I’d like to introduce myself and express my gratitude to the Jewish Family Services (JFS) staff and wider Jewish community here in Kansas City for the warm welcome.
I'm Keslie Redel, and since I began my role as JFS’s clinical director in mid-March, I’ve been feeling energized by the meaningful work of our mental health team. For the past 10 years, I have been practicing as a mental health counselor, art therapist and play therapist in various settings, providing clinical and art therapy supervision for mental health providers seeking advanced credentialing and teaching continuing education for mental health and allied health professionals. I look forward to nurturing the growth and development of JFS’s mental health program.
Mental health shapes our day-to-day lives, and it continues to be a topic that is stigmatized and sometimes unacknowledged within our society. Mental health is composed of various facets of our wellbeing, including our ability to process our thoughts and emotions and our skills in regulating those thoughts and emotions. Many of us can relate to noticing a particularly feisty driver on the road, honking their horn and attempting to aggressively pass a slower driver. This is one small example of how mental health affects our collective wellbeing and safety. Current world events demonstrate many examples of how mental health impacts our global community. All humans have thoughts, feel emotions and carry challenges and burdens. This is a universal experience.
I empower you to slow down and check-in with how you’re actually doing. I empower you to say “no” to one small task or obligation that can wait. I empower you to reach out to that friend you haven’t heard from in a while. I empower you to connect with the people, pets, hobbies, activities and places you love. And lastly, I empower you to ask for help, even when it feels hard. You can do hard things!
Sending you sunshine and wishes for wellness from all of us here at JFS.