FlowArt

At FlowArt we embrace and celebrate neurodivergence. FlowArt is a safe and affirming space for all! #Neurodivergent #SafeSpace #Inclusivity #MentalHealthMatters #FlowArt #FlowArtLearning #FlowArtTherapy

Everyone deserves to feel understood and valued. Let’s educate ourselves and others about neurodiversity to build a more compassionate community. 🌎#NeurodiversityAwareness #Compassion #Support #Inclusivity #MentalHealthMatters #FlowArt #FlowArtLearning #FlowArtTherapy

Being neurodivergent is not a limitation; it’s a different way of experiencing the world. Let’s honor and uplift neurodivergent voices! #Neurodivergent #DifferentNotLess #Empowerment #NeurodivergentAwareness #Inclusivity #MentalHealthMatters #FlowArt #FlowArtLearning #FlowArtTherapy

📚 Essential Resources for Decolonizing Therapy 📚 Deepen your understanding of decolonizing therapy with these key resources and readings. Continuous learning and engagement with diverse voices are crucial for fostering an inclusive practice. Here are some excellent resources to learn more about decolonization of therapy practice: Books: ⭐️"Decolonizing Pathways towards Integrative Healing in Social Work" by Kris Clarke provides insights into how social work can integrate decolonized practices to foster healing. ⭐️"Decolonizing Psychology: Global Perspectives" by Sunil Bhatia explores the decolonization of psychology, offering a global perspective on integrating cultural and indigenous knowledge. ⭐️"Decolonizing Trauma Work: Indigenous Stories and Strategies" by Renee Linklater shares indigenous stories and strategies for trauma work, highlighting the importance of culturally relevant practices. ⭐️"The Ethics of Cultural Competence in Higher Education" edited by Beverly Lindsay and Wanda Blanchett is a collection of essays that discusses the ethical considerations of cultural competence, including perspectives on decolonizing education and therapy. Articles: ⭐️"Decolonizing the Mind: Healing Through Storytelling" by Pamela Hays emphasizes the power of storytelling in decolonizing therapy, helping clients reclaim their narratives. ⭐️"Decolonizing Therapy: What It Means and Where to Start" by Therapy for Black Girls is an accessible article that provides a clear introduction to the concept of decolonizing therapy and practical steps to get started. ⭐️"Decolonizing Therapy: Centering Indigenous Knowledge and Practices" by Natalia Torres discusses the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and practices into therapeutic settings. Journals: ⭐️Journal of Indigenous Wellbeing publishes research and articles focused on indigenous health and wellbeing, offering valuable perspectives on decolonizing practices. ⭐️Journal of Social and Political Psychology often has special issues or articles on decolonizing therapy and psychology, providing academic insights and research findings. Online Resources: ⭐️Therapy for Black Girls – Decolonizing Therapy is an online platform that provides resources, podcasts, and articles on decolonizing therapy and supporting marginalized communities. ⭐️Decolonizing Psychology Network includes professionals dedicated to decolonizing psychology, offering resources, webinars, and community support. ⭐️Healing in Colour is a directory and resource hub for finding therapists of color and learning about decolonized therapy practices. 📢 What are your go-to resources for learning about decolonizing therapy? Share below! #DecolonizeTherapy #FlowArtTherapy #ResourceShare #InclusiveTherapy #MentalHealthResources #TherapyEducation #FlowArt #KeepItSparkly #Neurosparkly #FlowArtTherapy #DrMistyGibson

