Intergenerational
Relationships
Ever-expanding Circles of Friends
Local experts share insights & wisdom on creative ways
to improve relations among generations.
by linda Sechrist
T
he nurturing of intergenerational relationships exists both in-
“Horses are sentient beings that
side and outside of traditional family contexts. Most frequent- teach us a lot about communication,
ly, it is grandparents, parents and children who strive to create
particularly the non-verbal kind,” says
Condello. She explains how horses
and maintain close connections across age groups. But intergenera-
teach both parts of the communication
tional specialists believe that all such connections are vital and essential process—transmitting and receiving.
to engaging in meaningful activities throughout our lives.
Horses are particularly alert and
receptive to nonverbal cues; they
For experts like Misti Burmeister, author of Bloomers to Bloggers, challenged instinctively pick up on a person’s in-
to create holistic, community-based, intergenerational solutions, the first step is ner anxiety, hostility or fear and reflect
fostering rapport and interdependence across generations—related or not. She those emotions back in an exagger-
notes how open-ended communications between age groups can foster a sense of ated response. Thus, “A horse teaches
intimate connectedness. us that we have to be in touch with
“One of several keys to establishing better communication and collaboration our feelings and check in on our inner
is commonality,” recommends Burmeister. “Increased understanding creates in- life in order to be aware of what we
creased collaboration, while differences, when not understood, can cause conflict. may be transmitting nonverbally. For
When differences are understood and highlighted as positive, newfound common- example, we can’t calm a horse when
ality is created and people work together more productively.” our own heart rate is up,” advises Con-
This month, Natural Awakenings queried several local experts for insights and dello. “Being in touch with our feelings
wisdom on creative ways to improve relations among generations. is something all of us need to do to be
better communicators.”
Fresh Perspectives
Sara Henry, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Naples, believes in the Eye-Opening Experiences
benefits of creative play and intergenerational theatre. Henry notes that stepping Improved communication is Sparkle
outside the defining relationship or circumstances can ease differences in age, Simmons’ specialty. The facilitator of
familial roles and communication styles. the Understanding Yourself and Others
“Play is a child’s world,” says Henry. “It’s how children communicate, (UYO) program at the Center to Self
process everything and stay connected. So, I recommend that we get on a child’s Reliance, in Fort Myers is connected
level. Follow their lead and just play. It’s something adults need more of, anyway.” with Global Relationship Centers, a
Other suggestions practiced in her Skills at the Heart of Relationship work- personal development organization.
shops are to listen in a nonjudgmental and inquiring way. “It’s important to ask She frequently works as a confidence
children for more elaboration about their experience, rather than overwhelming coach with UYO graduates.
them with your own,” she advises. “The UYO is a multi-generational
Stepping inside a pen with a 1,200-pound horse is an experience that auto- weekend program that attracts an array
matically takes an individual beyond their limiting set of daily circumstances and of ages from 16 to 70,” Simmons notes.
conditioning. As a board-certified psychiatrist who offers equine-facilitated psy- “It’s rooted in the theories of individual
chotherapy at her 30-acre Triple V Ranch in Naples, Dr. Virginia Condello sees psychology articulated by Alfred Adler
communication breakthroughs daily. (1870-1937).
2 Collier / Lee Counties
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72