Juneteenth
Celebrating Liberation & Healing
Juneteenth, often referred to as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, stands as a historic milestone that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans within the United States. Its origins trace back to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon In this blog, we will explore the importance of nurturing mental well-being on Juneteenth to Promote healing, inclusivity, self-care, & resilience. Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, issuing General Order No. 3, an official proclamation declaring the freedom of all individuals held in bondage within the state. This proclamation arrived after an extended duration of more than two years following the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. The delay stemmed from both the resistance of slaveholders and the limited presence of Union troops in Texas during the Civil War.
This momentous day serves as an unwavering testament to the indomitable spirit of the African American community, serving as a poignant reminder of their relentless pursuit of equality, justice, and liberation.
Reflect on Ancestral Resilience
Reflect on the resilience and strength exhibited by African American ancestors throughout history by taking a moment to honor their spirit and acknowledge the weight of their experiences. Engage in practices such as meditation, journaling, or prayer to connect with your roots and draw inspiration from the enduring spirit of your forebears.
Practice Self-Care & Self-Compassion
Amid the commemoration, it is essential to prioritize self-care and self-compassion. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s spending time in nature, engaging in creative pursuits, or practicing mindfulness. Set aside time for relaxation and reflection to recharge your emotional batteries. Remember to extend kindness and compassion to yourself, acknowledging the emotions that may arise during this time.
Seek Professional Support
If you find yourself grappling with unresolved emotions or struggling with your mental health, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapists or counselors can provide a safe and supportive environment for exploring your feelings, processing trauma, and developing coping strategies. Seeking professional support demonstrates strength and a commitment to your well-being.
Connect with Cultural Traditions on Juneteenth
Participate in cultural traditions and rituals that hold significance for the African American community. Participate in storytelling, music, dance, or drumming circles that celebrate African heritage. Engaging with these practices can promote a sense of identity, connection, and cultural pride, positively impacting mental well-being.
Volunteer & Give Back
Contributing to the community and uplifting others can have a profound impact on mental health. Find opportunities to volunteer with organizations that promote social justice, education, or mental health initiatives. Engaging in acts of service and giving back cultivates a sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment.
Participate in Restorative Activities
Finding and participating in activities that promote restoration and healing can alleviate stress, increase self-awareness, and enhance overall well-being. Explore practices such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging with nature to soothe your mind, body, and spirit.
Engage in Dialogue & Education
Discuss the impact of historical trauma and racial disparities on mental well-being. Advocate for increased awareness, understanding, and access to mental health resources within marginalized communities. By opening up dialogue, we promote empathy, dismantle stigmas, and create spaces for healing.
Attend Healing-centered Events around juneteenth
Look for healing-centered events that focus on mental well-being within Juneteenth celebrations. These events may include workshops, panel discussions, or support groups that address the intersection of mental health and historical trauma. Attending such gatherings provides an opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with others who share similar experiences.
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Explore local Black-owned markets, restaurants, and online platforms that showcase Black entrepreneurship. By investing in these businesses, you contribute to economic empowerment and help close the wealth gap. A great place to discover Black-owned food business is on the app EatOkra
Volunteer for Social Justice Initiatives
Engage with local organizations and nonprofits working to promote racial equity. Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to initiatives that address systemic issues and uplift marginalized communities. Your actions can create a lasting impact.
Participate in Activism & Advocacy
Use Juneteenth as a platform for activism and advocacy. Attend rallies, marches, or town hall meetings that address racial inequality and advocate for social justice reforms. Engage in peaceful demonstrations and raise your voice for equality, ensuring that the spirit of Juneteenth translates into meaningful action.
Support Historical Preservation Efforts
Consider donating to or volunteering at museums, historical sites, or organizations that preserve and promote African American history. These institutions play a crucial role in educating future generations and ensuring that the legacy of Juneteenth remains alive. Your support helps preserve and share the stories of struggle and resilience.
Commit to Continuous Learning
Juneteenth should not be limited to a single day of commemoration but rather serve as a catalyst for ongoing learning and growth. Commit to a lifelong journey of understanding, empathy, and anti-racism. Continuously educate yourself about the challenges faced by marginalized communities and actively challenge injustice
Wrap Up
Juneteenth presents a momentous occasion to celebrate the liberation and resilience of the Black community. By actively supporting and empowering the Black community on this day and beyond, we contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. Remember that amplifying Black voices is an ongoing commitment fostered through consistent effort, active listening, and continuous learning.
