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PURCHASE 2023 CONVERSATION SERIES PACKAGE
Part 1: Power & Privilege
This panel presentation examines why Power & Privilege matters in terms of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. The work that we do as therapists places us in the position of assisting individuals who are in need of emotional support, and who may be facing economic, educational, and environmental conditions different from our own. This often creates complicated power dynamics. In an attempt to curb the power imbalance, it's critical that we acknowledge our socioeconomic position and any systemic privilege that we hold in relation to our clients and among others.
This conversation highlights tools from Relational Life Therapy (RLT) that can be used to support us all through this journey.
Presentation Content:
This conversation highlights tools from Relational Life Therapy (RLT) that can be used to support us all through this journey.
Presentation Content:
- Discuss definition of words commonly used in social justice work such as prejudice, racism, systemic oppression and culture.
- Learn methods to confront entrenched systems of power and privilege, and identify common situations when privilege is not acknowledged, to the detriment of the disadvantaged and oppressed.
- Examine personal exposure to cultural diversity in day-to-day interactions and discuss ways to slowly decrease cultural segregation, to increase intercultural competence.
- Discuss the concept of ‘intersectionality’, a theory that explains how primary identities of privilege intersect with systemic marginalization or power to shape a person’s overall identity.
- Explore the characteristics of white supremacy culture and how racial biases impact self-esteem, health, education, and overall quality of life.
Requina Barnes is a LICSW and IFS Trainer who has been in the field of social work for over 16 years. She is trained in RLT and is a private practice therapist, focusing on attachment, codependency, relationship challenges and issues stemming from childhood trauma. She is also an adjunct professor who teaches undergraduate coursework related to social work and psychology. |
Part 2: Systems Thinking
This panel presentation examines why Systems Thinking matters in terms of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. In terms of understanding systemic oppression (i.e: ableism, racism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, fat-phobia, xenophobia, etc.), Systems Thinking is a method of navigating the complexity of the world and human beings by looking at it in terms of intersecting cultures and relational power dynamics. It also provides a way of exploring and developing effective action in complex contexts to enable effective and sustainable systems change.
This conversation highlights Relational Life Therapy (RLT) tools that can be used to support Systems Thinking and are shared in Terry's book, "Us: Getting Past You & Me, To Build a More Loving Relationship".
A testimonial from a satisfied viewer:
"I had very high expectations for these learning opportunities, & my expectations were exceeded. I appreciated how every speaker enriched my AWARENESS of systems thinking relative to EDI&A toward enhanced KNOWLEDGE & SKILL. What a wonderful outcome consistent with my high expectations."
-Bill Monson
Participants will:
This conversation highlights Relational Life Therapy (RLT) tools that can be used to support Systems Thinking and are shared in Terry's book, "Us: Getting Past You & Me, To Build a More Loving Relationship".
A testimonial from a satisfied viewer:
"I had very high expectations for these learning opportunities, & my expectations were exceeded. I appreciated how every speaker enriched my AWARENESS of systems thinking relative to EDI&A toward enhanced KNOWLEDGE & SKILL. What a wonderful outcome consistent with my high expectations."
-Bill Monson
Participants will:
- Learn the definition of a system (a set of smaller components that interact to form a more complex whole). Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to use Systems Thinking to unpack the characteristics of White Supremacy Culture as the foundation of all forms of systemic oppression.
- Develop an increased ability to identify how systemic oppression creates “fantasies” of grandiosity and perpetuates collective shame.
- Understand how empathy, perspective taking and repair help us stay relational when there are cultural differences and/or systemic power differences that impact our interactions with one another.
- Discover how to engage in relational repair following a subtle act of exclusion or personal perpetuation of systemic oppression (also known as microaggressions).
- Understand how and why systems encounter homeostasis, a self-regulating process by which systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions. In terms of social systems, homeostasis refers to the specific patterns and characteristics that maintain the status quo and resist change.
