Sharing is Caring!

Sharing with others - whether thru writing, artwork, conversation or even (gasp) TAXES - is one way we give
back some of our own creativity to our companions on life's journey.

Let's face it - though sometimes we feel isolated or abandoned, none of us makes it to this stage of life alone.
To be an adult, able to read these words (on a computer, no less!) means that no matter how badly we were treated, at some point there was a teacher, a friend, a supportive relative, a clergy person, a therapist or someone--often many different someones--who helped us survive, learn, and grow. And inside each of us, a spark of life pushed our complex selfhood into the open, eager to share our unique private experience with others. 

Like apple trees, we reach for the sky!

    That's why MV exists. Many Voices offers you the chance to express your personal growth and change in a place that may help others--people you have never met--take the next step toward a healthier, happier life.

Our focus is HOPE. We don't pretend that life is rosy, or even stable. But we do recognize that hope for the future is like a vitamin or a nutritious energy-bar. Shared reports of progress inspire others to try a similar breakthrough approach. Persistence pays off. And in the end, hundreds of readers might benefit from your single positive story.

If you want to share your experience, just send it in. Surface mail or Email is fine. Handwritten text is ok, as long as I can read it. Concentrate on the ideas you want to share--what was troubling you, and what you did to feel better. Don't worry too much about spelling or grammar. I often clean up the text to make the newsletter more readable. I try very hard to not change the meaning of what you write. And if I have a question about a particular phrase or approach, I'll call you or email you to get your input before I make a noticeable change. (One more good reason to include your phone number and/or email address with your submission.)

A few more caveats: we avoid printing graphic descriptions of abuse, because some readers who receive MV don't have much support - and we try not to freak people out (though we can't promise it will never happen.) We don't print material favorable to exorcism or "instant cures" for dissociation. We are open to believers of all faiths or no faith...as long as the religious practices are not intended to harm or stifle the spirit.

We do our best to accept views from every lifestyle except those advocating violence or intolerance. I do not personally agree with everything that is printed in Many Voices, because MV serves a diverse audience and not everyone (Thank Heaven) is just like me!

Newsletter content depends on what we receive--if you think a particular topic is not covered as well as it should be, write what you'd like to read! Chances are, others are wishing for that very topic as well.
 

Crabapples in springtime: What could be lovelier?

           PLEASE NOTE!

 

Lilacs are lovely, too!

BioFeedback Information, at HEART MATH!

Some MV readers mention the use of biofeedback devices in their recovery. I've never tried any of this myself, but think it is intriguing. It seems to me that whatever a healing person can do to encourage the body and mind to work together for health is a Good Thing!
One friend enthusiastically recommends the Institute of Heart Math. Although this organization is selling a product, it has some good free information, like this page on anxiety reduction which I found interesting.

June 17-19th 2010. Columbia, MD
Risking Connection©Training - Sidran Foundation
Teaching professionals, survivors, family & friends a new way to think about relationships in healing and recovery.
Facilitator: Elizabeth Power, M Ed. Request information.

Survivor Oriented Conferences

We're still collecting funds to pay for the April issue.
Thanks for your help!
DONATE NOW VIA PAYPAL

If your hospital or clinic is interested in advertising in our MVMC supplement, contact Lynn. We'd love to help you offer MV readers quality  health care services!  

 LET US KNOW WHAT YOU WANT FROM MV, TOO!

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Accepting submissions now through Friday, April 30, 2010, 11:59pm EDT

Don't wait!  The website for submissions is still open. ISSTD members, colleagues and supporters are invited to submit proposals online for the 27th Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. The deadline is April 30, 2010, at midnight EDT.

ISSTD's 27th annual conference will be held October 16-18 at the Atlanta Hilton Hotel.  There will be two days of Pre-conference workshops on October 14 & 15.
The theme for this year's meeting is "Clinical Consequences of Complex Psychological Trauma: Assessment, Treatment and Recovery.
We also welcome submissions on other topics that are relevant to Trauma, Dissociation, chronic traumatization, child abuse or other trauma related areas.

 

  HELP YOURSELF and MV Too!
Thanks to the generous gift of donated copies by author Jane Wegscheider Hyman, this excellent and inspiring book is offered to MANY VOICES' readers at a discount: Only $15 per copy, including media-mail shipping to all US destinations.

From the book jacket: "The women in 'I Am More Than One' are living proof that you can find new sources of strength through family and friends, build a rewarding, successful career, and still hold on to your own unique identity." These messages of hope and encouragement are essential reading for people who want to learn how to survive and thrive despite painful histories of trauma and abuse.

Dr. Hyman is a researcher and writer on women's health and a member of the New England Society for the Treatment of Trauma and Dissociation. She is the author of several well-received, helpful books.

ORDER YOUR COPY NOW DIRECT FROM OUR WEBSITE!

Or call Lynn W. at 513-751-8020, to order over the phone.

Start sending ideas for our 2011 Issue themes NOW. Decisions will appear in the August issue, but the more input, the better!
If you're not sure when your subscription expires, ask Lynn! 

 You can renew your subscription on Paypal, here.

 JUNE 2010: Life without therapy. Changing therapists. Coordinating different therapy modalities. ARTWORK: Caring for your Self(ves).

August 2010: Sexuality: Choices & Dilemmas. Is your partner involved in your therapy? Safely opening up about abuse. ARTWORK: Loving yourself and others. Deadline: June 10, 2010.

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Our friend JAN thinks she's too dependent on her therapist. She wants to start applying the skills she's worked so hard to learn, during years of therapy. She asks MV Readers if they ever feel "too dependent" and what they do to become more self-sufficient.

Please read through the whole list of Sharing Questions, and reply to any, no matter when the topic first appeared. We Love Fresh Updates to PAST QUESTIONS!

At MV, we make every effort to be helpful to people
recovering from trauma and abuse, their families and friends.
We also want to assist trauma treatment professionals who guide people
in recovery toward a healthier, happier life. Please help us perform these
tasks well by sending your suggestions and input, pro or con, anytime.
Call me personally at 513-751-8020. I want to hear from you!

Sincerely,
Lynn Wasnak, aka Lynn W., Editor and Executive Director