I did in all my years in college, law school and public health graduate school combined.

The people at Skyland helped me believe in myself again. They taught me that having a mental illness didn’t mean that I had to scale down my dreams for myself. The staff taught me that I was still capable of so much more, and most of all, they taught me how to harness that potential to the utmost by learning about my illness and how to treat it.

Where other mental health professionals had previously told me to ask less of myself because of my illness, the staff at Skyland convinced me to ask more of myself than I ever thought possible—both despite and because of my illness. And they did more than persuade me to ask more of myself. They taught me how to actually achieve it by accepting the reality of my illness and learning vital skills to better control it, as opposed to letting it control me.

I don’t expect to ever be able to repay the people at Skyland Trail for all of the gifts they have given me (not to mention the fact that they granted me a scholarship through the Financial Aid Program), but my hope is that by continuing to volunteer—by teaching writing workshops to current clients, speaking about my experiences and doing anything else possible to help—I can at least give a little back to a place that gave me so much.

SPRING 2011

17

editorial STRESS CAN TEAR PEOPLE APART OR IT CAN BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER—I AM AN ADVOCATE FOR BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER.

THE GIFT OF SKYLAND TRAIL

Skyland Trail Gave Me Hope

NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ALONE. SOME OF THE CLOSEST FAMILIES ARE

THOSE THAT HAVE ENDURED SOME OF THE MOST DIFFICULT CHALLENGES AND HAVE COMMITTED TO WORKING ON THESE CHALLENGES TOGETHER. IT IS TREMENDOUSLY REWARDING AND INSPIRING TO WORK WITH FAMILIES WHO ARE ACTIVELY DEALING WITH SUCH CHALLENGES.

|

—Jill Rosenberg, LCSW, Skyland Trail’s family therapist

MELODY MOEZZI IS A WRITER, ATTORNEY, SPEAKER AND ACTIVIST. SHE IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF THE

Family Support continued from page 15

mation and knowledge of the disease and how to support your loved one.”

Don says the family support was crucial in giving his family the tools necessary to move forward.

“Through education and support you transform, and you understand what you’re dealing with and you begin to realize different expectations need to be set for not only your loved one but also for yourself,” he says. “That’s comforting, once you realize a course of action.”

Providing families with that course of action is what the different family support programs at Skyland Trail aim to do— welcoming family involvement from the time of admission, to when a client has moved on in their recovery.

“The ultimate goal of family treatment is to encourage respect for a loved one’s struggle, promote a better understanding of their illness, provide new tools to empower the family to take better care of themselves and offer a clearer understanding of what can be done to promote a family’s

overall wellness and recovery,” Rosenberg says.

Today, the McCarty’s speak of David’s many accomplishments since he has moved on from Skyland Trail. He’s now living in a group home and working at a food co-op in nearby Gwinnett County.

“It was lots of little steps. I can’t imagine doing it without the support of a facility like Skyland Trail. David wanted to be a minister and he is still serving others, but in a different way,” says Maryland. “And he sings in the choir at church.”

“Yes, there he is,” adds Don, “a person with schizophrenia front and center singing in the choir.

“I think Skyland Trail gave him a nice foundation to help deal with his illness. David will tell you he’s not the same person, he’s said that before. He’s acknowledged that to us and we know that. You have to have new dreams and expectations going forward and I tell him all the time, ‘I’m proud of you David.’”

COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR FAMILY ADVOCATE As a family advocate, Tara McDaniel, MS, LPC serves as a liaison between a client’s family and staff at Skyland Trail.

Why doesn’t my loved one want me to know about his/her treatment?

I talk with families about HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) and the importance of respecting the client’s privacy. I encourage families to attend support groups and share their experiences and feelings in this environment. I also encourage practicing self-care during this difficult time. Tips include maintaining physical fitness through 16

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

regular exercise and proper nutrition, knowing when to say “no” or set boundaries with others, scheduling time with friends, and educating yourself on mental illness and other available resources for family members.

How long will my loved one be in treatment?

