Dr. Jen Clifden
Educator | Researcher | Relationship Scientist
Healing-Centered Community Support
Individual + Collective Healing
We cultivate individual well-being through a collective lens—centering strengths, self-trust, shared experiences, and a deep belief in hope and transformation. At the same time, we address the systemic stressors that shape both personal and communal health—because true healing must also be just.
A Salutogenic, Trauma-Responsive Approach
Each 60–90 minute gathering centers on the origins of health, healing, and resilience—not illness. These supportive communities create safe spaces where optimal mental health and well-being are not only possible, but sustainable.
Grounded in asset-based and trauma-responsive approaches, we affirm that our responses to stress, pressure, and overwhelm are protective—not defective. Through the lenses of “what happened to you” and “what is right with you,” participants explore shared experiences and transform challenges into opportunities to deepen purpose and amplify positive impact.
When we share our lived experiences in a safe, guided setting, the weight of stress becomes lighter. We remember that we are not alone—and that healing happens together.
Community is how we respond to injustice. It is how we maintain balance. Our journeys are varied, our experiences unique, but the home we seek is the same place:
a place of trust, a place of welcome, a place of respect.
(Charleston, 2021)
"These groups served as a nurturing space of mutual support. Our sessions equipped me with practical tools to navigate the challenges of teaching and also instilled within me a profound sense of purpose and interconnectedness."
Middle School Teacher
IN-PERSON, On-Site
TLYC | Communities of Practice
Caring for our caregivers is our purpose.
We use people-centered care practices to create protected spaces where human-service professionals can connect, process stress, and restore balance.
Each 60–90 minute TLYC | CoP session engages staff in embodying the core competencies of mental health and well-being that prevent burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional exhaustion and fuel self-empowerment, self-advocacy, and self-awareness.
TLYC | CoP Format
REST
Regulate Nervous System
Gather in circle, check-in, engage a somatic body movement practice designed to soothe the nervous system, release tension, ground overwhelm, enhance mood, and renew energy in the physical body.
RESTORATION
Process & Make Meaning
Discuss a foundational concept of the core curriculum, apply the concept to a current stressor, and engage our signature Burn Balanced Cognitive - Behavioral Process to create collective meaning, gain insight, and produce collective widsom.
REVITALIZATION
Connect with Self and Others
Close the circle by providing time for individuals to share what they are taking away and brainstorm boundary setting practices that protect and insulate one's mental and emotional health from external stressors.
What they look like in practice
The Light You Cast™ Communities of Practice (TLYC | CoP)
are 60 or 90 minute, in-person guided support circles that engage core principles and practices of The Light You Cast™ curriculum in an informal, practical, and personal way.
OPT-IN | Attend one, Attend some, Attend many
ON-GOING | Weekly, Bi-Monthly, Monthly
ON-SITE | After school/work, PD days
GUIDED | Facilitated by Jen or your own site-based The Light You Cast Communities of Practice GUIDE.
GUIDE Training
The Light You Cast™
Communities of Practice
The Light You Cast™ CoP | GUIDEs are coached and continually supported in how to create and hold structured, 60, 75, or 90 minute, small group community circles (or one-on-one mentoring support) that create space and provide support for individuals to connect with their body, metabolize a collective stressor though community processing, and engage mental health practices.
TLYC Communities of Practice | GUIDE training series is ideal for site-based school or staff counselors, teacher mentors, leaders, or mental health professionals who want to deepen their personal mental and self health practices and who want to create spaces for their peers to feel the power of community health and healing.
INTERACTIVE 18 hour
training at your site
COHORT Model
INDIVIDUALIZED Mentoring
ONLINE Library of Resources
ON-GOING Support and Coaching
GUIDE TRAINING
Investment Cost
$600 per participant for a 18 hour training series & unlimited access to the The Light You Cast™ ON-DEMAND, Self-Paced Curriculum for 1 year.
*Gather a group of interested individuals at a school site or your organization and receive a site-based cohort discount. Contact Jen directly.
