NANOWRIMO in Reykjavik

Writers know that November heralds a month long frenzy of typing known as National Novel Writing Month or NANOWRIMO.  In planning my Saturday downtown day, I saw an announcement for NANOWRIMO meeting at Reykjavik City Library. Of course I stopped by to meet and cheer on fellow writers. 

Iceland is known as a reading nation where one in every 10 adults has published works! So I think this group and their fascinating ideas are well on the way to publication. WRITE ON!

Teaching at University of Iceland

This has been such a busy week that I am just catching up on sharing the adventure. As the Fulbright Specialist assigned to University of Iceland, I have shared my work with creative therapies and trauma counseling with several classes in the Social Work Department. In each class, I have coordinated with the professors so that what I have to offer enhances the program of study. Here are a few examples of what I presented for students and community professionals.

 I introduced the basic concepts of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to Social Workers from the community and some who are students. Last month I finished an EFT training with Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) that made me even more excited about the potential for EFT in counseling. 

Next I presented on Addictions and Older Adults for the Addictions class.  Beyond the usual prescription drugs and alcohol issues, students learned about lesser discussed addictions for elders; shopping, online gambling and hoarding. We were chatting after class and did not get a photo.

 As part of an Intensive Class, I presented on Trauma Counseling with Older Adults. In addition to the basic issues and therapeutic approaches,  we reviewed some assessment options for use with clients. I shared my approach  to conduct the clinical interview in a conversational style that feels less intimidating for the older adult. Most of this class are already in Social Work positions and offered insights in return on how these ideas might apply to their clients. 
This exchange of ideas between cultures is enlightening to me and I learn as I teach from these dedicated professionals.

Oh Snow It Didn't!

Snow and sunshine - an odd but fascinating combination. 
I think of snow as an acronym for Stuff No One Wants, 
but now I have a new view. 

Walking to campus in snow today was easier and less 
treacherous than walking/sliding on icy sidewalks last week. 

I have finally found something to like about snow!  

However, Mr Good is not as enthusiastic.

T

Here is proof for my Florida skeptics, yes, I am walking to campus in the snow. The wool socks I bought last week have proven to be a major blessing. 

I noticed dog footprints along my path. Poor sweet dog's feet must be so cold. I hope he has a warm home. I have run out of bread to feed the little birds. I cannot imagine how they survive when serious winter arrives.

Creative Therapies Training- Sand or Rocks?

As a proponent of Creative Therapy Techniques, I was delighted to see these embraced in the training I presented at University of Iceland. I demonstrated the way Green Cross Academy Trauma Teams use plain rocks to represent the family system. Thanks to the construction underway at the Student Apartments, I had a large rock pile from which to choose.  I waited until evening when work crews finished so they would not wonder "what is the crazy American doing"? Gave those rocks a nice bubble bath to be ready for therapy demo. 

Next I showed the Therapy Rocks, which are painted with unique images as another type of projective technique.   Each rock has a unique image which the client can interpret. At times it is easier to tell the story of the rock which begins to relate to individual emotions and personal story.

The rock images can be happy or sad. As with any art the meaning is individual. The rocks both painted and plain are something to hold on to while talking which for some people is calming and grounding.

Sandtray received the most enthusiastic responses. I brought a limited collection of figures and

objects to use in the tray. I decided before leaving that carrying even a small bag of sand from Florida would probably get me a long "what is it" conversation with TSA. 

Dr Siguroardottir brought sand and boxes. Here is the real surprise - - Icelandic sand is black! Its a rich color that is silky soft to touch. In this demo group, both the Psychology student and experienced Social Worker found value in this creative therapy technique. Thanks to Amy Flaherty, Southern Sandtray Institute, for enhancing my knowledge of Sandtray with what I have learned from her.

A Taste of Christmas

Since I will be back home for the holidays, my thoughtful friend, Sigurveig, decided that I needed another unique experience. So we went to lunch at IKEA where  the traditional Icelandic holiday meal of roasted lamb, potatoes and green peas was served. Almost a double size portion but I enjoyed it. The white sauce was exceptional too - I need that recipe. To be politically correct, this Ikea had both the Swedish holiday meal and the Icelandic holiday meal.

I think that a valuable part of getting to know another country is by experiencing the local foods. Fortunately, food in Iceland is organic because that is the normal way. In Iceland, I drink milk or coffee cream without the concern for food safety/GMO/growth hormones that are problems in US grown/processed foods.

In case you wondered, IKEA in Iceland is equally huge and full of wonders.

Learning from Colleagues

A great blessing of being a Fulbright Specialist to Iceland is learning from my colleagues. We have the same essential goal; develop critical thinking in our students. At least in the US, this is becoming harder each year as student have easy access to so much information but so little ability to discern quality research.

I almost danced in the bookstore aisle after finding this book for University of Iceland students that is exactly what I have sought for my US students. What some dismiss as old fashioned is still important such as fallacies, burden of proof, ambiguity, correlation/causation and irrelevance to name a few covered with substance and style by author, Mark Forshaw. It is my custom to send a "fan letter" to any author like Forshaw and express my appreciation for his work. As an author, I can attest to how much it means to hear from colleagues and students that my work has contributed to teaching and preparation for the counseling profession.

This book will definitely influence my "APA, the Painless Way" workshop and hopefully I can get it as a required text for incoming counseling students that I teach in Counseling 500.  Frankly, I may never have found this excellent resource without being here and benefiting from what my Icelandic colleagues already know.

Twice Blessed

I attended Reykjavik Cathedral this morning, Bishop Agnes Sigurardottir leading service. The massive pipe organ gives tones that are superior to the new electronics. When I saw the beaming faces of the couple sitting near me, I realized that their young son who disappeared mid-service was the organ soloist. WOW That is a talented young man. Having been the organist in my teen years, I was particularly impressed by his command of playing the foot pedals (no you cannot see them, its all by touch).  

After service, Bishop Agnes gave a warm greeting to all. I walked as fast as possible in the rain to tune into the live feed from First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks.  Singing from my apartment balcony with our wonderful choir and hearing Pastor Jeff's message; blessed in two languages!