At Darby Integrative Counseling, we understand the profound emotional and physical toll that disasters like the recent LA fires have on individuals and communities.
To support those affected, our Executive Director, Andrew Darby, LCSW is offering a free, one-hour weekly mind-body skills Zoom meeting for an educational and interactive opportunity designed to give stress relief, foster resilience, and promote emotional healing during this crisis. Andrew is Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a trained facilitator with extensive experience in mind-body practices and trauma. He has received specialized training from the Center for Mind-Body Medicine (www.CMBM.org) and is honored to bring these skills to our community. You can learn more about Andrew here.
Add this Link to your Calendar to join Andrew each week from 1pm-2pm PST (4pm-5pm EST).
These meetings are open to all ages and are designed to be helpful for children, teens, and adults alike. The primary goal of this meeting is your healing and stress relief. It is to provide skills you can use and teach to others in times of need, now and in the future.
An Invitation to Your Weekly Healing
This weekly meeting is an open, drop-in guided presentation for anyone in, any place in the world- LA and beyond.
Attendees are guided through a Zoom presentation to learn practical and powerful skills to build resilience to prevent the impact natural disasters and communal traumas can have on us. Activities are simple and accessible—you can arrive late or leave early and still benefit! There is no requirement to be on-screen to participate.
Please note: This group is for educational purposes and is not a therapy group. Please see the therapists page on this website to request or make a referral for professional therapy.
Additional free resources for those impacted by these fires are at the bottom of this page.
What Are Mind-Body Skills?
Mind-body skills are evidence-based techniques that empower individuals to cope with stress, trauma, and emotional challenges by engaging the natural healing capacities of the mind and body. These skills include mindfulness, guided imagery, breathwork, meditation, and movement-based practices—all proven methods for reducing stress and enhancing well-being.
At the heart of these sessions are tools and techniques grounded in the methodologies of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) (www.cmbm.org). The CMBM’s globally recognized approach has been instrumental in helping communities recover from trauma and rebuild their emotional health.
What to Expect in These Sessions
Participants will learn mind body skills and be engaged in guided experiences during the hour together.
Each meeting you will learn and engage in mind body skills such as:
- Mindfulness and Breathwork: Techniques to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Guided Imagery and Meditation: Practices to foster inner peace and resilience.
- Expressive Arts and Movement: Creative opportunities to process emotions and reconnect with the body.
Important Information
Please note: These sessions are not formal mental health therapy and are not intended as a substitute for conventional medical treatment, or to diagnose or treat specific conditions. They are designed to provide support and foster resilience through mind-body practices.
Add this Link to your Calendar to join Andrew each week from 1pm-2pm PST (4pm-5pm EST).
Who Should Attend?
These sessions are open to:
- Individuals directly impacted by the LA fires, including those who lost homes, businesses, or loved ones.
- First responders and their families.
- Community members seeking to support recovery and resilience.
- No prior experience with mind-body practices is necessary. These sessions are designed to be accessible and beneficial for people of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Why Join a Mind-Body Skills Group?
Research has shown that mind-body practices can:
- Reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and trauma.
- Enhance emotional regulation and mental health.
- Foster a sense of connection and community.
- Promote healing at physical, emotional, and psychological levels.
These sessions integrate principles from the Center for Mind-Body Medicine’s trauma-healing programs. Dr. James Gordon, founder of the CMBM and author of The Transformation: Discovering Wholeness and Healing After Trauma, emphasizes that “mind-body medicine is about learning to use the tools we all have to heal ourselves.” (Learn more).
Contact Us
If you or a loved one is in need of mental health therapy, reach out today or see the resources below.
Additional Resources for those Impacted by the Fires
For those impacted by the LA fires, the following resources may provide additional support:
- Mental Health Resources:
- SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Free counseling services through www.mentalhealth.gov.
- Medical Assistance:
- American Red Cross: Find local support at www.redcross.org.
- Free and low-cost medical services through local clinics and hospitals.
- Food Assistance:
- Feeding America: Locate food banks at www.feedingamerica.org.
- Local community kitchens and food pantries.
- Shelter and Housing:
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: www.disasterassistance.gov
- Temporary shelter information from the Red Cross.
- General Emergency Support:
- United Way Helpline: Dial 211 or visit www.211.org for a wide range of services.
Looking to Donate?
Supporting those affected by the Los Angeles fires is crucial for community recovery. Here are reputable organizations accepting donations to assist humans, animals, and overall relief efforts:
For Individuals and Families:
- American Red Cross Los Angeles Region: Provides emergency assistance, including shelter, food, and medical care to fire victims. Donate at www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles.html.
- United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Focuses on helping homeless and low-income individuals recover after natural disasters. Contribute via their Disaster Relief Fund.
- California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund: Supports intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for those affected by wildfires. Donate at www.calfund.org/wildfire-recovery-fund/.
For Animal Welfare:
- Pasadena Humane: Offers shelter and care for animals displaced by the fires. Support their efforts at www.pasadenahumane.org.
- Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation’s Noah’s Legacy Fund: Provides food, shelter, and medical care for animals during disasters. Donate at www.lacountyanimals.org/donate/noahs-legacy-fund/.
For Firefighting and Emergency Services:
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Supplies equipment, training, and support to LAFD firefighters. Contributions can be made at www.supportlafd.org.
- California Fire Foundation: Provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters and supports communities affected by wildfires. Donate at www.cafirefoundation.org.
General Support:
- GoFundMe’s California Wildfire Relief Fund: Features verified fundraisers for individuals and communities impacted by the fires. Explore and donate at www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california.
Your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the LA fires. Consider contributing to these organizations to support relief and recovery efforts.