The Therapy Fund Foundation, a Washington-based nonprofit committed to eliminating barriers to Black healing, recently hosted its second annual Reclaiming Wellness conference. This groundbreaking event, held at Green River College, successfully brought together community members, mental health professionals, and advocates to address the critical need for accessible and culturally responsive mental health care for communities of color.

A Focus on Decolonizing Therapeutic Practices

Reclaiming Wellness 2024 centered on decolonizing therapeutic practices and improving mental health outcomes for communities of color. The conference featured a diverse range of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches led by BIPOC mental health professionals. Topics included healing racialized trauma, addressing youth gun violence, understanding suicide in Black communities, and promoting overall mental well-being.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Joy DeGruy

Renowned psychologist and author Dr. Joy DeGruy delivered a powerful keynote address, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the historical and ongoing impact of systemic oppression on the mental health of Black individuals and communities. Dr. DeGruy's work has been instrumental in shaping the conversation around racial trauma and healing.

A Space for Healing and Empowerment

Reclaiming Wellness provided a safe and supportive space for attendees to connect, learn, and heal. The event fostered a sense of community and empowerment, with participants sharing their experiences and insights. The conference also offered continuing education credits for mental health professionals, further demonstrating the Therapy Fund Foundation's commitment to advancing the field.

Quotes from Attendees and Organizers

"We're here to reclaim our wellness," said Christina Blocker, founder of Momentum Professional Strategy Partners and co-founder of Elevate Black Wellness. "I think too often, we think about all the other things we need to reclaim, we need to reclaim our time, we need to reclaim our peace, right? But our wellness encompasses all of that. And too often we're not having those conversations.”

"It is imperative that we reclaim our wellness because it really is the strength that carries us forward," said Emijah Smith, community activist and workshop presenter. "As we're navigating these systems of racism, as we're navigating trauma in our life, we have to reclaim our wellness to center us."

"What is monumental about reclaiming wellness is the fact that this has never been done before," said Ashley McGirt Adair, CEO and founder of the Therapy Fund Foundation. "As a clinician, as a licensed mental health therapist...we have to have a certain amount of continuing education credits in order to still have our license. And so when we go to different conferences and workshops, it's predominantly white. And it's so important for us to reclaim wellness and have conferences that offer continuing education credits that are led by and for people of color."

"We have to be courageous in calling out the systems that harm the Black community and actually make changes so that people can receive the care and services they need," said Michelle McDaniel, CEO of Crisis Connections. "So it's accessible. It's without bias. And it allows people to be in a healing space."

Looking Ahead

The success of Reclaiming Wellness 2024 highlights the growing demand for culturally responsive mental health care and the importance of events like this in promoting healing and well-being for communities of color. The Therapy Fund Foundation continues to work tirelessly to eliminate barriers to Black healing and create a more just and equitable mental health landscape.

Get Involved

To learn more about the Therapy Fund Foundation and its upcoming events, visit their website at https://therapyfundfoundation.org/. You can also support their mission by donating or volunteering your time. Together, we can reclaim wellness for all.

​​This segment was first aired on Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle. See past episodes and segments at whereweconverge.com/back2besa and on the FOX Local app. Learn how to download app here bit.ly/watchfoxlocal