Listening and Learning
Hello Growers,
Happy February! If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that our world is in a constant state of transition. We want to honor our resiliency, that most of the time we are all just doing our best to hold on for the ride!
However, as we head into Black History Month 2021, I believe that it is important to be intentional and take the opportunity to reflect on what my identity as a cis het white woman means, especially, as it intersects with being at the helm of an organization serving the mental health needs of a diverse community. It also feels relevant to name that while our GGOC clinical family is more than 50% POC, we currently have no black or indigenous identified clinicians on staff. Part of Gather and Grow OC’s core vision has always been to work hard to educate ourselves and to be a safe space. However, we also believe that the most affirming care acknowledges the gaps in what we can ethically and competently provide to our community.
For this reason, we continue to seek out resources and connections. We wholeheartedly support The Loveland Foundation and the great work they are doing connecting POC clients, and especially Black girls and women, to therapists who reflect them and their healing journeys. As therapists, we challenge ourselves and our clients to work and grow every week, honoring the “practice what you preach” mentality.
This year our clinical team has committed to participating in the intersectional QTAP (Queer and Trans Affirming Provider) certification program, including a 10-hour anti-racism training requirement. I’m looking forward to this educational opportunity to deepen my understanding of how I can be proactive in this work and help support my team to continue to show up where it counts, while being in deep gratitude for the community organizations already doing the heavy lifting of serving, protecting, honoring, and uplifting Black Futures as well as Black History.
Listening & Learning,
Jacqueline
