My new book, Revisiting, will be available in Fall 2021 at Amazon Books and other book sellers.
Robert N. Renard,MSW
Retired Clinical Social Worker
January 2019
Phone number: 805-642-7704
LinkedIn site: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bob-renard/52/550/21b/
I am a retired journeyman level professional therapist with an extensive and varied experience with adults and families. I have worked with individuals in acute phases of illness in hospital, during periods of crisis and been involved in all stages of discharge planning and provision of aftercare services. I have administrative and program experience which lends itself to understanding the business community, having run a statewide international adoption agency, an acute psychiatric inpatient unit and now running my own psychotherapy business in Ventura. I have provided Ventura County employees, law enforcement officers, fire fighters and others with EAP services addressing adult work place, life stress adjustment problems and family problems. I have an extensive experience and with specific expertise with adults experiencing symptoms of childhood trauma, sexual problems, symptoms of emotional and mental distress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] and depression; substance use/abuse and dual-diagnosed clients. I provided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to individual clients, and Imago Therapy to couples.
The Quiet Early was written in 2020 during the beginning of the pandemic which reshaped our lives and the country. Just as my wife and I retired and readied ourselves for new adventures, welcoming friends to our remodeled home overlooking a rural valley we had to self-isolated ourselves to "stay safe and well".
Our ridge top farm became a wonderful place to live during such an awful time of illness and death. We put our hands to writing, gardening, learned to visit "socially-distanced" from loved ones and friends. It was not easy but the nature that surrounds us nurtured and protected us from illness.
This collection of poems have been written in early quiet of the morning here at our farm. during the past year. Written in self-isolation, self-reflection, worry, hope and great joy.
Mornings
This is a collection of my favorite poems, which I have written over the past year. Recently as I read them some were familiar and some seemed new and delightful, like they have taken on a new meanings for me since I wrote them. In some ways my poems become friends who listen to my inter most thoughts with empathy and acceptance. Some rewrite me in as I write them and then rewrite again as I read them later. They have mostly been written in the mornings when it is quiet and I have the house to myself. I think mornings are the best time of the day for writing.
I hope you enjoy the minimalist canvas of words that comes to me. I hope it conveys experiences and thoughts that will resonant with you. Robert Renard 2020
Our ridge top farm became a wonderful place to live during such an awful time of illness and death. We put our hands to writing, gardening, learned to visit "socially-distanced" from loved ones and friends. It was not easy but the nature that surrounds us nurtured and protected us from illness.
This collection of poems have been written in early quiet of the morning here at our farm. during the past year. Written in self-isolation, self-reflection, worry, hope and great joy.
Mornings
This is a collection of my favorite poems, which I have written over the past year. Recently as I read them some were familiar and some seemed new and delightful, like they have taken on a new meanings for me since I wrote them. In some ways my poems become friends who listen to my inter most thoughts with empathy and acceptance. Some rewrite me in as I write them and then rewrite again as I read them later. They have mostly been written in the mornings when it is quiet and I have the house to myself. I think mornings are the best time of the day for writing.
I hope you enjoy the minimalist canvas of words that comes to me. I hope it conveys experiences and thoughts that will resonant with you. Robert Renard 2020
Because of a Great Longing Authored by Robert N. Renard
Words Abound Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-0692583067 (Custom)
ISBN-10: 0692583068
BISAC: Poetry / General
I never was one for literature and had but a passing interest in poetry. I never fancied myself a writer. I discovered my passion for writing poetry at age 48 when after composing what I thought was but a sweet little poem to my wife for our wedding my friends’ reactions to the piece shocked me. So I wrote a few more. This is how it began. Since to my surprise the words have just continued to pour out, this process has led to the collection of poems you will find on these pages.
I am a 64 year old licensed clinical social worker living in Ventura, California with my wife and our two dogs. As a psychotherapist, I strive to combine my clinical skills with spirituality and compassion. These attributes are reflected in my writing as well. I was born in Syracuse, New York, but California has been my home since early childhood. I am most happy when sharing an evening with friends or when I am out in nature—hiking, golfing, or camping. The past 17 years have brought many changes to my life. I married, moved to Ventura, opened my private psychotherapy office and converted to Judaism. My spiritual and personal journey has brought me knowledge, fulfillment, and a greater understanding of myself, Judaism and the world around me.
Because of a Great Longing, is my first book.
Can be found on CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/5877577 and on Amazon Books.
In Someone Else's Skin
by Robert Renard
About the Author
I am fortunate to have a great many passions in my life. I earn my living in private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My thirty-five year career in social work has included forensic, inpatient, international adoptions, juvenile probation/corrections and outpatient treatment with children, teens, families and adults. I love the outdoors and go camping, hiking, and kayaking whenever I have the opportunity. I live in Ventura with my wife and two dogs. I attend my local Jewish temple where I study, worship, and socialize. My other passions include weekly golf with friends, the outdoors and naturally writing poetry—something that allows me to share what I have experienced and learned in my life. I discovered the importance of asking and embrace it wholeheartedly. This asking and my training as a psychiatric social worker permeates my life, and works to make me a better person, friend, spouse and father. I am thankful for my life.
Bob
by Robert Renard
About the Author
I am fortunate to have a great many passions in my life. I earn my living in private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My thirty-five year career in social work has included forensic, inpatient, international adoptions, juvenile probation/corrections and outpatient treatment with children, teens, families and adults. I love the outdoors and go camping, hiking, and kayaking whenever I have the opportunity. I live in Ventura with my wife and two dogs. I attend my local Jewish temple where I study, worship, and socialize. My other passions include weekly golf with friends, the outdoors and naturally writing poetry—something that allows me to share what I have experienced and learned in my life. I discovered the importance of asking and embrace it wholeheartedly. This asking and my training as a psychiatric social worker permeates my life, and works to make me a better person, friend, spouse and father. I am thankful for my life.
Bob