I started out as a professional dancer in New York City in the early 60’s, then left the barre behind, morphing into Brunetta Winthers, L. C. S. W. receiving my Master’s degree from Adelphi University School of Social Work, Garden City, Long Island. I practiced principally in addictions prevention, treatment, and recovery, both in agencies and in private practice. Over a long and richly rewarding career, I’ve also worked with the adult, adolescent, and pediatric psychiatric populations, with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and learning disabled clients, and with the traumatically brain-injured.
I did my undergraduate work in Philosophy at C. W. Post of Long Island University, Greenvale, Long Island, graduating cum laude. After ten years in addiction treatment services utilizing the precepts of A.A., I chose to add a new dimension to my work. Building on my background in Philosophy, I attended the Unity School for Religious Studies in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was ordained a Unity Minister in 1987, and served churches in Huntsville, Alabama, Kansas City, Missouri, Buffalo, New York, and Tampa, Florida. My unique training in the interface between spiritual and psychological disciplines, coupled with a reputation for the warmth, wit, and wisdom of my teaching style, made me a popular seminar leader. I’ve been blessed to have presented extensively across the United States on a wide variety of interdisciplinary topics, including: “Forgiveness: Key to Healing”; “Journal Writing: A Tool for Spiritual Development”; “To Tango or to Tangle: Creative Confrontation, Cha-Cha-Cha!”
I’ve always utilized both clinical and spiritual disciplines in service to my clients and congregants. While in Buffalo, I served with Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center, providing low-cost clinical and pastoral care to churches across a wide range of denominations. while also founding Harvest Home Ministries, “an experiment in personal development through spiritual community.” This extraordinary experience of the healing power in nurturing group environments led me to create “Friends Gather,” an online ministry of community. The “Gathering” is dedicated to exploring one’s individuality as the spiritual expression of authentic self, and expanding that self through a reverent sharing with others. We bring this ministry to you with great love, and the hope that you will find here, the delights and joys of genuine friendship.
“My friends are my estate; Forgive me then the avarice to hoard them.” (attributed to the New England poet, Emily Dickinson)