If you’re looking for a unique way to make a difference, donating stock could be a great option. With the stock market performing well, many investors are seeing significant gains. Rather than cashing out, you might consider donating some of those appreciated stocks directly to a nonprofit like Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Here’s why this could be a smart choice.
Why Donate Stock?
Stock donations are not only a financially savvy way to support the causes you care about but also a highly impactful one. Here are some of the unique benefits to consider:
Avoid Capital Gains Tax When you sell stock, you typically owe capital gains tax on any increase in value. By donating the stock directly, you avoid this tax, allowing you to contribute a larger amount to the nonprofit—tax-free. For instance, if your stock has doubled in value, you won’t owe tax on that gain, which means your gift’s value is maximized.
Receive a Fair Market Deduction Stock donations also allow you to deduct the full fair market value of the stock on the day of the donation. This can offset your income tax for the year, further enhancing the tax efficiency of your gift.
Strengthen Your Impact With the market’s recent strength, many investors are in a position to give generously. This means your donation could have an even greater impact than a cash gift, as you’re able to contribute a more significant amount without it costing you any extra out-of-pocket.
When we receive stock donations, it allows for larger contributions that help us create a stronger impact in the community. Because these gifts often have higher values due to tax benefits, they empower us to fund vital programs and plan for the future with greater confidence.
Donating Stock is Easier Than You Might Think
If this sounds like a meaningful way to give, rest assured that donating stock is often a simple process as outlined in the below image from a reputable source. By choosing to donate stock, you’re supporting our mission in an impactful way while also making the most of recent gains in the market.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to give stock, reach out to Heather Stuyvesant or call 515-564-5122. We’d love to help you make the most of your generosity as we wrap up on 2024.
A heartfelt letter written by our 2024 Women Helping Women Honoree and Author, Carol Bodensteiner. We’re grateful Carol chose Mind & Spirit Counseling Center as part of her journey.
Dear Friends,
If you’re anything like me, you believe that you should be able to handle whatever life throws your way. We all know there will be bumps in the road, but even when we stumble, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and start again.
This mindset comes naturally to me. From my English heritage, I inherited the traits of a ‘stiff upper lip’ and the determination to ‘keep calm and carry on.’ From my German roots, I acquired the ability to work hard and solve my own problems. These values have served me well throughout my life—through a successful career, raising a son, and navigating the ups and downs of marriage and divorce. No challenge seemed insurmountable if I just kept moving forward.
But life has a way of testing us, sometimes beyond our limits.
When my mother passed away in August 2007, it was a shock, but at 91, her death felt natural. However, less than nine months later, my sister died by suicide, and I was knocked off balance. Within the next 18 months, I lost two close cousins and my aunt. My marriage also hit a rough patch. The weight of so much loss in such a short time, coupled with the strain on my marriage, shook me to my core. I began to question everything—my faith, my values, and even my own identity.
Despite it all, I believed I could still manage on my own. I thought if I just put one foot in front of the other, I could keep going. But I wasn’t okay. When my husband suffered a serious injury, I realized I couldn’t take it anymore. Life had become overwhelming, and I was at my breaking point.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, I confided in a friend, who recommended the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Although I had known about the Center for years, counseling had never been my first choice. It wasn’t the way I was raised. But I had nothing left, and I knew it was time to seek help.
From the moment I walked through the doors of the Center, I was met with compassion and understanding. My counselor was soft-spoken and caring, guiding me through my present-day struggles while helping me unpack the deeper issues from my past. Week after week, session after session, she provided a safe space for me to cry, reflect, and heal.
As a writer, I process my emotions through words, and I brought that into my counseling sessions. With a notebook on my lap and pen in hand, I recorded my thoughts, even as tears blurred the ink. My counselor’s gentle questions helped me examine my own experiences and provided me with the perspective I desperately needed. Over time, I began to find my footing again.
I am deeply grateful to the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center for being my safe haven during the darkest time of my life. Their talented counselors provide a lifeline to so many who, like me, reach a point where we can’t go it alone, no matter how strong or independent we believe ourselves to be.
