I mentioned in an older post that while I believe technology is the way of the future for mental health, I am a strong advocate for talk therapy and support groups. So when both are leveraged, I’m super excited about the possibilities…
Technology, namely social media platforms, have created digital bridges to connect advocates, activists, and professionals from around the world. I love that we can take what starts as a conversation online, through a simple Tweet, LinkedIn message, Snap, or Facebook message, and turn it into in-person endeavors while still being able to transcend the limitations of personal one to one touch.
One of those connections came about between Nadia M. Richardson, PhD the founder of the mental health awareness movement called No More Martyrs and Angela Clack, PsyD of Clack Associates.
Both Dr. Clack and Dr. Richardson were committed to building a community of support for black women with mental health concerns and decided to unite their unique super powers together to bring to life Dr. Clack’s desire to see more tailored mental health support for women of color in southern New Jersey coupled with Dr. Richardson’s vision of organized and structured Meetups beyond the confides of her region.
One reason I like the concept of a meet up is because I understand that support groups sometimes turn people off, therefore meet ups are more accessible. For example, while well-known support groups like AA garner the participation of many people, a new wave of contemporaries are exploring and developing alternative approaches for ongoing wellness outside the philosophy that one is always in a recovery cycle.
But what I like most about this concept is that this meet up isn’t entirely a peer-run group nor is it exactly group counseling. The meet up is more a FREE resource and an opportunity to break bread, enjoy engaging activities, and connect with women who may wish to share their unique experiences to encourage their fellow sisters. The meet up would have both a mental health peer specialist and licensed mental health professional present to make sure valuable resources and information are available.
I was most honored when Dr. Clack invited me to come on-board this outreach as the co-facilitating peer specialist for the NJ branch of the Meetup. I am currently pursuing my certification so that I can bring my best to the role in our unified efforts to make mental wellness more accessible and fun for women of color.
Our first monthly meet up is this Thursday, January 19th. And being that I am an introvert, it’s going to be introvert friendly 😉 Hope to see you there if you’re in the area!
*Update* We meet every 3rd Thursday of the month please email clackassociates2005@gmail.com to RSVP*
Until Next Time…Peace!
Oh! By the way, if you want to learn more about the blogger of this post feel free to check out my about page.