9th Annual Conference

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has identified mental health disparities pertaining to access and quality of care. *This intensive offers a viewpoint through a clinically refined lens in the area of health disparities. that meet the needs of underserved ethnically diverse populations and an opportunity for participants to acknowledge the unique cultural experiences of African Americans and Multicultural Americans of Color to require an equitable delivery of mental health services. Aboriginal and other indigenous groups have long used restorative circles to heal harm done by offences and to determine justice for the offender.**
Community defined interventions, Healing Circles, were found desirable by providers and African Americans clients in Alameda county CA ** and to increase provider effectiveness in addressing trauma, historical trauma, stigma and discrimination. Connecting providers and community in innovative ways in community based settings, circles promote community healing and improved outcomes for African Americans, offer empowerment, support, education, a safe place to be heard and an opportunity to heal from trauma.

Members of underserved communities often experience multiple loss and/or disenfranchised grief. Providers of mental health to trauma clients are at risk for experiencing vicarious loss and burnout. Our tools help professionals achieve psychological safety, work/life balance, practice self care.

*-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3928067/
**https://www.justiceeducation.ca/about-us/research/aboriginal-sentencing/restorative-justice
***http://www.acbhcs.org/providers/QI/docs/Alameda_African_American_Utilization_Report.pdf

In 2018 we successfully co-presented- two workshops and one webinar entitled 'Trauma, Grief and Resilience' to mental health (LCSW, LMFT), nursing (RN) and spiritual (Chaplain) professionals. Evaluations rated our presentation as professional, educational and relevant to their practices. They would attend future presentations and recommend the workshop to others. Co presenters independently provided training as well.

This session is appropriate for all audiences and skill levels
Attendees should have some knowledge and experience in the subject matter

mental illness, mental health, trauma, resilience, healing, circles, community healing, groups, healing circles

Skill-based training or Experiential workshop: provide an opportunity to acquire and practice a new skill and to observe and refine teaching techniques for this skill

Expressive Art- if time there will be an opportuity to create expressive art