As the year comes to a close, I invite you to join me in supporting the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Your generous donation will ensure that this beacon of hope continues to shine for those who need it most. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of others who find themselves at a crossroads, searching for the strength to carry on.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Carol Bodensteiner is a public relations professional with over two decades of experience in the marketing industry. After leaving agency life, Carol embarked on a successful writing career, authoring several books, including a memoir and novels depicting life in Iowa. A long-time supporter of the Center, she has served on the Women Helping Women committee for several years, including as a co-chair. Carol is passionate about helping others succeed through initiatives supporting literacy and language by serving as an adult ELL teacher for Oakridge Neighborhood and reading to children through the United Way Book Buddy Program. In her free time, she participates in two book clubs and savors time on her acreage with her husband, David, and with her son’s family, who visit often.
Written by Andrea Severson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Spiritual Director
A little more than a decade ago, I was a young pastor with two congregations, a husband and two small children. My churches and my family were all wonderful, but I struggled with finding balance and finding myself in the midst of my roles and responsibilities. I began PrairieFire desperately seeking to revitalize my spiritual life and to find some peace and clarity. I hoped it would provide a sense of contentment and confidence that would enable me to be the pastor (and wife and mom) that I thought I was supposed to be. I didn’t anticipate just how it would turn my life upside down!
Within a year of beginning PrairieFire, I’d applied to Drake’s counseling program; I began taking classes part-time in the summer. Two years later, I graduated from PrairieFire in the midst of saying goodbye to the churches I served and moving to begin as a very part-time chaplain and a full-time student. (I took the husband and children with me!) Three years later, I completed the PrairieFire third year practicum in spiritual direction and began interning as a mental health counselor at what was then the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center (now Mind & Spirit Counseling Center). Four years later, I graduated from Drake and began working as a clinician and spiritual director at the Center.
All of these changes in my life unfolded through a process of growth that invited me to see God, myself and my vocational calling in new ways. Rather than finally becoming the person I thought I was supposed to be, I leaned in to loving and living more fully as the person I actually was. I began to consider the ways that my passions and my heart’s deepest longings might reflect God’s desires for me. Call became less about obligation and more about invitation.
It would be impossible to identify every person and experience that nurtured this growth, but I will name two distinct moments that served as turning points along the way. The first is a listening exercise we were asked to do early in my second year of PrairieFire. As I was sharing with my partner about a change I was exploring, Mary Jo asked me a simple question: “What do you want?” I was startled to discover how unprepared I was to answer the question! While I had given a lot of consideration to what other people—and God—might want or need or expect, it hadn’t occurred to me to think about my own experience. As I was finding my way, that question encouraged to see myself as a person worth considering too. The second moment that stands out is a conversation I had with my spiritual director several months later as I was discerning next steps vocationally. She asked a clarifying question about a particular possibility, and my candid response expressed a sense of unfreedom so strong that I shocked myself! My spiritual director sat with me in silence that allowed me to hear the truth my heart was speaking. I left that session with a great deal more clarity than I had when it began.
We live lives that often feel rushed, distracted, overly busy and anxious. We tend towards quick fixes that provide some instant relief or gratification rather than allowing ourselves (or others) to slow down and to be in the discomfort of stillness, uncertainty and ambiguity. I still find that the quiet truth of my spirit, the call of the Divine in my life, can get lost in the clamor of voices in the world around me. This is why spiritual community and spiritual direction matter to me. I don’t generally need advice or validation, though that doesn’t stop me for seeking both at times. What I need is someone who will invite me to notice the sacredness of time and space, who will be present with patience and compassion to welcome the most true and honest version of myself, who will listen deeply for the wisdom within, and who will trust the unfolding of my path, even when I don’t. I am truly grateful for those who have—and do—come alongside me to meet these needs.
I hope that you have trusted people in your life who are present with you to listen for the truth your heart speaks. If you are looking to deepen your own sense of community and connection with deep listeners, you might consider finding a spiritual director or learning more about PrairieFire. (Our next class will begin in September 2025.) Keep in mind that there are no guarantees about what you might discover along the way… it might just turn your life upside down!
Andrea Severson, (she/her), Co-Director of PrairieFire, is a spiritual director and Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center and an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. Her degrees include a Master of Science in counseling from Drake University and a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. She is a member of Spiritual Directors International and graduate of the PrairieFire program. Andrea is grateful for opportunities to hear the unique stories of others, to explore intersections between mind, body and spirit and to bear witness to the work of the Sacred through her work in spiritual direction and counseling. In her practice, she works with adults from a variety of backgrounds and faith traditions. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys reading historical fiction, listening to live music and camping with her family.
