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Alana: www.compaticounselling.com
Shannon: www.supportwiths.ca
The ME/FM Society of BC continues to be proud of the community support programming we offer. Our social support and peer support sessions continue to be offered and well attended. We are so proud of our growing team of hosts, each bringing their own skills, experience and care to our community each month. It is our pleasure to be able to introduce these wonderful people to you!
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia. The ME/FM Society of BC is receiving funding from the Community Gaming Grants program to assist the delivery of social support groups and other community engagement efforts.
We also acknowledge the generous partnership between RBC and the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society, through which the ME|FM Society of BC is piloting a series of social support groups for individuals impacted by what is commonly known as Long COVID, and meeting the diagnostic criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
For more information about our groups, please visit: Support groups | MEFM SOCIETY OF BC.
Meet Alana:
Alana is a registered clinical counselor and has been working as a healing professional for over 20 years. She is the founder of Compati Counseling, www.compaticounselling.com, a virtual private practice located in Vancouver, BC. Alana works primarily with those living with chronic illness, both individually and in groups. Alana was previously a registered nurse and weaves her knowledge of the body into her therapeutic work. She has lived experience with rare and chronic illnesses and is passionate about supporting others on their healing journey.
Alana has been working with the ME/FM Society as a Social Support Group Facilitator since July 2022. In these sessions, she aims to hold safe, supportive space for participants to share their experiences living with chronic illness. Feelings of anger or grief, hope or joy are all welcomed and compassionately held in the session.
Alana hosts bimonthly sessions each 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 2 - 3pm PST.
Meet Shannon:
Shannon is a registered psychiatric nurse and counselor with a private practice out of Kelowna, BC. Shannon has a passion for helping people recognize their patterns, embody their self worth, embrace their identity and practice self compassion. Her practice, Support with S, www.supportwiths.ca, focuses on providing trauma-informed and client-centred care for those suffering from anxiety, depression, psychosis, low self esteem, trauma, family conflict, and chronic illness. Shannon has also worked internationally and understands the importance of culture on one's well being and sense of belonging.
Shannon has been working with the ME/FM Society as a Social Support Group Facilitator since March 2022. In these sessions, she aims to foster connection through shared experiences; allow space for varied emotions and thoughts; and provide meaningful facilitation and dialogue, while maintaining respect for all participants.
Shannon hosts bimonthly sessions each first and third Thursday of the month from 1 - 2pm.
Meet Jessie:
Jessie is a university student who lives with ME and FM. She is currently studying Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia, and hopes to become a medical doctor to help and advocate for others living with ME, FM and other complex chronic diseases.
Jessie started volunteering with the ME/FM Society of BC as a Social Hangout Host in 2022. Her interest to volunteer came from her desire to become more engaged with the ME/FM community, and to support others like her living with complex chronic disease. When she’s not studying, she enjoys making crafts and doing photography!
During the Social Hangout sessions, Jessie aims to facilitate a supportive environment, while also having some fun with other attendees. Jessie hosts the Social Support Hangouts (Monday) and Social Dinnertime Hangouts (Friday) each month.
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