Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

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 August is... BIPOC Mental Health & Healing Justice

August's DEI theme highlights BIPOC Mental Health & Healing Justice, recognizing that healing is strengthened through community, culture, and collective care. Marriage and family therapists play an important role in promoting culturally responsive, equitable care while acknowledging the impact of systemic barriers on mental health.

This month, CTAMFT invites members to explore community-based, culturally grounded approaches to healing and to continue learning from organizations that center resilience, advocacy, and healing justice.

Community Resources

Mental Health and Wellness Resources for the Black Community
A collection of Connecticut-based mental health and wellness resources, organizations, and supports for Black communities.
https://www.ctclearinghouse.org/topics/mental-health-and-wellness-resources-for-the-black-community/

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
BEAM is a national organization dedicated to transforming access to emotional health and healing for Black and marginalized communities. Through community education, training, wellness initiatives, and advocacy, BEAM advances a healing justice framework centered on collective care, resilience, and liberation.
https://wellness.beam.community/about/

CT BIPOC Mental Health & Wellness Alliance
A Connecticut initiative providing a safe space to discuss the impacts of racial trauma, systemic inequities, and community healing while connecting individuals with culturally relevant support.
https://www.facebook.com/CTBIPOCMENTALHEALTH/about

Boris L. Henson Foundation
Founded to improve mental health outcomes in under-resourced communities, the Boris L. Henson Foundation works to increase access to culturally competent mental health resources, education, and programs nationwide.
https://borislhensonfoundation.org/

Activites for Couples Therapy

1. Shared Values & Traditions Discussion
Invite partners to identify the cultural values, traditions, and rituals that are meaningful to each of them. Discuss how they can intentionally incorporate these practices into their relationship to foster connection and mutual understanding.

2. Relationship Resilience Timeline
Create a timeline of the couple's relationship, identifying significant challenges they've overcome together alongside moments of joy, growth, and support. Reflect on the strengths and coping strategies that helped them navigate difficult times.

3. Collective Care Plan
Guide couples in developing a "collective care" plan by discussing:

  • How each partner knows when the other is struggling.
  • Ways they can offer support that feel meaningful.
  • Community resources, family, friends, or cultural practices they can lean on together.
    Emphasize that healthy relationships thrive through mutual care, connection, and shared responsibility rather than individual resilience alone.

Activities for Individual Therapy

1. Cultural Identity Map
Invite clients to create a visual map of the identities, traditions, values, and communities that have shaped who they are. Explore how these identities have served as sources of resilience and belonging, as well as any challenges they've faced.

2. Community Care Inventory
Help clients identify the people, organizations, cultural practices, and community spaces that support their well-being. Collaboratively develop a plan to strengthen or reconnect with these sources of support.

3. Tree of Resilience
Have clients draw a tree where:

  • Roots represent family history, culture, and values.
  • Trunk represents personal strengths.
  • Branches represent goals and hopes.
  • Leaves represent supportive people and communities.
    Use the activity to highlight resilience and protective factors.

DEI Committee Meeting Notes

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month from 7-8 via Zoom

Please email the DEI chair at deictamft.org for the Zoom link

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Oqb7s612rXtvl1ll79iGFPh4Ynwj_cNo?usp=sharing

Meeting Schedule for 2026

No meeting in June 2026 due to CTAMFT Conference

July 22, 2026- RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY

August 18, 2026

Septemeber 15, 2026

October 20, 2026

November 17, 2026

December 15, 2026