Iowa faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals, ranking 45th in the nation for workforce availability, according to Mental Health America’s 2023 report. Nearly half of Iowans with mental health needs report challenges accessing care, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has noted a staggering 40% rise in suicides in Iowa between 2014 and 2020, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive mental health services. In response, initiatives that bolster the mental health workforce are essential and we task ourselves into nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals.
The Mind & Spirit Counseling Center’s Clinical Training Program
Since 1980, the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges through its Clinical Training Program. This multi-tiered initiative is designed to equip aspiring mental health professionals with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the field. The program consists of three key components:
1. Graduate Internship
The Graduate Internship offers a nine-month, 20-25 hour per week opportunity for graduate students pursuing careers in psychology, social work, and counseling. Under the mentorship of experienced clinicians, interns provide direct services to clients, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. This approach not only enriches their education but also helps meet the growing demand for mental health services in Iowa.
2. Clinical Residency
The Clinical Residency is a two-year full-time program designed for provisionally licensed clinicians. Residents receive ongoing supervision while managing a caseload of clients. They are encouraged to specialize in high-demand areas such as trauma, family therapy, and perinatal mental health, ensuring they are well-prepared to address diverse community needs.
3. Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Postdoctoral Fellowship prepares psychologists for independent licensure through supervised clinical activities and training rotations. This experience is crucial for developing the competencies necessary to navigate the complexities of modern mental health care.
Insights from Dr. Scott Young
Dr. Scott Young, Director of Psychological Services, has been instrumental in developing these training programs for pre-and-postdoctoral students. His motivation stems from his own experiences during his Ph.D. program when he found limited internship opportunities in Iowa. “At that time, there were only two VA hospital sites and two University Counseling Centers,” he reflects. “I had to go out of state to find a generalist internship that included sensitivity to religious and spiritual issues in practice.”
Dr. Young emphasizes the importance of local training opportunities, noting, “Where a trainee goes for their internship can significantly influence their decision to stay in the area. Iowa really needs psychologists.” His vision for the training programs focuses on providing comprehensive, well-rounded training to increase the number of qualified mental health professionals in the state.
Insights from Dr. Heidi Bowden
Dr. Heidi Bowden, the Center’s Clinical Training Director, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Inspired by her challenging work with clients, particularly in a jail setting, she has dedicated herself to helping individuals one at a time. “I made a promise to myself to ‘work myself out of a job’ by helping others through each intervention,” she shares. This commitment fuels her drive to train novice professionals who will eventually join her as colleagues.
Dr. Bowden aims to broaden the reach of the training program by partnering with various master’s-level schools across Iowa, fostering a diverse cohort of interns. “By expanding our classes to include participation from providers outside our agency, we can enhance the training experience,” she explains. She also recognizes the critical role of clinical supervisors in guiding interns, advocating for improved training and support for them to create a positive learning environment.
Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Future
Both Dr. Young and Dr. Bowden express enthusiasm for the next cohort of interns. Dr. Bowden notes, “Emma’s eagerness and enthusiasm to learn everything about counseling and therapy truly energizes our team.” She is excited to see how Emma’s unique gifts will contribute to the organization and her future clients.
Dr. Young shares similar sentiments about Mark and Sierra, stating, “They both have clear visions for their future practices but are open to becoming well-rounded generalists.” He expresses his hope that by investing in their training, they may choose to stay in Iowa and continue serving the community. “I’m eager to help them develop into the skilled professionals we need,” he adds, underscoring the importance of nurturing future psychologists to address Iowa’s mental health needs.
Meet the Students: Future Leaders in Mental Health
As part of the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center’s Clinical Training Program, we are thrilled to introduce this year’s student clinicians. Each person is enthusiastic about their training experiences and the opportunities that lie ahead in their careers as mental health professionals. Hear what they have to say about their experiences at the Center so far!
Emma Mraz
Emma Mraz is particularly excited about the continuous learning opportunities provided by the training program. She values the seminars that foster her curiosity and professional growth, stating, “This learning will be beneficial because it allows us to gain information on how to better serve our clients.” Emma appreciates the supportive environment, noting that the clinicians she works with genuinely care about her development both as a person and a professional.