We talk about recovery being a process for each client. I discuss the various levels of treatment available at Skyland Trail and how a client might move through these levels. I strongly encourage families to attend our support group to become educated on their loved one’s illness and learn about the

recovery process. If they are unable to attend STEP, we discuss other education and support options for families.

How do I set a specific limit or boundary with my loved one?

I always encourage families to pose these questions to our primary counselors. The primary counselor is a wonderful resource and can help guide families with these issues. Of course, boundary setting is often being discussed in our family support group so I let families know this would be a great resource too. I also suggest individual therapy and other support groups as needed.

SKYLAND TRAIL

I

AWARD-WINNING BOOK, WAR ON

ERROR: REAL STORIES OF AMERICAN MUSLIMS.

n the fall of 2008, I experienced my first acute manic episode and, quickly thereafter, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My mania had paved the way toward full-blown psychosis before I was hospitalized and, by the time I was admitted, my delusions and hallucinations were so intense that I could no longer distinguish fantasy from reality. I was seeing and talking to bands of imaginary little people; I believed I had a fictitious new job waiting for me in Rome, despite never having applied for one; and I was certain that God was sending me messages. In short, I had lost my mind.

I was blessed to have a family full of physicians who quickly recognized my mania for what it was and got me to the hospital before I could do permanent damage to myself or anyone else. While a psychiatric hospital was certainly the best place for me at first, as it helped me get stabilized, it wasn’t the best place for me to actually get well.

I needed more than temporary stabilization after my psychotic break. I needed the support, education, compassion and guidance that lead to true recovery. I found all of that and more at Skyland Trail.

Upon arriving at Skyland, I was terrified. My family had chosen Skyland Trail because of its stellar reputation in treating bipolar disorder in particular, but I was not in on the decision, as I was still too fragile to engage in any higher-level decision making. I could decide to get up, brush my teeth, shower and eat, but that was pretty much it. So, I trusted my husband and my parents to make the right decision, and true to form, they did.

The fears that I felt upon entering the doors of Skyland Trail were allayed within minutes. I was immediately aware that this place was nothing like the psychiatric wards I had become used to. The staff looked me in the eye when they spoke to me; they didn’t patronize me; they didn’t seem

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

afraid of catching what I had, and they genuinely wanted to help. To top it off, the grounds were actually conducive to healing. From the greenhouse to the gym to the library to the music room, it was clear that this was a very special place. In the psych wards and hospitals, there were no flowers or gyms or greenhouses, no musical instruments or libraries, no yoga classes or nutritionists.

But Skyland isn’t just unlike any mental health facility I’ve ever attended. It’s unlike any other place I’ve ever been. In the nearly two months I spent in Skyland Trail’s day treatment program, I learned more about myself and my potential than I did in all my years in college, law school and public health graduate school combined.

The people at Skyland helped me believe in myself again. They taught me that having a mental illness didn’t mean that I had to scale down my dreams for myself. The staff taught me that I was still capable of so much more, and most of all, they taught me how to harness that potential to the utmost by learning about my illness and how to treat it.

Where other mental health professionals had previously told me to ask less of myself because of my illness, the staff at Skyland convinced me to ask more of myself than I ever thought possible—both despite and because of my illness. And they did more than persuade me to ask more of myself. They taught me how to actually achieve it by accepting the reality of my illness and learning vital skills to better control it, as opposed to letting it control me.

I don’t expect to ever be able to repay the people at Skyland Trail for all of the gifts they have given me (not to mention the fact that they granted me a scholarship through the Financial Aid Program), but my hope is that by continuing to volunteer—by teaching writing workshops to current clients, speaking about my experiences and doing anything else possible to help—I can at least give a little back to a place that gave me so much.

