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Previously on this podcast we presented a four-part mini-podcasting series focusing on issues affecting Black and African American Communities, and ways we can advocate for Black survivors of Trauma and Sexual Violence. The mini-series covered topics like mental health within Black communities, anti-racism and therapy, racial trauma and black survivors, and implicit bias. On this week's podcast, we will be taking a step back and discussing Mental Healthcare and the BIPOC Community. Join VSC Community Engagement Coordinator, Libba Van Eepoel, as they chat with Therapist Natasha Ganesh-D'Arcangelo and VSC Therapy Intern, May Figueroa, to chat about client and counselor representation, how lack of access can impact BIPOC individuals seeking mental healthcare, how stigmas can play a role in that, and advice on how to find a therapist.

Natasha Ganesh-D’Arcangelo (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida, Oregon and Washington, a Florida Qualified Supervisor, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). She works with adolescents and adults in her role as a staff therapist for Headspace Health. She operates from a cultural humility perspective and is an ally of the LGTBQIA+ community. She is especially passionate about working with clients who are struggling with trauma and anxiety and does public speaking on the topic of burnout.

Mary Figueroa (she/her) is currently pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in Family and Relationship Therapy. She is a therapy intern at VSC, and serves local counseling associations in FL as a Student Liaison for the Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida (MHCCF), a Marketing Coordinator for the Central Florida Association for Family and Marriage Therapy (CFAMFT). She is trained as a Clinical Trauma Professional, has completed training in Mindfulness Stress Reduction Techniques, and most recently started EMDR training. She believes that every individual holds a capacity for resilience and that those personal strengths are already within, and strives to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space that honors diverse and intersecting identities, and allows for a collaborative alliance.

Books mentioned:

The Racial Healing Handbook by Anneliese A. Singh

Anti-Racist Psychotherapy by David Archer

White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better by Regina Jackson and Saira Rao

See more resources mentioned on our Facebook page, VSCFlorida!

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Want to make a difference? Visit victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956 7273. By contacting the National hotline at 1 800 656 4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.