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Hello and welcome to FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy’s Monthly Newsletter!
In each issue we will address a different topic surrounding mental health, highlight a treatment perspective from the field, as well as showcase a few of our own clinicians. Our hope is that this newsletter helps to raise awareness, begins conversations around tough topics, and instills hope.
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As a result of COVID-19 the majority of FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy sessions are being done using tele-health video calls. Limited in-person sessions for specialized therapies available for current and new clients. To set-up an appointment please call 651-439-4840 or visit FamilyMeans.org.
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July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Officially, the month is called Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Named after author, journalist, teacher, and activist Bebe Moore Campbell. Bebe was an advocate who worked tirelessly to destigmatize mental health, especially for those who belong to racial and ethnic minority groups. Campbell advocated for the need to promote awareness of mental illness, to highlight the cultural stigmas related to mental health, and to enhance the accessibility of mental health services for people belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups.
Campbell said,
“Stigma is one of the main reasons why people with mental health problems do not seek treatment or take their medication. People of color, particularly African Americans, feel the stigma more keenly. In a race-conscious society, some don’t want to be perceived as having yet another deficit.”
Disparities exist among the accessibility and quality of services for people belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups. Mental illness and mental health challenges impact millions of Americans, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, and any other identifying factors. But these challenges are often increased greatly for those who experience disparities in accessibility and quality of services, as well as cultural stigmas.
Recent events highlight the absolute necessity for mental health services to become more accessible and more appropriated for people belonging to racial or ethnic minority groups. In response to the tragic and recent death of George Floyd, FamilyMeans President Jim Kroening said,
“FamilyMeans envisions vibrant and resilient communities where everyone lives to their fullest potential. We strive to strengthen communities by helping individuals and families through challenges at all life stages…FamilyMeans is committed to continuing its work as an organization to learn, discuss, and cultivate an inclusive environment for all individuals, families, and communities we serve.”
To read Kroening’s full statement, click here.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has an ongoing docuseries called Strength Over Silence where people share “stories of courage, culture, and community.” Click here to watch these stories.
FamilyMeans recognizes the deep pain many people experience because of racism, microaggressions, and more, as well as the reality that these painful experiences can create mental health challenges or heighten those that already exist. We are here to help you and your loved ones work through the pain, trauma, or stigmatization you have endured and may continue to endure. Please contact us at 651-439-4840 or visit us at FamilyMeans.org if we can help.
Written by FamilyMeans Mental Health Clinician, Toni Price, MA
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Treatment Perspective: Somatic Experience Therapy
Somatic Experience Therapy is a body-focused approach to therapy that can help people who have been impacted by trauma and other stress-related mental health disorders. Sometimes after experiencing traumatic events, people struggle to process the trauma on their own, resulting in unresolved or repressed trauma. This can lead to various physical and mental health problems that can negatively impact the nervous system and the body’s ability to self-regulate, causing them to feel and respond as if they are under continuous threat, which can lead to anxiety, fear, judgement, hypervigilance, shame, aggression, and more. A Somatic Experience Therapy approach can help people move past a place of feeling stuck in trauma and restore the body’s ability to self-regulate.
Therapists who specialize in Somatic Experience Therapy help clients develop a place of safety, whether it be within their own bodies or a physical retreat in their minds. Once safety is established, therapists help clients process the traumatic event(s) while checking in with the client about their bodily sensations, also known as somatic experiences (e.g., posture, breathing, tightness, tension, dizziness, etc.). Becoming aware of what is happening within their bodies, clients can gain increased awareness of their physical responses to stress. Therapists help clients address internal trauma while developing and implementing self-regulating techniques known as somatic resources to help clients connect with their strength and resilience and to regulate the nervous system again. If you or someone you know could benefit from Somatic Experience Therapy, please contact FamilyMeans today at 651-439-4840 or visit us at FamilyMeans.org if we can help.
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FamilyMeans Clinician Spotlight
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Jennifer Nowak, LPCC
To be in a space where we can feel understood is critical to healing. While having pain is human, suffering needn't be. Jen takes a collaborative approach with clients to explore painful patterns in their life and provide practices toward coping, self- care and personal growth. Jen works with individuals from children to older adults. Jen uses attachment, mindfulness and self-compassionate approaches in her therapy. Her areas of interest are life transitions, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
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Nora Eiesland, LMFT
Nora is a Marriage and Family Therapist in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Nora has provided therapy services for 15 years in outpatient, in home and treatment settings. She has worked at FamilyMeans since 2005.
Nora sees families, children, and teens. She works with students and families at the Stillwater High School Wellness Program. Nora addresses depression, anxiety, OCD, grief, anger, trauma, and family relational problems.
Nora has special training and interest in working with trauma providing EMDR therapy as a helping aid. She loves to help families move towards healthier relationships. Nora has taken extensive course work in attachment and bonding, hypnotherapy, and neurobiology. Nora enjoys her work and deeply respects the therapeutic relationship.
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