SPRING 2011

17

events

|

G R AT I T U D E A N D G I V I N G

BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER RAISES MONEY FOR FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM

FOURTH ANNUAL ASSOCIATES LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW

S

S

kyland Trail’s 13th annual Benefits of Laughter gala raised $540,000 for the Financial Aid Fund, which provides need-based assistance to our clients and families. Held October 21, 2010 at the beautiful St. Regis Atlanta, the event featured entertainment by John Heffron, winner of the popular television series Last Comic Standing. The Honorary Chairs for Benefits of Laughter 2010 were community leaders and longtime friends of Skyland Trail, Amy

John and Helen Gordon, Karen and Richard Parker

and Cecil Conlee. Benefits of Laughter was organized by co-chairs Leslie Wierman and Anne Hennessy, who were assisted by a dedicated team of community and business volunteers. Business leader Jim Kelley chaired the corporate committee, which secured a number of high-profile sponsorships for the event, including AirTran Airways.

Tommy and Wally Hills

Sarah and Scott Goodman, Carol Goodman

Robby and Tyler Wynne

Jim Kelley and Anne Morgan, Leslie and David Wierman, Anne and Peter Hennessy

S

kyland Trail thanks Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher for opening their lovely home to donors, friends and sponsors at the Patron Party for Benefits of Laughter 2010. The evening was a chance to celebrate this year’s successful event.

18

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

Mary Ann Quin, Tom Johnson, Dorothy C. Fuqua, Rex Fuqua, author and guest speaker Julie Hersh

Sara Cotton, Barbara Sparkes, Anna Paré

Benefits of Laughter 2010 Honorary Chairs Amy and Cecil Conlee

Mark West, Patron Party hosts Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher, Beth Jones, Leslie Wierman

Duvall and Rex Fuqua with Skyland Trail President Beth Finnerty

Anne Hennessy, Dina Woodruff, Betsy West

SKYLAND TRAIL

Associates Luncheon Sponsor Nancy Fallon and Event Co-Chair Leigh Pollard

DEDICATION OF THE DOROTHY C. FUQUA CENTER AT SKYLAND TRAIL

I

BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER PATRON PARTY

Terry Vawter, Michelle Sullivan, Kim Marks

kyland Trail’s Fourth Annual Associates Luncheon & Fashion Show raised more than $35,000 for Skyland Trail’s direct client services.

The afternoon featured guest speaker and author Julie Hersh and fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue. Cochairs for the event were Associates President Sarah Goodman and Vice President Elizabeth Spiegel Leigh Pollard.

Major sponsors for the 2011 luncheon included VEINInnovations, Oxford Industries, Ann Paré Dermatology, and Laura Pearce Ltd.

n November 2010, Skyland Tail held a ribbon cutting and dedication for the Dorothy C. Fuqua Center at Skyland Trail. The day celebrated named additions to the building: the Hugh M. Inman Wing; the Goodman Training and Education Center; the Charles Evans Computer Learning Center; the Tompkins Family Art Gallery; the Dot and Ed Jackson Patio Garden and The Pathway to Recovery.

June Tompkins and Inez Oliver

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

Betty Ann Inman, Carol Goodman, Rex Fuqua, Linda Munson, Dot Jackson, Michael Tompkins, June Tompkins, Mark West, Chairman of the Board of Directors

Doug Jackson, Dot Jackson, Clay Jackson

Betty Ann Inman, Skyland Trail President Beth Finnerty, Carol Goodman SPRING 2011

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events

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G R AT I T U D E A N D G I V I N G

BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER RAISES MONEY FOR FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM

FOURTH ANNUAL ASSOCIATES LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW

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S

kyland Trail’s 13th annual Benefits of Laughter gala raised $540,000 for the Financial Aid Fund, which provides need-based assistance to our clients and families. Held October 21, 2010 at the beautiful St. Regis Atlanta, the event featured entertainment by John Heffron, winner of the popular television series Last Comic Standing. The Honorary Chairs for Benefits of Laughter 2010 were community leaders and longtime friends of Skyland Trail, Amy

John and Helen Gordon, Karen and Richard Parker

and Cecil Conlee. Benefits of Laughter was organized by co-chairs Leslie Wierman and Anne Hennessy, who were assisted by a dedicated team of community and business volunteers. Business leader Jim Kelley chaired the corporate committee, which secured a number of high-profile sponsorships for the event, including AirTran Airways.

