Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County is thrilled to sponsor a special event focused on the powerful connection between mentorship and mental health. The Healing Bridge: Mentoring’s Role in Healing From Trauma is part of a celebration of January as National Mentoring Month. This event will take place on Saturday, January 20, at the Unitarian Universalists Church located at 2201 Lawton Avenue, San Luis Obispo.
The afternoon will kick off at 2:00pm with appetizers and at 2:30pm an interview between two remarkable individuals – Elizabeth Barrett, licensed marriage and family therapist known as “The Reluctant Therapist,” and Katya Cengel, accomplished journalist and author of the compelling memoir, Straitjackets and Lunch Money: A 10-Year-Old in a Psychosomatic Ward.
Event Highlights
THE HEALING BRIDGE: MENTORING’S ROLE IN HEALING FROM TRAUMA
Date: Saturday, January 20
Time: 2:00pm
Location: Unitarian Universalists Church, 2201 Lawton Avenue, San Luis Obispo
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County
About Author Katya Cengel
Katya Cengel’s journey began in 1986 when she became patient number 090 71 51 at the Roth Psychosomatic Unit at Children’s Hospital. At the age of 10, she found herself in a straitjacket and on anti psychotic medication. Three decades later, Katya, now a journalist, retraced her steps, documenting her experiences in the thought-provoking book, Straitjackets and Lunch Money: A 10-Year Old in a Psychosomatic Ward. Join us to hear how her tumultuous past inspired her role as a Big Sister and her ongoing commitment to mentorship.
About Elizabeth Barrett, The Reluctant Therapist
Elizabeth W. Barrett is a distinguished licensed marriage and family therapist with over 25 years of experience in the helping professions. As a clinician, coach, and educator, she has made significant 2 of 4 contributions to the field. Elizabeth is also a Lecturer in the Psychology and Child Development Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. For 15 years, she has been the voice behind the weekly radio show and podcast, A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, on KCBX Central Coast Public Radio. This event is a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of mentorship and mental health, featuring personal stories and insights from two influential figures in the field. We invite the community to join us for an afternoon of connection, inspiration, and dialogue.