NEW BRUNSWICK — Voices of September 11th, which provides support and information to family members affected by the terrorist attacks, is continuing with its 10th anniversary speaker series this summer.
Most recently, the series featured Nicci Spinazzola, a marriage and family therapist, professional counselor and expert in trauma stress. Two additional speakers are scheduled for the upcoming months. Spinazzola sat with family members of 9/11 victims and rescue workers and spoke of the importance of transcending loss by building on existing strengths, focusing on skill development and not facing adversity alone.
“After experiencing unexpected loss, people either go into hiding or withdraw from support,” said Spinazzola. To counter this self-removal, she explained how one can produce an environment that promotes resiliency. “Resilience is hopefulness and a process to move you forward. You have to transcend the actual event … if you stay there, it becomes problematic.
Ways to build personal resilience include making connections with others, accepting change as a part of life, and taking decisive actions.
The loss experienced by those affected by 9/11 is also different in that it is extremely public.
“It’s a very different type of trauma and loss,” says Sheri Burkat, Voices’ program director. “It’s in the media. It’s in the history books.”
The next speaker session, to be held at 4 p.m. July 22, involves music therapy and voice and breath work, with Toby Williams. Williams is a music therapist, jazz singer, voice teacher and early education music instructor. She offers workshops on how to use the voice and body to promote emotional and physical healing. She teaches depth-breathing techniques, toning for stress relief and relaxation, vocal sounding, improvisation, and group vocal games.
At 11 a.m. on Aug. 31, Bonnie McEneaney will lead a session on “Messages: Signs, Visits & Premonitions from Loved Ones Lost on 9/11.” McEneaney, who lost her husband on 9/11, published “A Bend in the Road,” a compilation of her husband’s poetry. Her more recent book, “Messages,” is a collection of inspiring true stories about the spiritual experiences of those who lost loved ones on 9/11. She also is a Voices board member.
For reservations, call Sheri Burkat at 732-543-2300 or email [email protected].