Ecosomatic Therapy and Trauma Treatment
Winter 2027 Mental Health Book Club
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH BOOK CLUB OVERVIEW
Mental health book clubs are a guided reading, discussion and support group focused on literature that explores emotional well-being, psychology, personal growth, and human resilience. Krista Bajgier began sponsoring these events from a personal desire to begin repairing the social disconnect exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. To her surprise, these events remain one of her most popular offerings. Since 2023, her book clubs have included bell hook's The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity and Love, Abigail Rose Clarke's Returning Home to Our Bodies, Kelly McDaniel's Mother Hunger, and more. Book clubs are offered in-person to support community-building and virtually to broaden accessibility.
UP NEXT: UNMASKING AUTISM
Terra Soma Health's next mental health book club will be centered on Dr. Devon Price's book Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity. This book was selected in response to identified needs in the community we serve and the emerging public awareness and new research around autistic identities.
LOCATION & SCHEDULE
This group will be offered VIRTUALLY on Thursdays from 6:00-7:30pm beginning January 7, 2027. This is a 9-week program, following the book's chapter structure. Participants are asked to make a full weekly commitment and avoid absences as much as possible. Participants who struggle with pathological demand avoidance (PDA) are invited to contact Krista to build a participation plan that feels manageable.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Participants are encouraged to read the chapters prior to the week they will be discussed
Thu, Jan 07 - Week 1 - Intro & Chapter 1: What is Autism, Really?
Thu, Jan 14 - Week 2 - Chapter 2 - Who Are the Unmasked Autistics?
Thu, Jan 21 - Week 3 - Chapter 3 - The Anatomy of the Mask
Thu, Jan 28 - Week 4 - Chapter 4 - The Coast of Masking
Thu, Feb 04 - Week 5 - Chapter 5 - Rethinking Autism
Thu, Feb 11 - Week 6 - Chapter 6 - Building an Autistic Life
Thu, Feb 18 - Week 7 - Chapter 7 - Cultivating Autistic Relationships
Thu, Jan 25 - Week 8 - Chapter 8 - Creating a Neurodiverse World
Thu, Mar 04 - Week 9 - Closing Nature-Informed Discussion Group
PROGRAM FACILITATOR
Kris Bajgier, LCSW-C, MEd is a clinical social worker with a personal interest an investment in a more inclusive and diverse world. She is naturally curious about the autistic experiences of others and hopes to learn from the program's participants as much as she is wanting to support discussion and connection.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
This book club is appropriate for people who have been diagnosed with or strongly suspect they may be Autistic Level 1 (Previously characterized as "Asperger's Syndrome"). Community members who are deeper into the spectrum (Level 2+) may be eligible after a virtual screening with Kris to ensure the group can support their needs adequately. Discussion will be conducted in English and structured in a way that assumes and supports mild social anxiety and unique information processing needs.
PROGRAM COSTS
All participants are asked to purchase their own copy of Devon Price's Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity or borrow it from their local library. Copies can be purchased at Thriftbooks, AbeBooks, or similar online stores. A one-time donation of $50 is recommended at the time of registration. Participants who are able to pay more are encouraged to do so to support the time and investment of the group facilitator. Donations and registration can be completed at the link below.
REGISTRATION
Please contact info@terrasomahealth.com if you have questions before registering. Currently, 7 seats remain open for this group.