“The clinicians that I work closely with have held space for me to explore who I am becoming as a mental health counselor,” Emma shares. This sense of community has been invaluable to her, and she feels grateful for the chance to develop her skills in such a nurturing setting.
Emma hopes to gain several key skills during her training, including ways to show up as her authentic self for clients, effective case conceptualization, achieving a work-life balance, and tools to help both her and her clients remain present during sessions.
Sierra Lauber
Sierra Lauber is genuinely excited to be joining the Center’s clinical team and has been truly touched by the warmth and kindness shown to her by everyone. The welcoming atmosphere has already made a positive impact on her experience as she looks forward to her postdoctoral training. She is especially eager to continue her work supporting children and families through therapy and assessment. Additionally, Sierra feels encouraged by the support she has received for expanding the group therapy services offered at the Center and remains hopeful about this opportunity.
Mark Thomas
Mark Thomas is excited about the opportunities provided by the training program, particularly the integrated care aspect. He looks forward to engaging in both assessment and therapy, while working alongside various clinicians in the field. This experience, he believes, will contribute significantly to his development as a more well-rounded psychologist, equipping him to meet the diverse needs of future clients.
Mark also values the mentorship and support offered by the program’s staff. Each mentor brings a unique perspective, allowing him to grow in areas of practice where he seeks further development. He appreciates the personable nature of the clinicians he has worked with so far, which has enhanced his learning experience.
One of Mark’s key goals is to broaden his knowledge in conducting assessments, particularly in the area of autism. With guidance of the Center, he hopes to gain more practical experience in evaluating clients with autism, a skill set he believes will be vital in his future career as a mental health professional.
Conclusion
The Mind & Spirit Counseling Center’s Clinical Training Program plays an important role in addressing Iowa’s mental health crisis. By nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals, the program enhances the quality of care available while strengthening the overall workforce. As Iowa continues to navigate significant challenges in mental health service availability, initiatives like this are essential for ensuring that all Iowans have access to the care they need. With passionate leaders like Dr. Young and Dr. Bowden at the helm, the future looks bright for aspiring counselors and psychologists, and the communities they will serve.
If you’re interested in supporting our Clinical Training Program, which is dedicated to strengthening the mental health workforce in Iowa, we invite you to reach out to Director of Development, Heather Stuyvesant. She would be happy to discuss how you can contribute a gift and get involved in making a meaningful impacttoday.
Written by Danielle Foreman, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
As the school year continues and kids and teens are busy participating in a variety of life activities and sports, it can be a challenge to find quality time together to stay connected. Luckily parents and caregivers have the ability to reaffirm and strengthen the connection and bond with their children using praise and simply validating their child’s experiences and feelings. These small moments of recognition tap into the power of being seen, where children feel valued and understood. While these moments of connection can be very powerful, they often don’t have to be complicated.
Below are some examples of ways you can connect, validate, praise and encourage your children and teens:
“You have improved since your last game”
“You organized the toys in your room so well while you were tidying up”
“That was really thoughtful of you”
“You look really proud of yourself”
“Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I love hearing from you”
“I love spending time with you”
“I know that you did your best”
“That was really brave what you did”
“This family would not be the same without you”
“You were such a kind and caring friend when you…”
“I see how much effort you put into (your homework, practice, performance, friendship, etc.)”
“I admire your confidence”
“You set such a good example for others by being a team player”
“You are so resilient and didn’t let that (challenge, mistake, situation, etc.) stop you”
“Your passion about _____ amazes me”
“Thank you for being you”
“You solved that problem! It was tricky but you found a way”
“I love watching you do things that you enjoy”
Even taking a few minutes a day to connect with your child and teen can help them feel seen and reinforce the love and safety you provide as a caregiver and parent, which in turn can help decrease the sense of isolation and disconnection that so many are struggling with today.
A kind and encouraging word can make all the difference in any person’s day and I hope that the examples provided will inspire you to incorporate the power of being seen by briefly connecting and encouraging your children, teens, and anyone else that you might be around today.