Tommy and Wally Hills

Sarah and Scott Goodman, Carol Goodman

Robby and Tyler Wynne

Jim Kelley and Anne Morgan, Leslie and David Wierman, Anne and Peter Hennessy

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kyland Trail thanks Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher for opening their lovely home to donors, friends and sponsors at the Patron Party for Benefits of Laughter 2010. The evening was a chance to celebrate this year’s successful event.

18

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

Mary Ann Quin, Tom Johnson, Dorothy C. Fuqua, Rex Fuqua, author and guest speaker Julie Hersh

Sara Cotton, Barbara Sparkes, Anna Paré

Benefits of Laughter 2010 Honorary Chairs Amy and Cecil Conlee

Mark West, Patron Party hosts Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher, Beth Jones, Leslie Wierman

Duvall and Rex Fuqua with Skyland Trail President Beth Finnerty

Anne Hennessy, Dina Woodruff, Betsy West

SKYLAND TRAIL

Associates Luncheon Sponsor Nancy Fallon and Event Co-Chair Leigh Pollard

DEDICATION OF THE DOROTHY C. FUQUA CENTER AT SKYLAND TRAIL

I

BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER PATRON PARTY

Terry Vawter, Michelle Sullivan, Kim Marks

kyland Trail’s Fourth Annual Associates Luncheon & Fashion Show raised more than $35,000 for Skyland Trail’s direct client services.

The afternoon featured guest speaker and author Julie Hersh and fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue. Cochairs for the event were Associates President Sarah Goodman and Vice President Elizabeth Spiegel Leigh Pollard.

Major sponsors for the 2011 luncheon included VEINInnovations, Oxford Industries, Ann Paré Dermatology, and Laura Pearce Ltd.

n November 2010, Skyland Tail held a ribbon cutting and dedication for the Dorothy C. Fuqua Center at Skyland Trail. The day celebrated named additions to the building: the Hugh M. Inman Wing; the Goodman Training and Education Center; the Charles Evans Computer Learning Center; the Tompkins Family Art Gallery; the Dot and Ed Jackson Patio Garden and The Pathway to Recovery.

June Tompkins and Inez Oliver

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

Betty Ann Inman, Carol Goodman, Rex Fuqua, Linda Munson, Dot Jackson, Michael Tompkins, June Tompkins, Mark West, Chairman of the Board of Directors

Doug Jackson, Dot Jackson, Clay Jackson

Betty Ann Inman, Skyland Trail President Beth Finnerty, Carol Goodman SPRING 2011

19

update

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PLANNED GIVING

HONORING ALLISON WILLIAMS WITH NAMED FINANCIAL AID FUND

S

mitted to helping those who cannot kyland Trail is honored to announce afford quality services, and for years has the creation of the Allison Williams strongly supported the Financial Aid Financial Aid Endowment Fund. Mr. Program, which provides Williams has worked tirelessly need-based assistance to those over several decades to suprequiring Skyland Trail’s port the community. Among unique services. the missions he has cared The Harland Charitable deeply about is the life-changFoundation, where Mr. ing work of Skyland Trail.

Williams has served as a As a founding member of trustee, awarded a generous the Board of Directors of the gift of $100,000 to Skyland George West Mental Health Trail to honor his work and Foundation, Mr. Williams was Allison Williams create the Allison Williams instrumental in the creation Financial Aid Endowment Fund. This of Skyland Trail and was committed to fund is a testament to his commitment providing community-based mental to ensuring that those who need our health treatment to adults with serious help are able to get it in perpetuity. mental illness. He continues to be com-

SKYLAND TRAIL NAMED ENDOWMENTS The following endowments have been created to ensure support for Skyland Trail clients and families for generations to come: • Allison Williams Financial Aid Endowment Fund

PLANNED GIVING: HONORING YOUR LEGACY

B

ill and Carol Fox have been active supporters of Skyland Trail since the 1990s, volunteering their time and energy over the past two decades.

