Breaking Down Barriers

This workshop is intended for community members who would like to understand some of the first steps in finding a therapist. We will discuss the types of therapists, some popular approaches to treatment, what a first session might look like and tips for identifying if a therapist is a good match.

Exploring nurturing relationships within our lives and recognizing the importance of the relationship with ourselves. We can discuss boundaries, exploring times to say “yes” or “no”, and cultivating insight on all our unique relationships.

This presentation is in collaboration with the Immigration Legal Services program. The goal is to provide emotional support while learning about your rights and how to exercise them in case of an immigration encounter. Trainings can be provided in English or Spanish for groups of people that are 20 or more. These presentations can be in person throughout San Diego County or virtual and attendance is completely confidential.

This workshop centers exploring Queer self-love through our identities and making space to connect with one another and learn some of our Queer diverse pre-colonial history.

This workshop asks questions that help us remember, honor, and reclaim culturally significant healing and self-care practices. We will highlight tools around somatic awareness and include practical ways to introduce them in your life to reduce fatigue and avoid burnout. There will be a meditation and grounding practice incorporated into this workshop.

We will discuss self-care and community care practices that individual participants can engage in to support their own well-being. Workshops may also discuss topics related to anxiety, depression, or reducing burnout.

We will highlight the different roots of stress faced by the youth in our communities and how it shows up in the body somatically. Youth will gain a deeper understanding of how stress and stigma impact their emotional needs and daily life, while exploring different stress reduction practices to incorporate.

We will explore methods for setting and accomplishing professional and personal goals using SMART goals and objectives to serve as the foundation for your vision board. We’ll also discuss the basics of Neuroscience of Visualization, followed by a guided visualization to help bring your goals to fruition.

This is an Indigenous centered workshop focusing on diverse cultural methods while using mind-body practices to reduce stress. Indigenous mindfulness practices support being present in one’s body and can encompass a variety of traditional methods that foster present moment awareness, connection to nature, and community well-being. We close with a guided mediation.

We will review the concepts of historical and intergenerational trauma, and discuss how historical events (e.g. colonialism, slavery, war, segregation) impact QT & Black, Indigenous, and People of Color mental health and wellbeing. This training can be provided to community members to support them in understanding and articulating the ways that their families and/or communities have been impacted by historical trauma. The training can also be adapted for providers to help them understand the impact of past trauma on clients and communities.
*Note: the communities discussed will depend on the presenters available*

These trainings are for service providers who would like to learn best practices for working with community members that may identify as African American/Black; African/Refugee; Asian/Pacific Islander; Latine/x; LGBTQ+; Middle Eastern; and/or Native American/Indigenous. Breaking Down Barriers staff will lead a training course (typically 1.5-2 hours) focused on 1 of the identified communities listed above. The training will include a brief history, cultural norms and practices, terminologies and definitions, data on mental health, and sensitive practices to be aware of when working with a particular community. We will also offer an interactive portion where you can ask questions and discuss with others, ways to show support for the community.

This is an introductory workshop for service providers who would like to better understand how communities of color face systemic intersectional issues that negatively impact their mental health and wellbeing. This training will help providers establish a foundation towards understanding oppressive systems and implementing anti-racism practices, self-reflection, and personal critique as related to mental health.

We will explore the importance of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and why it is crucial for Native and non-Native people to understand the ways that ICWA addresses the historical and ongoing disproportionate removal of Native children from their families and communities and how this continues to affect their mental health. We will offer an overview of historical trauma, key provisions of ICWA, and how it is implemented within our communities and tribes. ICWA’s impact extends beyond the immediate protection of Native children; it also addresses broader issues of cultural preservation, tribal sovereignty, and the systemic biases that have historically impacted Native communities. By understanding ICWA, we can contribute to a more just and equitable child welfare system for all.