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“Playfulness isn’t frivolous. It’s a nervous system state. It’s creativity. It’s flexibility. It’s the ability to respond rather than react. It’s what allows recovery to happen.”
~Dakota Steel, BAS, CPC, CRC, CDE, Senior Administrator, HCA Office of Community Voices and Empowerment
"Tapping,” a common name for EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique, is an easy and accessible self-care practice that can help decrease cortisol. In a sequence, tap on nine acupressure (or meridian) points as you repeat positive affirmations. This combination helps calm your nervous system while redirecting your thoughts.
For many people, EFT results in a decrease in anxiety and an increase in feelings of peace and ease. Here is an introductory demonstration of the practice featuring Nick Ortner, a tapping teacher and co-founder of The Tapping Solution App: Nick Ortner’s Tapping Technique to Calm Anxiety & Stress in 3 Minutes.
Give it a try! Once you get the hang of it, share this technique with peers you work with.
Say It Out Loud conference: Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Tulalip Resort and Casino, Tulalip, Wash.
This year’s theme, Unapologetically Us! Bold Voices, Bright Futures!, reflects Washington State’s commitment to centering 2SLGBTQIA+ voices, celebrating lived experience, and strengthening behavioral health supports across Washington State.
Now in its 25th year, the Say It Out Loud (SIOL) conference is built for peers, providers, advocates, partners, and community members who believe in creating systems of care where everyone is valued, heard, and supported.
Why Attend SIOL 2026
- Build meaningful community and connections
- Learn from workshops, panels, and conversations rooted in lived experience
- Gain practical skills you can bring back to your work or organization
- Engage in an affirming space designed to inspire, ground, and energize
- Discover new resources, partnerships, and ideas
The Say It Out Loud conference has been a force for change and support in Washington since 2001 and is sponsored by Peer Workforce Development and the Washington Health Care Authority.
SIOL is grounded in the belief that culturally responsive, affirming care improves outcomes — and that the voices of those most impacted must be centered in that work. SIOL offers a space for learning, reflection, and practical tools you can take back to your workplace or community.
“Art opens the closets, airs out the cellars and attics. It brings healing.”
~Julia Cameron, contemporary artist and author
 Pictured above: "Hyacinth Path" by Cathi Geisler, original photograph. Permission: C. Geisler, 2026.
We now feature original artwork in the Peer 2 Peer Newsletter and would love to see yours!
Hi! I’m Gillian, a program specialist on the Peer Team and an artist in long-term recovery, and I would like to invite fellow creatives to share high-resolution photos of their original visual artwork for possible inclusion in the newsletter.
Who can submit:
Any peers! All visual art is welcome: Any medium or style (painting, drawing, photography, digital, mixed media, sculpture, etc.)
What to send:
- High-resolution, well-lit images of your original work (300 DPI preferred) showing only your artwork (no people, frames, or backgrounds)
- Your name (as you’d like it credited)
- Title of the work, medium, size, and year
- Optional: a short description or artist statement
How to submit:
- Email your original images and details to gillian.holsinger@hca.wa.gov
- Subject line: Art Submission – [Your Name]
- Deadline: the 15th of the month
Selected artists will be featured with full credit.
By submitting, you are confirming the work is your own and give permission for HCA to share the images as part of this online feature.
We can’t wait to see what you’ve been making!
Featured Peer or Peer organizations: We want to highlight YOU
Nominate a Peer
Your work matters. Your stories inspire others. Think of the CPCs, CPSSs, or Peer-run organizations who you think deserve a little extra gratitude. We would love to highlight them in these newsletters.
Send your nominations at any time, including as much information about their impact as possible, like:
- Name of person/organization
- Their location
- Why are you highlighting them?
- Their photo or organizational logo
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