By amplifying Black voices, we contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society, where the diverse experiences and perspectives of the Black community are recognized, valued, and respected. Through amplifying voices, supporting Black-owned businesses, engaging in allyship, supporting organizations, and embracing continuous education, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact, fostering unity, justice, and empowerment.
FAQ's about online Therapy at Mind by Design
How do I get started as a new client?
New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.
Does my insurance cover my visits?
We provide”Courtesy Billing” for clients who are using the Out-of-network insurance benefits.
Our Insurance Page shares a small blurb about Why We Left Insurance Panels
Do you offer traditional talk therapy?
of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information
Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?
Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that teletherapy is as effective as traditional counseling. Professional organizations and state governments recognize its benefits and have set regulations for it. However, like any therapy, its success in achieving your goals isn’t guaranteed. It’s important to discuss with your therapist whether teletherapy is working for you.
Can I Change Therapists If I'm Not Happy?
Yes, you can switch therapists to another provider within the practice, or we can provide you a referral if preferred. We want to ensure that your time and effort are well spent, and that you are getting the relief you need, that’s why we work collaboratively with each other in the practice, as well as outside therapists who we know and trust.
How Do I Know If Therapy Is Helping?
You should feel like you’re making progress. Signs it’s working include:
Feeling comfortable talking to your therapist
Your therapist respects boundaries
You’re moving towards your goals
You feel listened to
You’re doing better in life
Your self-esteem is getting better
Is Online Therapy Easy to Use for Non-Tech-Savvy People?
Yes, it’s pretty simple to access sessions. You’ll need basic internet skills, such as opening and visiting the patient link sent to you via email. It’s similar to video chatting like Facetime or Zoom. We can also walk you through it on the phone the first time to ensure a strong connection
What Questions Should I Ask My New Therapist?
Feel free to ask anything. Some good questions are:
- How often will we meet?
- What do you specialize in?
- What experience do you have with my issue?
- What outcomes can I expect?
- How will I know I’m progressing?
- How long do you usually work with clients?
- How will we set my treatment goals?
How Should I Prepare for My First Session?
Showing up is all that you need to do! But if you really want to get the most out of session, it could help to take some time to think about what you want from therapy. It helps to write down your goals, questions you have or things that you feel are important to share.
What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?
Our Qualifications:
Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.
To see each providers credentials, training and licenses, visit our “Meet the Therapists” Page to learn more.
- LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
- LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.
What Geographic Areas Are Served?
Currently, we serve clients in New Jersey and are expanding to other states as telehealth laws evolve. While telehealth offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, state laws require clients to be in-state during their session.
Is Virtual Counseling Suitable for Everyone?
Online therapy might not be as effective for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, significant mental health history, or those recently in intensive care. Such cases often benefit more from traditional, in-person counseling. We’ll help you decide if our online services are right for you during your intake and evaluation.
What Equipment is Needed for Online Therapy?
To join a session, log in using the credentials we provide. No downloads are needed. Our platform, compatible with both individual and group sessions, requires:
A computer or mobile device with a webcam and internet access.
We’ll help you test your setup before your first appointment to ensure a reliable connection. iOS users should use the Safari browser for mobile and tablet sessions.
What Questions Will Therapists Ask Me?
It depends on your goals. Expect questions about your thoughts, feelings, relationships, work, school, and health. They’ll ask to understand your therapy goals.
How Do You Keep Client Information Secure?
Security and Confidentiality of Sessions:
Your privacy is crucial to us. We use TherapyNotes, a HIPAA-compliant platform, ensuring secure and confidential teletherapy sessions. This platform’s security features include encrypted video connections, secure data transfers, and encrypted databases, ensuring your information is safe at all times.
What is VRT used for?
we use VRT to support Exposure Therapy, a long standing traditional therapy modality to treat phobias, anxiety and stress. we send a headset directly to your home so you can access VRT from anywhere.
VRT not only helps with exposure therapy for phobias, but is great for ADHD, mindfulness, PTSD and social anxiety.