get started with The Relational practices

In my view, “What yuh go do?” isn't a question more than it is a statement of resignation.  It is a way to become numb to the debilitating effects of chronic stress and trauma. It is a coping strategy that works in the short term, but ultimately places our long term wellbeing in jeopardy. It is my sincere belief that we ought to treat that statement as a question and wrestle with finding some good answers. 

Talking about trauma with Caribbean people as a psychologist is a lot like jumping in the sea and asking the fish, “How’s the water?” and getting a response like “What’s this water thing he's talking about?”

Last year, I returned to therapy. The last time I sat in that chair was more than 15 years ago. The decision to go back, finding a therapist and then settling into the process, felt scary, and it reminded me of what so many people experience when they take the first steps toward getting help.

In this blog post, I share what helped me find the right therapist, what questions can be useful in a brief consultation, and why fit, trust, and feeling safe really matter, especially in the first session. If you are considering therapy this year, I also offer one small next step to help you get started.