In a dynamic fusion of art, education, and social awareness, the Counsel Culture event, a collaborative endeavour between Shooters Shoot (basketball charity tournament leveraging the power of sport to break down stigmas around mental health) and POLA Practice,(with anoshetherapies founder as part of POLA practice, which is a culturally responsive private practice made up of mostly black therapists,and POC), unfolded its thought-provoking chapters on the 16th of July, 2023 at the Victoria State Library on Swanston Street. Hosts at the event discussed various societal problems and the stigmatisation of mental health help seeking, with a profound emphasis on black mental health, racial understanding, and their intricate connections.
Portia (anoshetherapies); Sagalee (shooters shoot founder) and Tigist (POLA practice co founder) pictured below.
The event's overarching mission was clear: to confront and address the pressing issues that weave through the fabric of our society. Topics discussed include the far-reaching implications of mental health and well-being, racism, and the profound impact of racial trauma on mental health.
A Glimpse into the Agenda
The Gathering Storm: The clock struck 1:30 PM, and the event came to life with the arrival of presenters and guests. A diverse assembly of minds and perspectives set the stage for the intellectual exchange that was about to unfold.
Part 1: A Dual Perspective: Sagalee and Tigist kicked off the event with a riveting exploration of the intricate relationship between mental health and well-being.
Part 2: Unraveling Therapy: Tigist and Sagalee joined forces with Portia to lead the audience through a journey into the essence of therapy. Portia's enlightening talk, "What actually is therapy," dissected the layers of this critical tool for mental healing, shedding light on its true purpose and potential.
Part 3: The Triad of Insight: Tigist, Sagalee and Portia returned, this time accompanied by Orlando. Their triumvirate of therapeutic perspectives delved deeper into the multifaceted impact of racial trauma on mental health. A poignant exploration that resonated with the audience's shared empathy and growing understanding.
A Platform for Exchange: As the event drew to a close, the last 30 minutes were earmarked for a Q&A session. An invaluable opportunity for attendees to interact directly with the presenters, a melting pot of ideas, concerns, and insights. The audience, made up mostly of young black individuals, was thoroughly engaged, and were certainly left wanting to know more about therapy that specialises and centres their experiences.
Portia, Sagalee, Tigist and Orlando (POLA practice therapist).
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