🌈 Starting Your Journey to Decolonize Therapy 🌈 To decolonize your practice, educate yourself on diverse cultures, incorporate culturally relevant models, and continuously reflect on your biases. These steps create a more inclusive and effective therapeutic space. Therapy has been influenced by Western culture, often neglecting the diverse needs of non-Western cultures. This lack of representation and understanding makes it difficult for marginalized communities to access effective treatment. First, educate yourself on diverse cultures. Learn about different belief systems, traditions, and values to understand how these factors impact a person's mental health and therapy experience. Challenge the dominant narrative in therapeutic practices. Question traditional theories and techniques that may not be relevant for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Seek out alternative therapies and approaches that are culturally sensitive and inclusive. Create a safe and inclusive space for clients from marginalized communities. Be mindful of language and terminology, and actively listen to clients' experiences and perspectives without judgment. As therapists, continuously educate yourself on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Attend workshops, read literature on cultural competency, and seek supervision from professionals with expertise in this area. Acknowledge your own biases and privilege, as these can impact interactions with clients. By being aware of these factors, you can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable therapeutic environment. Advocate for social justice and systemic change. Challenge oppressive systems and advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion. Therapists have a unique platform to raise awareness and promote positive change in communities. Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into therapy benefits clients from marginalized communities and helps therapists become more culturally competent and effective. By acknowledging biases and privileges, actively working towards social justice, and continually educating ourselves, we can create a safe and inclusive space for all clients to heal and thrive. 📢 What resources have you found helpful in this journey? Let's exchange tips! #DecolonizeTherapy #TherapistTips #FlowArtTherapy #InclusiveCare #TherapyTips #MentalHealthProfessionals #FlowArt #KeepItSparkly #Neurosparkly #FlowArtTherapy #DrMistyGibson

🌟 The Transformative Power of Decolonized Therapy 🌟 Decolonized therapy creates a profound sense of belonging and validation by respecting cultural identities and lived experiences. At FlowArt Therapy, we are committed to this approach and excited to share it with you. Decolonized therapy challenges the traditional Eurocentric model, embracing diversity and acknowledging the impact of systemic oppression on mental health. 🌎 Cultural Empathy Our therapists actively work to understand clients' cultural backgrounds and experiences, creating a safe space for exploration without judgment. 💬 Breaking Stereotypes We aim to break harmful stereotypes and societal norms, empowering clients to reclaim their narratives and reject oppressive beliefs. 📚 Incorporating Traditional Healing Practices We incorporate traditional healing practices from various cultures, focusing on holistic wellness. This helps clients reconnect with their cultural roots and find meaningful healing. 🌱 Empowering Clients Our goal is to empower clients to control their healing journey by validating their experiences and helping them reject oppressive beliefs. 🌎 Creating a Safe Space We prioritize creating a safe space for clients to express themselves freely, building trusting relationships for deeper exploration of trauma and identity. 💪 Challenging Systems of Oppression We understand that systems of oppression impact mental health and work with clients to challenge these systems and recognize internalized negative beliefs. 🌱 Cultivating Self-Awareness We emphasize cultivating self-awareness by exploring personal history, cultural values, and societal pressures, leading to intentional decision-making and authentic living. 🌞 Embracing Cultural Identity We celebrate cultural identity as an integral part of one's identity, creating a safe space for cultural expression. 💗 Promoting Self-Care Decolonized therapy recognizes the importance of self-care in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Practices include mindfulness, setting boundaries, and connecting with the community. 🌎 Challenging Systemic Oppression We actively challenge dominant narratives and systems that perpetuate inequality and marginalization, promoting healing and social justice. 📢 Have you seen the impact of inclusive practices in your work? Share your experiences! #DecolonizeTherapy #InclusiveTherapy #FlowArtTherapy #TransformativeCare #MentalHealth #FlowArt #KeepItSparkly #Neurosparkly #FlowArtTherapy #DrMistyGibson

Celebrating neurodiversity means recognizing and appreciating all human experiences. Together, we create a richer, more diverse world. #Neurodiverse #Inclusivity #MentalHealthMatters #FlowArt #FlowArtLearning #FlowArtTherapy

