“Endings … And New Beginnings” is an evening discussion about coping with a break-up and creating a new life. This discussion will be facilitated by Virginia Erhardt, Ph.D, Licensed Psychologist.

There will be two sessions offered. For women, the meeting time will be Thursday, Jan. 27 from 7:15 to 9 p.m., and for men, Monday, Jan. 31 from 7:15 to 9 p.m., in the Orcas Island Library Conference Room.

“When one is not the initiator, the end of a relationship is often experienced as a crisis — a trauma that calls into question one’s identity, one’s self-esteem, and even life’s meaning,” Erhardt said. “Ending a partnership with kindness and consideration may be a wished for, but difficult to achieve goal. There may be contentious issues regarding home, family, friends, and finances. A break-up can be especially difficult in a small community, where one may feel more exposed and vulnerable. It would be easier to pick up the pieces and go on, say, in Seattle, than here on Orcas.”

The cost is $5 per person for the evening, to be donated to the library. The class will be limited to 15 participants. To inquire about available space, or to register, e-mail drverhardt@aol.com, providing name and phone number. Pre-registration is required, payment can be made at the meeting. For maximize privacy, the meetings will begin after the library is closed.