Over 500 attendees joined the Center’s 26th annual Women Helping Women event on May 17, 2024, raising nearly $290,000 to support vital mental health counseling, education, training, and services for underinsured women, children, and families in need.
Carol Bodensteiner, the 2024 Women Helping Women Honoree, delivers an inspiring speech to a supportive crowd at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Her advocacy for mental health and the invaluable guidance she received from the Center during a challenging time exemplify the awareness we aim to promote.
Whether you’re new to Women Helping Women, or a longtime supporter, please enjoy highlights from our 2024 luncheon!
Watch the video of the entire program to experience Carol and Teri’s profound messages on how mental health care for women can be life changing.
We gathered nearly 600 people for an inspiring luncheon at the Meadows Event Center in Altoona, Iowa on May 17, 2024! A celebration of 26 years of honoring women who inspire with kindness and lead with purpose, we enjoyed a dynamic program from our 2024 honoree, Carol Bodensteiner, and our keynote speaker Teri Hughes-Paulline, LISW, who emphasized the critical importance of mental health care in their own lives. They highlighted the significant impact that proper mental health support can have on individuals and communities.
The event successfully raised over $287,000, which will greatly contribute to the mission of the Center in providing essential mental health services to women, children and families in need. The funds raised enable the Center to expand its programs, reach more individuals, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges.
Teri Hughes-Paulline inspires nearly 600 attendees with her beautiful speech relating stories of her 50 years as a therapist back to the mission of the Center.A special thanks to Leigh O’Tool (co-chair), Shirley Poertner (co-chair), Carol Bodensteiner (honoree), Teri Hughes-Paulline (speaker), and Jim Hayes (Mind & Spirit Counseling Center executive director)Honoree, Carol Bodensteiner, shares a heartwarming speech how the Center helped her in a time of great loss and processing grief. Laurie Betts Sloterdyk expresses a heartfelt ‘goodbye’ as she embarks on retirement and graciously welcomes Heather Stuyvesant as the new Director of Development.2024 co-chair, Shirley Poertner, welcomes the audience to the 26th Annual Women Helping Women luncheon.2024 co-chair, Leigh O’Tool, shares a moment of gratitude for attendees, sponsors and donors who help make this event a success.Poet and author, Diane Glass, reads her poem “Unearth the Future” to our guests.Congratulations to all the great work by the 2024 Women Helping Women committee and members of the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center staff!
Thank you to our generous sponsors and donors who helped the 26th Annual Women Helping Women event raise nearly $290,000. Your contribution ensures mental health services for women, children and families who are uninsured or underinsured.
As we said goodbye to our dear colleague, friend, and talented artist, Emily Lovell, we reflect on the remarkable impact she’s had at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Emily’s journey with us began in a role far removed from the artistic realm—she started as our Administrative Assistant. Little did we know then that she would soon transform our space with her vibrant creativity!
When Emily first joined our team, it quickly became clear that her talents extended beyond administrative skills. As our children’s wing of the building became a colorful canvas for our clients’ artwork, we realized that the adult wing lacked a similar expression of creativity. Emily, recognizing this gap, saw an opportunity to infuse the space with a touch of art that would resonate with our adult clients in a more mature and playful way.
Emily’s initial vision was ambitious: an entire mural that would transition from nighttime moths and plants to colorful butterflies and flowers. Though time constraints meant she couldn’t complete this full vision, what she created instead is nothing short of remarkable. The abstract mural she developed became a dynamic backdrop, embodying the essence of her intended design. Emily chose to keep the mural abstract and fluid, allowing her creativity to dance along the wall rather than confining it to a single form. Her inspiration flowed naturally, guided by the movement of her brush and the evolving blend of colors, which serendipitously mirrored the Center’s brand logo and colors. As Emily herself puts it, “It was kind of an accident, but turned out really cool.”
Emily Lovell, pictured next to her abstract mural on the adult wing of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center.
To complement the mural, Emily created a series of canvases featuring butterflies and moths, adding a personal touch to the reception area and ensuring that the adult wing retained the essence of her vision. Her artistic journey, influenced by her deeply creative family, has always been characterized by experimentation and discovery. From ceramics to abstract painting, Emily embraces the freedom to explore and create without boundaries.