👐 Decolonized Therapy Practices at FlowArt 👐 At FlowArt Therapy, we use narrative therapy and culturally relevant models to ensure our practice is inclusive and affirming. These approaches acknowledge the socio-political contexts impacting our clients' lives, fostering a more holistic and respectful therapeutic environment. On July 4th, a day where many Americans celebrate independence, it's important to remember the history of colonization that continues to impact marginalized communities today. This includes the long-lasting effects of forced assimilation and discrimination towards indigenous peoples, as well as ongoing systemic oppression faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). In our therapy sessions, we strive to address these issues by centering the voices and experiences of BIPOC clients. We recognize that traditional Western therapy practices may not always be relevant or effective for individuals from diverse backgrounds. That's why we continually educate ourselves on decolonizing therapy approaches and prioritize creating a safe space for all clients. At FlowArt Therapy, we also understand the impact of intergenerational trauma and the importance of healing in a collective context. We offer group therapy sessions specifically tailored for BIPOC individuals, where they can share their experiences, find support from others who understand their struggles, and learn coping mechanisms together. Furthermore, we actively collaborate with community organizations that work towards social justice and address mental health issues within marginalized communities. Through these partnerships, we aim to create a larger impact and provide resources for our clients beyond the walls of our therapy office. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. By addressing systemic inequalities and promoting inclusivity in our practice, we hope to contribute to a more equitable world for all individuals. Let's continue the conversation and work towards healing together. 📢 What practices have you found effective in creating inclusive therapy? Let's share! #DecolonizeTherapy #InclusiveTherapy #FlowArtTherapy #MentalHealth #TherapyPractices #CulturalCompetence #FlowArt #KeepItSparkly #Neurosparkly #FlowArtTherapy #DrMistyGibson

💖 Inclusivity and Healing Through Decolonizing Therapy 💖 Decolonizing therapy integrates clients' cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences, fostering a sense of being seen, heard, and valued. This approach challenges the Westernized mental health framework, recognizing diverse cultural understandings of mental health and the impacts of historical trauma, systemic oppression, and intergenerational trauma on marginalized communities. Incorporating cultural practices into therapy, like traditional Indigenous ceremonies or Asian mindfulness techniques, helps clients connect with their identities and heal holistically. Therapists must recognize their biases and privilege to create an inclusive space, actively working to decolonize therapy and empower clients from all backgrounds. Intergenerational trauma, passed through generations, is crucial to address, especially in marginalized communities affected by colonization, slavery, or forced migration. Therapists should use an intersectional lens, considering how race, gender, sexuality, ability, and socioeconomic status intersect in clients' lives. Therapists must challenge power dynamics, acknowledge biases, and be open to learning from clients. Continuous education on diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with building trust through active listening and empathy, is essential for effective therapy. By recognizing and addressing their biases, therapists can create a more inclusive environment. Clients are experts on their experiences; therapists should defer to their insights and work towards an equal partnership. Incorporating cultural competency involves ongoing education, addressing biases, and listening to clients to better understand and support their diverse identities, promoting more effective therapy outcomes. 📢 What steps do you take to ensure inclusivity in your practice? Share below! #DecolonizeTherapy #HealingTogether #FlowArtTherapy #InclusiveTherapy #CommunityCare #MentalWellness #FlowArt #KeepItSparkly #Neurosparkly #FlowArtTherapy #DrMistyGibson

🌍 The Hidden Impact of Colonized Therapy Practices 🌍 Colonized therapy practices can marginalize and exclude diverse voices, overlooking systemic racism, cultural trauma, and historical oppression. Decolonizing therapy addresses these factors, ensuring equitable care for all. As we celebrate July 2nd, the International Day of Cooperatives, it is important to recognize how cooperative principles can also aid in the decolonization of therapy practices. Cooperation allows for collective decision-making and shared ownership, creating a more inclusive and equitable approach to therapy. 🚀 Empowering Underrepresented Voices 🚀 Incorporating diverse perspectives is crucial in creating a safe and effective therapeutic environment. By prioritizing underrepresented voices and elevating their experiences, we can break down barriers and promote healing for all individuals. Cooperative practices emphasize equality and inclusivity, allowing for diverse voices to be heard and valued. This not only benefits clients but also empowers therapists to continuously learn from different perspectives and improve their services. 🌍 The Hidden Impact of Colonized Therapy Practices 🌍 Colonized therapy practices can marginalize and exclude diverse voices, overlooking systemic racism, cultural trauma, and historical oppression. Decolonizing therapy addresses these factors, ensuring equitable care for all. 📢 How have you seen traditional practices impact marginalized communities? Let’s discuss! #DecolonizeTherapy #InclusiveCare #FlowArtTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #SocialJustice #TherapyForAll #FlowArt #KeepItSparkly #Neurosparkly #FlowArtTherapy #DrMistyGibson