Sky Help Services & Programs

Sky Help offers Trauma Recovery and Compassion Fatigue workshops, ongoing peer support, outreach, and referrals to individuals and family members suffering from or at risk for developing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Compassion Fatigue.  Since 1998, we have provided 2, 3 and 4-day intensive educational and therapeutic workshops for 6-12 individuals.  Returning veterans and their families are particularly vulnerable to stress and trauma related reactions. Peer outreach and support is essential.

Founder, Susan Howland, is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor.  Ms. Howland has spent the last 10+ years training in the most effective interventions for severe stress reactions including, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Thought Field Therapy, CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management), and Bessel Van der Kolk’s intensive training in trauma symptoms and effective treatment options.  She has participated in various 3-5 day trauma recovery group experiences worldwide.   

Sky Help Trauma Recovery Workshops are a relaxed and expanded form of Critical Incident Stress Management and Debriefing with added educational and experiential components. Workshops are held in a relaxing seaside home-like atmosphere. Participants share their experiences in a non-judgmental, supportive peer environment. Upon completion, participants are equipped with knowledge and skills to work through their own stress reactions and are able to support others experiencing similar forms of job-related and personal stress.

Methods used in workshops include: Take-home workbooks with educational materials and resources, experiential group and individual processing of events, films, optional individual consultations with a Trauma Specialist and optional massage therapy.  Relaxation techniques, humor and unstructured leisure time all enhance the experience and bonding of each group.  At the end of each workshop participants share contact information for ongoing phone and website support, updates and peer driven activities.  

Services/Benefits/Assistance Provided

We are listed on the World Trade Center Health Registry in New York City as a service provider and with the New Jersey Self Help Group Clearinghouse for peer support group services.  Sky Help maintains an up-to-date and constantly evolving interactive website and a toll-free number (1-877-SKY-HELP).

Workshops are conducted at several locations in Westchester County, NY and on Long Beach Island, NJ.  Participants have come from several different states, most in the NY/NJ metro areas.  Each workshop model is described below.

Model #1- Trauma Resilience and Rebuilding Workshops

The Sky Help Trauma Resilience and Rebuilding Workshop model is based on the Oklahoma City Bombing Critical Incident Workshop and is helpful for anyone who has been severely impacted by overwhelming trauma experienced in a large group context. These 4 day workshops are designed to bring together groups including: Returning Veterans, Emergency Responders and Personnel, Mental Health professionals, Chaplains and Volunteers in small peer group settings.  Upon completion, participants are better equipped to work through their experience and support others in recovery after the ravages of trauma.  The workshops are not psychotherapy, although they have definite therapeutic results. They are an expanded Critical Incident Stress debriefing with educational and experiential components including: stress resistance and resilience training, the nature of trauma, common reactions/symptoms, individual feelings and perspectives, unfinished business, suicide-potential & warning signs, and establishing ongoing Peer/Family Support.  Participants are also offered optional therapeutic massage, and an individual session with a licensed trauma specialist.

Model #2 – Compassion Fatigue Weekends

Professions in this category include, but are not limited to chaplains, social workers, nurses, first responders, EMTs, police officers, counselors, volunteers and family members. This 2-night/ 3-day workshop is designed to serve 6 – 12 participants.  It is held in a seaside home/bed & breakfast called The Oaks in New Rochelle, NY.  Other similar locations are available.  The workshop is designed to provide group education and experiential group support.  Breathing and relaxation techniques are taught throughout the workshop and included in each individual’s personal workbook.  Optional massage therapy and a consultation with an individual trauma specialist are also available.  Throughout the workshop, participants individually and as a group examine how their role as caretaker has applied and evolved throughout their lives. Participants are encouraged to design new personal contracts that include self-care and realistic self-expectations.  The small group dynamic is used to foster supportive peer relationships.  These relationships and the group remain intact/in touch after the workshop via an optional phone tree and a special “members only” bulletin board section of the website.