“I love Skyland Trail. I think it’s a wonderful place and I enjoy working there and being on the Board of Directors,” Bill says. “I feel so good that my time goes there. My wife, Carol, shares my enthusiasm and we absolutely love it and the good Skyland Trail does for so many people.”

In recognition of their support for recovery from mental illness, the Foxes have established a planned giving bequest from their retirement account that benefits Skyland Trail, furthering their commitment to a cause they are passionate about.

“I had depression in the past and I know what it’s like. I’m so glad there’s a place these adults can turn to and find the attention they so desperately need,” Bill continued. “I love the leadership combination of Mark West and Beth Finnerty, and I trust that they will use our gift in a way that will best serve

20

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

• Margaret Thrower Financial Aid Endowment • Julia Zellars Financial Aid Endowment

EVENT CHAIRS

Denise & Jay Mitchell COMEDY BY

Barbara & Vince Dooley CORPORATE COMMITTEE

Jay Mitchell, Chair Susan Boyd Janine Brown

• Love-Morrell Financial Aid Endowment

Tommy Hills

• Loudermilk Financial Aid Endowment

Richard Parker

Vince and Barbara D ooley

Claire & Glen Jackson Laura & Rutherford Seydel Bob Walker

Carol and Bill Fox

the organization—I just hope it’s not for a long time.”

Bill Fox has had long tenure on the Board of Directors and has held various roles on the Personnel, Program, Executive and Financial Aid Committees. Carol is a member of the Skyland Trail Associates.

Skyland Trail’s Development Team can help you plan a gift that will carry on your commitment to helping adults with mental illness. Through gifts via charitable trusts, will bequests and retirement plans, as well as insurance policies, real estate and other tangible property, you can support Skyland Trail and the work we do in the community.

Honorary Chairs John and Helen Gordon, Event Chairs Denise and Jay Mitchell

Thursday, November 10, 2011 St. Regis Atlanta Buckhead

PATRON COMMITTEE

LOCATION:

Nancy Bryant, Chair

RECEPTION:

Linnea & Roger Ashley Gwynie Dennard Betsy Glenn

6:30 p.m.

DINNER AND PROGRAM: HONORARY CHAIRS:

7:30 p.m.

Helen and John Gordon

For more information on how you

Robin Howell

can contribute to an endowment

Tish & John Inman

fund or create a planned giving

Ann & John Lally

bequest, please call our Senior

Leslie & Matt Meshad

Development Officer John Turman

Karen Parker

table, please contact Ashley Vance at 678.686.5905

at 678-686-5948 or email at

Leigh & Tee Pollard

or at avance@skylandtrail.org.

jturman@skylandtrail.org

All proceeds from the event benefit the Financial Aid Fund.

For more information about sponsorship, or to reserve a

update

|

PLANNED GIVING

HONORING ALLISON WILLIAMS WITH NAMED FINANCIAL AID FUND

S

mitted to helping those who cannot kyland Trail is honored to announce afford quality services, and for years has the creation of the Allison Williams strongly supported the Financial Aid Financial Aid Endowment Fund. Mr. Program, which provides Williams has worked tirelessly need-based assistance to those over several decades to suprequiring Skyland Trail’s port the community. Among unique services. the missions he has cared The Harland Charitable deeply about is the life-changFoundation, where Mr. ing work of Skyland Trail.

Williams has served as a As a founding member of trustee, awarded a generous the Board of Directors of the gift of $100,000 to Skyland George West Mental Health Trail to honor his work and Foundation, Mr. Williams was Allison Williams create the Allison Williams instrumental in the creation Financial Aid Endowment Fund. This of Skyland Trail and was committed to fund is a testament to his commitment providing community-based mental to ensuring that those who need our health treatment to adults with serious help are able to get it in perpetuity. mental illness. He continues to be com-

SKYLAND TRAIL NAMED ENDOWMENTS The following endowments have been created to ensure support for Skyland Trail clients and families for generations to come: • Allison Williams Financial Aid Endowment Fund

PLANNED GIVING: HONORING YOUR LEGACY

B

ill and Carol Fox have been active supporters of Skyland Trail since the 1990s, volunteering their time and energy over the past two decades.

