The Refuge Center for Counseling to host Yoga and drop-in art classes

The Refuge Center for Counseling, a local non-profit serving over 4000 clients a year is adding new services to be hosted in their new facility: Yoga and drop in-art classes.

Recently announcing their “Somatic Movement” program (a therapeutic modality centered on using your body and movement to address emotional and psychological challenges), Refuge is now able to offer trauma-sensitive yoga as an extension of the somatic movement program, and one available for both clients and non-clients alike. Coordinator of the program and Staff Therapist, Donna Thompson, LPC-MHSP, says, “I’m especially excited about our yoga program that gives people an opportunity to prioritize their well-being, support their therapeutic journeys, build a sense of community, and find balance in their busy days.” Yoga will be offered several times a week for $10 a session. You can find the schedule and sign up at refugecenter.org/yoga.

Refuge will also be introducing art therapy for adults, open to both clients and non-clients. Held every other Friday, these $10 drop-in sessions require no sign-up and feature various art forms like collage, drawing, painting, and weaving. “This provides a creative outlet to explore self-expression at your own pace, build self-awareness, develop coping skills, and reduce stress,” says Staff Therapist and Coordinator of Groups and Intensives, Kelli Corley, LPC-MHSP (temp.).

“We are thrilled to offer these new initiatives to both clients and non-clients,” says Amy Alexander, LMFT, CEO & Co-Founder of The Refuge Center. “Our goal is to equip the community with creative and physical tools to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and address other mental health challenges. At the same time, we aim to combat the growing epidemic of loneliness by fostering connection and a sense of belonging. We hope you will join us, and see our new facility (which has made these initiatives possible) when you do.”