Tiffany Hall Campbell is a sexologist, social worker, and human rights activist based in her home country of Costa Rica. She completed two Master's degrees, one in clinical & educational sexology, and the other in clinical social work from Widener University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a minor in Theater Arts from the same institution. She is currently working as an international independent consultant for NGOs in topics related to mental and emotional health, human rights, sexuality and gender. She specializes in individual and couples sex therapy; and individual, couples and group psychotherapy. Her populations focus has been adolescents, LGBTQIA+ communities, people living with HIV/AIDS, marginalized women, and afro descendant people. She has expertise in group facilitation, support groups, and individual counseling for adults and adolescents. She also provides orientations, seminars, and workshops on a range of topics within the scope of personal development, mental health, sexuality and gender, including but not limited to: sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, social justice, HIV/AIDS, and sexual trauma. Her services are all in English and Spanish.
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Leticia Brown (she / her / hers) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Black queer femme whose practice engages various healing modalities at the intersections of harm reduction, sexuality and social justice. She prioritizes work with BIPOC & QTNBIPOC communities through a liberatory lens that values communal interdependence, and affirms the inner healer we all hold within. Constantly exploring ways to decolonize her relationship to healing, she incorporates intergenerational exploration, spirituality, ritual, the use of the body and reconnection to intuition in her practice, and sees her role as co-creator with those she walks beside on their healing journeys. |
Part 3: Shame Resilience
This panel presentation examines why Shame Resilience matters in terms of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Looking at shame is essential in acknowledging and unpacking privilege and power. When something has not been given a voice, there is always an undertone of shame. If left unexamined, shame shows up as defensiveness and keeps us stuck in a powerless place.
This conversation highlights tools from Relational Life Therapy (RLT) that can be used to support each of us in being resilient in the face of shameful feelings, and in stepping into our full relational power.
Attendees will learn:
This conversation highlights tools from Relational Life Therapy (RLT) that can be used to support each of us in being resilient in the face of shameful feelings, and in stepping into our full relational power.
Attendees will learn:
- How empathy impacts our neurobiology and influences us socially and relationally.
- Why acknowledging power dynamics and systemic privilege fosters belonging, intimacy and meaningful connections.
- How Brene Brown defines shame resilience and how it can be useful in cultivating compassion, courage and confidence.
- To understand vulnerability as an important pathway to self awareness and relational intimacy.
- The relational importance of understanding the difference between shame and guilt, especially in terms of collective/systemic trauma.
Michelle Rodriguez, PhD
Dr. Mishelle Rodriguez is a psychologist and founder of Collaborative ChangeMakers, a counseling and consulting practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She served two years as the president of the Metro Detroit chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists. She has been featured on national platforms, including the Wall Street Journal and Therapy for Black Girls Podcast. Dr. Rodriguez has more than 15 years of experience providing counseling in university counseling centers, community mental health settings and private practice. Her work focuses on empowering people to break patterns and create change in themselves, their relationships, professional fields and and their communities. She specializes in Black mental health and wellness, trauma, and helping people excel in high-achievement settings. As a speaker, trainer/educator, and author (book chapter in Why Wakanda Matters), Dr. Rodriguez loves to integrate art and pop culture, and bring community together for discussions that cultivate healing and growth. Learn more about Mishelle’s work at https://www.drmishelle.com/ |
Rebecca Ching, LMFT
Rebecca is a 20 year veteran psychotherapist, leadership developer, host of The Unburdened Leader podcast, writer, and speaker. Rebecca helps established leaders, entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the curveballs of life + leadership without sacrificing their health, important relationships and their business bottom line. She sees these inevitable challenges stemming from the burdens we carry from both our story and the culture we live in today. Unburdened Leadership™ is the work Rebecca has honed to take leaders and entrepreneurs through so that they can have greater impact and legacy by navigating the intersection of mindset + mental health via her Unburdened Leadership™ Coaching – informed by her extensive training in systems theory, trauma-informed practices, the research of Brené Brown, PhD and Internal Family Systems in addition to her work in DC politics, NYC advertising, and international non profit work. Learn more about Rebecca’s work at https://www.rebeccaching.com/ |
Part 4: Stages of Change
This panel presentation examines why the Stages of Change matter in terms of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). More than 40 years of academic research has shown that organizations often follow predictable stages on their DEIB journey, in sequence. When leaders and staff understand which stage they’re in, they can focus their energies and resources on activities more likely to ensure success and to continue fostering healing/growth.
