diversity/inclusivity/community
diversity and inclusivity~
Becoming aware of my continually evolving relationship with diversity and inclusivity, particularly with bias, power, privilege, and oppression has been a soul searching and raw experience. As a therapist I am committing to continually examining these relationships throughout my life and career, and hope to benefit my clients because of it as an advocate for change.. I first and foremost believe in affirming the client's life experience (Sue, D. & Sue, D. 2013), and speaking to the layers of their experience in relationship to the systemic and cultural pieces at play.
I'd like to share my working definition of the terms diversity and inclusivity. I understand diversity to be the awareness and appreciation of the full spectrum of group and individual differences of experience. My definition of inclusivity is encouraging the recognition and affirmation of diversity within a group or organization, and utilizing these differences for the co-creation of something invaluably greater.
For both diversity and inclusivity the power lies in being able to hold both the differences and similarities of people’s experiences, which truly honor and develop the fullness and richness of humanity.
I'd like to share my working definition of the terms diversity and inclusivity. I understand diversity to be the awareness and appreciation of the full spectrum of group and individual differences of experience. My definition of inclusivity is encouraging the recognition and affirmation of diversity within a group or organization, and utilizing these differences for the co-creation of something invaluably greater.
For both diversity and inclusivity the power lies in being able to hold both the differences and similarities of people’s experiences, which truly honor and develop the fullness and richness of humanity.
community~
"Your first understanding of community is the community of the body." ~ Amber Nystrom
Community is a body of people gathering together. Each person, each body, has a community inside as well, of cells and identities. Our body is intimately connected with community.
Creating group community is vitally important for support and healing. This can be represented by literal family, and/or family of the heart. Relating because of resonance, identity, and/or like-experience and yearning, there is so much possibility for connection and unfolding of relationship. Community, and service to the community, makes our lives richer.
Creating group community is vitally important for support and healing. This can be represented by literal family, and/or family of the heart. Relating because of resonance, identity, and/or like-experience and yearning, there is so much possibility for connection and unfolding of relationship. Community, and service to the community, makes our lives richer.
