Embracing Wellness Through Inclusivity
Inclusivity is at the core of our work at Embracing Wellness. As a Black woman of Jamaican descent and a first-generation American, my journey into mental health care is deeply intertwined with my personal and professional experiences in addition to the collective experiences of people who look like me.
I support the reclamation of agency, land, and dignity for communities that have been systematically oppressed through colonialism, slavery, and ongoing exploitation. My connection to them is rooted in the shared historical trauma that Black and Indigenous peoples have endured, both in the Caribbean, where my family is from, and in the United States, where I was born and raised.
Growing up in the Bronx, in a predominantly Black community, I witnessed firsthand the impacts of systemic oppression on marginalized people. These experiences shaped my commitment to mental health care and addressing the unique needs of marginalized communities. At Embracing Wellness, we prioritize inclusivity and recognize that healing must be holistic, collective, and rooted in justice.
A Decolonized and Inclusive Approach
I integrate anti-oppressive and liberatory practices by centering the voices and experiences of my clients, who are primarily Black women and femmes impacted by the intersections of racism, sexism, and homophobia. My trauma-informed approach acknowledges the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, racism, and social injustice on mental health. I strive to create a safe, affirming space where clients can explore their identities, histories, and experiences without fear of judgment or invalidation.
Healing at Embracing Wellness is not just an individual journey; it's a collective process that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit. I work closely with clients to ensure their cultural and spiritual backgrounds, along with their personal beliefs, are honored in the therapeutic process. This holistic approach supports the empowerment and liberation of those who have been systematically marginalized.
Standing in Solidarity with Oppressed Communities
I am not only a therapist but an activist. I believe in being deeply involved in my own community as much as being in solidarity with others. My activism extends into my therapeutic practice where I use a trauma-informed approach to address racialized trauma and help clients heal from internalized racism and colorism, reclaiming their identities, and finding strength in who they are.
At Embracing Wellness, inclusivity goes beyond race and ethnicity. I am committed to creating a welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing the unique challenges faced by those at the intersections of multiple identities. My approach is rooted in intersectionality, understanding that oppression is multifaceted and that true healing requires acknowledging all aspects of a person's identity.
Additionally, I strive to make my practice inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the needs of individuals impacted by ableism, fat-phobia, and neurodiversity.
A Collective Commitment to Healing
At Embracing Wellness, we believe that healing is not just about overcoming individual challenges but about reclaiming power and agency for our communities. My work is grounded in the belief that liberation is a collective effort, and I am committed to advocating for more inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive practices in mental health care.
I am honored to walk alongside my clients on their healing journeys and to contribute to the broader movement for justice and liberation.