Experts and Artists Highlight Black and Brown Mental Health at Inaugural Psyches of Color Wellness Day – Los Angeles Sentinel

On Could 31, in honor of Psychological Well being Consciousness Month, Dr. Tierra Therese Ellis, founding father of Psyches of Colour Inc., and her crew of consultants, interns, and fellows offered a day of self-care and self-love to the Black and Latinx communities of Los Angeles.

Held because the inaugural “Psyches of Colour Wellness Day,” the occasion featured numerous therapeutic experiences together with free haircuts, hair braiding, a make-up artist workshop, and psychological well being panels. Attendees had been additionally handled to a comedy present and music supplied by South Central Los Angeles native, DJ Lolis.

One of many featured creatives was make-up artist Camylle Robinson, who calls herself a “self-care artist.”

Robinson defined, “A self-care artist is somebody who nurtures the psychological, emotional and religious well-being of themselves and others.” She added, “I began doing make-up at 14. It helps individuals really feel assured and delightful in their very own pores and skin.”

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One other vendor, barber Marcos Rincones, emphasised the psychological wellness aspect of his craft.

“A haircut might be greater than only a contemporary look—it may be an opportunity to speak, join, and verify in,” he mentioned. “It’s necessary to have an area the place individuals really feel protected to open up.”

Hairstylist DeAndra Quarles additionally shared her distinctive journey. A graduate of Cal State Dominguez Hills with a level in psychology and dance, Quarles turned a licensed cosmetologist in 2016 after finding out at El Camino School.

“As a hairstylist, I take pleasure in serving others and serving to people feel and appear nice about themselves,” she mentioned. “Trying good may help an individual’s confidence and shallowness.” She at present works at Phenix Salon Suites and beforehand styled youth at Los Padrinos Juvenile Corridor.

The day’s psychological well being panel was led by Dr. Ellis, who requested, “What does a wholesome group appear to be?”

Adriana Alejandre, a trauma therapist, responded, “A wholesome group is one through which we assist one another and abolish juvenile prisons. We have to assist our communities.”

Dr. Lamothe-Francois added, “We should take care of our communities and discover mentors—your village.” She continued, “A wholesome group is the place we don’t decide or disgrace one another, however the place respect is foundational. We have to normalize what we undergo, like despair.” She famous that many Latinx college students shared that psychological well being stays a taboo matter at house.

Lamothe-Francois obtained her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Texas A&M College and earned her undergraduate diploma from California State College, Northridge.

“The brand new technology may help their households speak about psychological well being,” she mentioned.

Dr. Ramar Henderson, an assistant professor within the Division of Counselor Schooling and Rehabilitation at Cal State LA, harassed unity.

“Blacks and Latinx communities should notice we should always not examine our struggles,” he mentioned. “It doesn’t assist to combat one another—it helps to heal collectively.”

The day concluded with a comedy present, the place a number of comedians supplied laughter and pleasure as a type of psychological wellness.

“The purpose of Psyches of Colour is to make use of strengths-based and culturally related approaches to supply psychological well being assist to Black and Latinx adolescents and younger adults, ages 13–25,” mentioned Dr. Ellis. “We promote radical therapeutic. Our interns and fellows function inspirations for future psychological well being professionals.”

Many interns go on to check psychology or associated fields. Dr. Ellis, who holds a Ph.D. in class psychology from Howard College and twin bachelor’s levels in psychology and African & African American research from Arizona State College, additionally has a minor in dance. She is each a licensed medical psychologist and college psychologist.

Earlier than founding Psyches of Colour, she labored on the D.C. Superior Courts conducting psychological evaluations on court-involved youth, and supported incarcerated college students in East Baltimore and Jessup, Maryland.

“The voices of the youth turned the inspiration for beginning Psyches of Colour Inc.,” she mentioned.

Dr. Ellis additionally wears the crown of Miss Compton USA and can compete within the Miss California USA pageant in August. Her platform facilities round her work with Psyches of Colour.

For extra data, go to www.psychesofcolor.org, electronic mail [email protected], or name (323) 432-0389.