So what’s next for Emily? She is embarking on a new adventure in Hawaii, where she will continue to nurture her artistry. Her plans include participating in farmers markets, creating functional art, and curating commissioned pieces. Emily’s small jewelry business, Fuzzy Mango, named after her beloved cat, will also be part of her new journey. Her free spirit and boundless creativity will surely find a warm and welcoming home in the Hawaiian community.
We wish Emily all the best in her new endeavors and look forward to seeing her artistic journey unfold. Thank you, Emily, for leaving an indelible mark on Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Your art will continue to brighten our days and inspire us long after you’ve moved on to your next adventure.
May your creative spirit continue to shine brightly in Hawaii!
As a child therapist, it is such an honor that parents and caregivers allow me to work individually with their children. We often hear the term “play therapy” used when working with children. Play therapy encompasses many modalities and theories that a therapist can use. Since each child is so different, therapeutic approaches should be tailored accordingly. One of my favorite modalities to use with children, teens, families, and even adults, is Sand Tray Therapy.
So, what is Sand Tray Therapy exactly? Sand Tray is a modality that allows the individual to process intrapersonal and interpersonal issues through the use of verbal and nonverbal communication by using sand tray materials such as miniatures (toys) and a sandbox. This modality enables the therapist to employ both nondirective and directive therapy techniques, helping clients process emotions and situations through play. Sand Tray Therapy is a non-threatening approach that can take the pressure off needing to talk to the therapist and instead using images and a sensory component to allow the client to process.
There are many ways that Sand Tray Therapy can be used. Personally, I like to use it with kids and teens with anxiety or trauma. I also use this modality with families to allow family members to express concerns and emotions in the relationships. Sand Tray Therapy can be great for resistant clients, rapport building and a great exercise to step inside the client’s world.
“Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.”
Virginia Axline
This modality allows just that—expressive sensory meets nonverbal language to assist with processing where the therapist is able to ask questions to explore deeper. The trained therapist is able to identify play therapy themes, ask curious questions and wonder to assist with processing.
Over the last 6 years of practice, I have seen many beautiful trays and it always seems to be a fan favorite that can also meet many needs of a client.
An example of a sand tray that may have someone processing how they feel they need to keep their love and happiness contained and instead have some explosive behaviors.(This is not an actual client example.)
At Mind & Spirit Counseling Center, we are filled with joy and gratitude as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of twelve individuals who have recently become our next cohort of PrairieFire Graduates. This milestone marks not just the completion of their training, but a testament to their dedication, growth, and the profound journey they have undertaken.
Over the past year, these graduates embarked on a transformative journey through PrairieFire, a unique program designed to deepen spiritual understanding and enhance the ability to companion others on their spiritual paths. Their commitment to extending their learning for a third year is a reflection of their passion for developing their listening skills and their earnest desire to support others in their spiritual explorations.
The PrairieFire program has been a beacon of hope and renewal for those seeking to clear the inner clutter that obscures their connection to their true selves. Through rigorous self-reflection and community support, participants like our graduates have learned to navigate their own spiritual landscapes, and in doing so, they have become more effective guides for others.
Our celebration honored not just the academic achievements of these graduates, but also their personal growth and the gifts they bring to their communities. Their perseverance and openness have paved the way for them to earn their certificates of completion—a symbol of their hard work, insight, and the spiritual maturity they have developed over their time with us.
For those unfamiliar with PrairieFire, it is a two-year program dedicated to spiritual renewal, deepening, and formation. PrairieFire provides a safe and sacred environment where participants can clear their inner terrain, allowing new growth to flourish. Within this supportive community, individuals explore their beliefs, challenge negative attitudes, and uncover the divine nature present in their everyday lives. This transformative process involves confronting harmful thinking and embracing a more profound understanding of oneself and one’s relationship with the divine.
Mind & Spirit Counseling Center will be accepting applications for the next PrairieFire class starting January 1, 2025. If you are interested in joining a community dedicated to spiritual growth and renewal, we encourage you to consider applying. You can contact Andrea Severson with any questions or to be added to our interests list.
As we reflect on the journey of our recent graduates, we are reminded of the power of perseverance, community, and spiritual dedication. We are honored to have played a role in their journey and look forward to the continued impact they will make in the lives of those they encounter.
Congratulations to our PrairieFire graduates—your journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see where it leads you.
