Written by Jennifer Oldham
Abby is a lightly scented candle with a bright flickering flame. She has a quiet and calm presence and offers her warmth to people that she encounters. Abby became a Healing for the Healer retreat facilitator through her beginnings at The Healing Trust (THT) as an intern in 2018. Fresh off a difficult internship working with the unhoused population, she experienced intense burnout and overwhelm and was in a space that a lot of our retreat attendees find themselves in–trying to balance their great sense of compassion and drive with the reality of needing to take care of themselves on a deep level.
Abby describes her path into facilitation as a result of observing and becoming immersed in The Healing Trust’s culture during her internship. She initially attended as an intern, but staff encouragement and an alignment of values caused her to consider whether this could become a part of her career path.
“When we witness the suffering of other people, it impacts us,” she said. “It impacts our bodies, our spirits, our minds and I didn’t realize that there were places people could go to get some care, especially in the work context.”
A lifelong learner, Abby dove into learning more and received training via The Circle Center. She took opportunities to fill-in for other facilitators and eventually contracted with THT to lead circles. In 2021, Abby joined the THT team as a staff member and began managing our grants database, Sabbatical Grants, Staff Support Grants, and retreats. She said guiding the retreats allows her to access the “heart pieces” of her work and reminds her to also take care of herself.
“I feel like I definitely have to take care of myself to be able to facilitate,” she said. In the days leading up to it I’m like ‘alright, I’ve got to go to the gym. I’ve got to feed myself. Have I been to therapy? Have I filled my mind in a positive way?'”
When she’s not working, Abby fuels her flame by trying new recipes, diving into other people’s stories by reading nonfiction, exercising, and drinking coffee.
She looks forward to seeing you at a future Healing for the Healer Retreat! Register here.