“I love Skyland Trail. I think it’s a wonderful place and I enjoy working there and being on the Board of Directors,” Bill says. “I feel so good that my time goes there. My wife, Carol, shares my enthusiasm and we absolutely love it and the good Skyland Trail does for so many people.”

In recognition of their support for recovery from mental illness, the Foxes have established a planned giving bequest from their retirement account that benefits Skyland Trail, furthering their commitment to a cause they are passionate about.

“I had depression in the past and I know what it’s like. I’m so glad there’s a place these adults can turn to and find the attention they so desperately need,” Bill continued. “I love the leadership combination of Mark West and Beth Finnerty, and I trust that they will use our gift in a way that will best serve

20

J O U R N E YS M AG A Z I N E

• Margaret Thrower Financial Aid Endowment • Julia Zellars Financial Aid Endowment

EVENT CHAIRS

Denise & Jay Mitchell COMEDY BY

Barbara & Vince Dooley CORPORATE COMMITTEE

Jay Mitchell, Chair Susan Boyd Janine Brown

• Love-Morrell Financial Aid Endowment

Tommy Hills

• Loudermilk Financial Aid Endowment

Richard Parker

Vince and Barbara D ooley

Claire & Glen Jackson Laura & Rutherford Seydel Bob Walker

Carol and Bill Fox

the organization—I just hope it’s not for a long time.”

Bill Fox has had long tenure on the Board of Directors and has held various roles on the Personnel, Program, Executive and Financial Aid Committees. Carol is a member of the Skyland Trail Associates.

Skyland Trail’s Development Team can help you plan a gift that will carry on your commitment to helping adults with mental illness. Through gifts via charitable trusts, will bequests and retirement plans, as well as insurance policies, real estate and other tangible property, you can support Skyland Trail and the work we do in the community.

Honorary Chairs John and Helen Gordon, Event Chairs Denise and Jay Mitchell

Thursday, November 10, 2011 St. Regis Atlanta Buckhead

PATRON COMMITTEE

LOCATION:

Nancy Bryant, Chair

RECEPTION:

Linnea & Roger Ashley Gwynie Dennard Betsy Glenn

6:30 p.m.

DINNER AND PROGRAM: HONORARY CHAIRS:

7:30 p.m.

Helen and John Gordon

For more information on how you

Robin Howell

can contribute to an endowment

Tish & John Inman

fund or create a planned giving

Ann & John Lally

bequest, please call our Senior

Leslie & Matt Meshad

Development Officer John Turman

Karen Parker

table, please contact Ashley Vance at 678.686.5905

at 678-686-5948 or email at

Leigh & Tee Pollard

or at avance@skylandtrail.org.

jturman@skylandtrail.org

All proceeds from the event benefit the Financial Aid Fund.

For more information about sponsorship, or to reserve a

PUBLICATION OF THE GEORGE WEST MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION

1961 North Druid Hills Road Atlanta, Georgia 30329 tel 404-315-8333 fax: 404-315-9839 www.skylandtrail.org

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 3536

A D D R E S S S E RV I C E R E Q U E S T E D

Martha Zellars Alexander Creative Arts Suite Dedication

M

any thanks to John Zellars and the John Zellars, Jr. Foundation which

supported the renovation of the Creative Arts Suite named for Martha Zellars Alexander.

In March 2011, clients and staff highlighted the benefits of adjunctive therapies as the

Skyland Trail clients join music therapist Glenn Weinstein (far right) to perform on the drums, showing off skills learned in Music Therapy

newly completed rooms were dedicated.

Dianne and Clark Alexander, Chairman of the Board Mark West, John Zellars, Mark Alexander, Randy Tibbals and Ann Alexander join in the ribbon cutting for the Creative Arts Suite

Skyland Trail Senior Development Officer John Turman joins Creative Art Therapist Susie Sherrill, Clark Alexander and Creative Art Therapist Helen Goldberg to learn more about art therapy