“For all of us, the person we love most in the world, the one who can send us soaring joyfully into space, is also the person who can send us crashing back to earth.” - Dr. Sue Johnson

​​The Grove is a monthly reading circle where folks gather to read and connect. Together we carve out a space to drop in, reflect, and be moved/challenged/inspired.  

This book club is open to anyone who wants to deepen their reflections on and understandings of relationships. It is run by a local relationship therapist. Join us for a community discussion based on authors’ wisdom and the group’s collective experiences with relationships.

Our featured book for January is Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson.

Johnson teaches that the way to save and enrich a relationship is to reestablish safe emotional connection and preserve the attachment bond. Through case studies from her practice, illuminating advice, and practical exercises, couples will learn how to nurture their relationships and ensure a lifetime of love.

We chose this book because it is a foundational reading on building secure relationships. This read is highly recommended for those seeking to understand how attachment science is at work in their relationships every day.

Container

We will gather in The Apothecary at Shelterwood Collective in Pioneer Square.

Our gathering will loosely follow this flow: 

7:00 — Arrive + settle in
7:05 — Setting the frame
7:10 — Quiet reading 
7:40 — Conversation
8:40 — Space for casual connection

Tea and chocolate will be provided. You are welcome to bring snacks, wine, or your favorite beverage to share. 

We encourage you to support Dr. Sue Johnson’s legacy and your favorite local bookstore by purchasing the book, before or after the circle. We love our building-mates Arundel Books.

To support accessibility for all, the selected excerpts will be shared in advance for you to read on your favorite reading device or to print and bring with you.

Exchange

All are welcome. $11-22 suggested donation. All proceeds go to our Sustainable Therapy Program. Donations can be made via Venmo: @shelterwoodcollective.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please RSVP to support us in preparing the space.

Jill Arndt

LMHC, CTP

The Lighthouse is curated by collective member, Jill Arndt. Jill is a mental health therapist in Fremont, Seattle. She is excited to offer this circle to the community as a fellow journeyer in life. Books offer a space for us to connect and to process (or simply be) with others in the daunting questions we often face as humans who are constantly in relationship with ourselves and others.