Participants at ASEB’s Berkeley and Hayward centers are receiving special attention from AgeSong Institute intern counselors who are facilitating groups, working one-on-one, and providing therapeutic support to those who attend ASEB’s day programs. The eight interns have either completed or are currently participating in graduate psychology programs with the goal of becoming a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist, (MFT) or a licensed clinical psychologist. Drawn to working with individuals who are experiencing memory loss, the interns are on hand to offer chair yoga, TimeSlips, meditation and poetry groups, men’s discussion group, baking and photo projects—as well as to be listeners, facilitators, or simply to sit quietly and hold someone’s hand. ASEB has just embarked on an effort to raise $36,000 to fund this worthwhile project.
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Suzanne Fried, the interns’ clinical supervisor and director says, “ASEB’s view of the journey for those with memory loss is the same as AgeSong’s: we work from our hearts and learn to be ‘with’ people, meeting them where they are, and always bringing mindfulness and compassion to our interactions.”
Interns bring a broad set of skills, experiences, passion, and dedication to their jobs. Laurie Novinsky is a good example. She has worked almost 26 years in the health care profession, and now wants to contribute to her community by addressing the psyche, mind, body and soul of those with memory loss. She will soon graduate from the California Institute of Integral Studies with a master’s degree and is thrilled to be part of ASEB. Laurie is especially interested in the overwhelming task undertaken by caregivers and hopes to learn more about how they can work together with their loved ones and staff to cope with the challenges they face.
Intern Matt Likens says, “After finishing a year long internship at the Center for Somatic Psychotherapy in San Francisco, I joined Agesong with a sincere interest in working with elder clients experiencing memory loss. I feel that somatic, body oriented psychotherapy is very in line with working with clients who are less verbal, as are many participants at ASEB. We have been trained in modalities that focus on the importance of recognizing the body as a primary informant to the whole experience of the individual. I love spending time with the participants at ASEB, as they are teaching me to slow down, and be very present, meeting them where they’re at. In the coming year, I will continue working with and learning from the staff at ASEB in providing an environment which values acceptance, love, and respect for the participants, while learning about myself as a therapist in this unique setting. I feel very privileged and honored to be a part of the team at ASEB.” Matt will graduate at the end of the year with a Master’s degree in Somatic Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies.
First year intern Erica Stone is specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Rehabilitation Counseling at SFSU. “I have really enjoyed getting to know all of the participants in the program, and seeing their personalities shine through in one-on-one conversations, group activities, or doing arts and crafts,” she says.
Karen Morelli is a student in Dominican University’s graduate program in counseling psychology. “The welcome from staff members has been warm, and getting to know the participants is fun and rewarding,” she says. “There are so many wonderful personalities, talents and interesting people. I’m enjoying getting to know them, their likes, dislikes and trying to understand their world.”
Josie Kurkinen echoes that sentiment: “The staff here at ASEB is amazing. They manage to listen to and meet the needs of every participant. They are always encouraging and friendly, flexible and accommodating. ASEB makes a point of maintaining strong ties to the community. Last week, a local school entertained us with a delightful Halloween program, and the youngsters marveled at the array of jack-o-lanterns that the participants had carved. Whoever said variety is the spice of life had it right!” Josie is working toward her PhD in psychology.
Paula Mierzejewski is in her fourth semester at Dominican University in San Rafael in the Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program. “Everyone at ASEB has been so welcoming and helpful,” she says. “I enjoy the diversity of the participants and look forward to getting to know them better and being a part of ASEB.”
“I have really enjoyed my time thus far at ASEB; especially getting to know the participants,” says Amanda DiBiasie, who has previously worked with youth, with a focus on emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. “It is refreshing to work with older adults and learning about the aging process. Collectively they represent those who worked so hard for our country and their families. It really is an amazing experience getting to know them.”
Micheal Pope, Executive Director of ASEB, has high hopes for the partnership. “This collaboration with AgeSong will enhance our participants’ daily experience,” she says. “We hope to learn from each other while creating a newer understanding of dementia care through our shared vision.”
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