The conversation highlights tools from Relational Life Therapy (RLT) that can be used to support relationships: The five losing strategies vs. the five winning strategies.
Presentation Content (what viewers will learn):
The conversation highlights tools from Relational Life Therapy (RLT) that can be used to support relationships: The five losing strategies vs. the five winning strategies.
Presentation Content (what viewers will learn):
- The five Stages of Change, according to Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Best Practices.
- How to identify areas of organizational improvement and specific objectives to monitor progress.
- How to use our minds and brains to operate at the highest levels of functioning, both personally and professionally.
- How empathy can change the brain in seconds, influencing our emotions, thoughts, and behavior.
- How to distinguish between the losing strategies of our first consciousness and the winning strategies of relational mindfulness.
Zina Rodriguez is a social worker, certified addiction professional and a certified diversity executive. She collaborates with organizations on the development of transformational DEIB strategies that align with their mission and values.
Zina has over 25 years of experience and has held senior leadership roles for national and global behavioral health care companies. She is a global speaker on topics related to culturally inclusive treatment, diversity, equity and inclusion in health care. She is passionate about co- creating inviting, intentional and inclusive healing spaces for individuals to achieve wellness while creating pathways for success for individuals from underrepresented communities. Zina serves as a Board Member for the National Association of Treatment Providers, Young People in Recovery, C4 Foundation and is the Chairperson for the Brain Love Foundation. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University School of Social Work and holds a MSW from Fordham University and a BSW degree from Rutgers University. Learn more about Zina's work at https://zndconsulting.com/ |
Shonté Jovan Taylor is a Neuroscientist, Success Trainer, Author & founder of the OptiMind Institute who is igniting minds and hearts around the world through coaching, training, & speaking. The mind and brain are the keys to our ultimate fulfillment, creativity, productivity, focus, happiness, success & humanity. The ability to get out of our comfort zones to pursue new adventures, professions, and entrepreneurial heights is 90% brain management and the rest is LEARNING new skills, taking ACTION, and being held ACCOUNTABLE.
Shonté has shared the stage with success expert Jack Canfield, transformed minds at TEDx, and is a part of the Forbes Coaching Council. Her 007 mission: To guide ambitious people to harness their brainpower to reach their full potential in life, profession and business. Learn more about Shonté's work at https://www.shontejtaylor.com/ |
Each Event Features Deran Young and Terry Real:
Deran Young is a licensed therapist specializing in racial trauma and legacy burdens. She is also a Co-Author of the New York Times Best Seller, You Are Your Best Thing, a retired military officer, & founder of Black Therapists Rock. Black Therapists Rock is a non profit organization with a network of over 30,000 mental health professionals committed to reducing the psychological impact of systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma. She obtained her social work degree from University of Texas, where she studied abroad in Ghana, West Africa for two semesters creating a high school counseling center for under-resourced students. Deran has visited over 37 different countries and her clinical experience spans across four different continents. Her passion for culture and people has led her to become a highly sought after diversity and inclusion consultant working with companies like BBERG, Facebook, Linked In, and YWCA. She resides in the Washington DC area with her 10 year old son.
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Terry Real is an internationally recognized Family Therapist, Speaker and Author. Terry founded the Relational Life Institute (RLI), offering workshops for couples, individuals and parents around the country along with a professional training program for clinicians wanting to learn his RLT (Relational Life Therapy) methodology. A family therapist and teacher for more than twenty five years, Terry is the best-selling author of I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression, the straight-talking How Can I Get Through to You? Reconnecting Men and Women, The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Make Love Work, and most recently US: Getting Past You & Me to Build a More Loving Relationship. Terry knows how to lead couples on a step-by-step journey to greater intimacy — and greater personal fulfillment.
Learn more about Terry’s work at https://terryreal.com/ |
For Each Event:
Recording Length: 2 Hours per event Proceeds from these donations will support us in hosting future events in this Community Conversation Series. Sliding Scale: If the cost is prohibitive to you, please contact us directly at [email protected] to request a discounted rate. |