In recent months, we have seen a decrease of televised protests. However, the fight for social justice continues to be the mission for those in BIPOC communities, especially those within the Black community.
Photo by Mike Von
The media has captured the necks of Black men being used for knee rests (George Floyd), a bullet ridden apartment structure received more justice than a Black woman’s life (Breonna Taylor) and the backs of Black people used for target practice (Jacob Blake). These images and more have been broadcasted into our homes and have been seared into our minds.
These unjust acts have traumatized members of BIPOC communities and allies alike. Alone, these issues are heavy enough to navigate, but we are having to simultaneously deal with conflicted political stressors. Televised debates display the very divide that many are fighting to change. These ongoing exposures have persuaded members of this oppressed group to seek mental health services and safety from other BIPOC clinicians.
“Freedom is the right to grow, it’s the right to blossom. Freedom is the right to be yourself.”
Therapists, social workers and other mental health professionals holding space for BIPOC individuals, I ask, how are you caring for you? Or in the words of Shawna Murray-Browne, LCSW-C, “How are you taking care of your heart these days?” As clients unpack their unprocessed trauma and crises, a small part is inevitable left in the room or on the computer screen with you.
As clinicians, we must practice balancing our own stressors in addition to the stressors of our clients. We must adjust to the new norms and develop our own aspects of safety during these “unprecedented times”.
Often, self-care is encouraged as a simplified way of hitting the restart button. Realistically, what does self-care look like when you have an increase in telehealth glitches, minimized in-person social engagements and cancelled plans that you have looked forward to all year because of COVID? In addition to ongoing televised trauma of people who look like you, or your brother, or daughter, or son. So, clinicians I ask you again, how are you caring for your heart these days?
While many of us are working to process what our hearts need, often a support system can be a beneficial starting place. A support system may look different for everyone, some suggestions are:
Join consultation or support groups with other clinicians that work with diverse communities.
Participate in additional trainings that bring awareness to BIPOC and other cultural struggles.
Be mindful of scheduling. Allow space between clients especially those processing trauma and crises.
Identify and implement hobbies that allow for unplugging.
Meet the Author: Brittany Spencer, LGPC
Brittany Spencer, LGPC, is a therapist at Space Between Counseling Services. Brittany works with individuals and couples in the Charm City area as they manage BIPOC stressors, grief, LGBTQIA+ related concerns, and more.
Brittany is currently enrolled in Decolonizing Therapy for Black Folk, facilitated by Shawna Murray-Browne, LCSW-C. This guided learning experience was created for psychotherapists to explore the colonial foundation of the mental health profession, uncover ways to help Black folks heal from race-based trauma and gain access to the tools needed to provide therapy that liberates.
Brittany’s integrative therapeutic approach has allowed her to interact with a diverse population to increase self-awareness, enhance communication skills, and utilize coping skills that allows her clients to show up as present as they can within their relationships. Processing life is not always easy, sometimes a safe space and comfy couch can be the most simplistic start to allow someone to show up for themselves. Brittany strives to increase the autonomy of her clients.