Pastoral Counseling and Group Support
If you are interested in private pastoral counseling, call 408-357-7451 or email Rabbi Brickner at barneyb@jfssv.org or call 408-357-7451.
Rabbi Brickner, our JFS SV Coordinator of Community Wellbeing, offers also leads various support groups.
Counseling Support Groups - Summer 2021
This summer, Rabbi Brickner is offering the following JFS SV community support groups. Support groups help to provide tools and friendship through sharing ideas and resources with peers and professionals. They are most helpful for families and friends needing “helpful hints.”
Wise Aging: This group is intended for people who have children in college or about to become empty nesters. Based on Rabbi Rachel Cowan's and Dr. Linda Thal’s book,Wise Aging. Join for a series of vibrant discussions on ways of aging mindfully and with meaning. Beginning on Tuesday evening, July 6th, from 7:00—8:00 PM, and will meet for nine weeks ending August 31st .
Teach Your Children Well: An eight-week working parents meet-up that will meet every other Monday evening from 7:00—8:00PM starting June 28th, where parents can talk freely with peers about the challenges, phases, and creativity of modern parenting. The last session is on August 30th.
We Care: An eight-week caregivers support group beginning Wednesday evening, July 7th , from 7:00-8:00PM, meeting weekly throughout the summer, ending Sept. 1st. This group is for anyone navigating the day-to-day challenges of caregiving for a loved one living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Bereavement and Grief Support: An eight-week grief support group that meets every other week starting on June 21st to provide people experiencing grief or mourning the loss of a loved one the tools to cope with their loss. Also, it is an opportunity to seek solace and healing to share your feelings with others who have also experienced a significant loss in a safe space. This group begins on Monday evening, June 21st, from 7:00-8:00PM, and will meet on the first and third Mondays through the summer. The last session is on September 1st .
Coming Up for Air: This is a half-hour of guided meditations for people wanting to unwind at the end of the workday that meets every Thursday at 4:00PM. It is a half-hour opportunity to enjoy guided meditations that help reduce your stress and anxiety before heading home.
To learn more about participating in one of these groups, call 408-357-7451 or email Rabbi Brickner barneyb@jfssv.org.
Our professional counselors on staff, include:
Rabbi Barney Brickner, MA
Rabbi Brickner was ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and has over 30 years of congregational and pastoral experience. Most recently, he was the Chaplain and Director of Mindfulness and Well-being for the Institute on Aging in San Francisco. In that capacity, he successfully developed a mindfulness and wellbeing program that promoted a safe, healthy and supportive workplace environment, resulting in reduced stress and anxiety for staff and clients. Rabbi Brickner can be reached at barneyb@jfssv.org.
Fern Adamkowski, MSW
Fern received her master’s degree in Gender, Spirituality, and Social Justice in 2014. This program guided her in more deeply understanding the intersections of struggle, resilience, and healing. She then went on to study social work and focused on integrative, trauma informed care. She received her Masters of Social Work in 2019. Her education guides her in her work and advocacy. Fern will spend her time between case management with older adults and counseling adults of any age. Fern can be reached at ferna@jfssv.org.
COVID-19 Update!
Remote Counseling Available
As the COVID-19 pandemic keeps people at home, many of us struggle with high levels of anxiety and stress.
JFS is here to support you and is offering remote counseling services via Zoom video meetings or phone. Fees are based on a sliding scale and evening hours are available.
For more information contact:
Fern Adamkowski ferna@jfssv.org
Rabbi Barney Brickner barneyb@jfssv.org
JFS SV provides professional therapeutic counseling to individuals and families facing a range of issues and life challenges. We provide support to children, adults, and families during times of crisis or periods of transition. Our counseling services are conducted Monday through Friday and are available on a sliding scale. We provide:
- Individual counseling services in a supportive, respectful and confidential environment
- Counseling and support for families in crisis or dealing with relationship issues
- Emotional support during times of transition (relocation, career change, divorce, empty nest, etc.)
- Spiritual counseling integrates spiritual exploration and support to foster wholeness, healing, and growth
Counseling for Individuals & Families
Call Us: 408.556.0600