Chynna is Caribbean American and a Womanist in every way. Her mother’s Trinidadian roots and her father’s Puerto Rican heritage are integral to who she is, how she loves herself and how she loves others. In different counseling iterations over the years, first as a substance abuse counselor and later as a case manager, she watched patients wrestle with their pain while knowing there was a better way but lacking the skills and knowledge. For her it is not about solving issues for her patients, but rather introducing more light for them, so that they are able to see their own path to liberation from pain. Over time, Chynna learned the deep power of curiosity and the roaring strength of silence. She learned to love the non-linear healing and wholeness that inevitably reveals itself to patients. She believes in each patient, and that the goals for change they set out for themselves are attainable. It is imperative to her that it is the patient’s goals, not her own, that are primary. The value she adds to the lives of her patients is that she approaches her work from a strengths-based perspective. In assessment, she spends time identifying her patient’s strengths, because these can often be overlooked. Drawing upon these strengths, Chynna helps patients see their own resources for change and growth. Unlearning long held patterns is important work that requires patience. Having patience as a guide to help patients learn to replace unhelpful patterns is key to developing healthier ways of seeing themselves, others and the world. Chynna knows wellness is achievable so she continues to offer hope and possibility as patients grow towards their goals. Her practice is unique in the way she infuses humor throughout her work. Chynna hopes that patients graduate from working with her feeling confident in their abilities to recognize and meet their needs with deeper knowledge and commitment to their own healing journey.
Racism
BIPOC Adult Group Therapy
Join AMJ and Christhmus Presence for pay-as-you-may virtual group therapy. Sessions start 8/24. Late enrollment closes 9/7.
Sessions are 90 minutes and will be held once a week over the course of 10 weeks. Group capacity is 8-10 people.
About AMJ (they/them/their):
AMJ, ASW is a queer, disabled, nonbinary Black femme descendant of Africans who were enslaved in the Southeastern United States and ultimately settled in Low Country/Gullah Geechee/Lower Creek/Yamasee lands (Savannah, GA). They are a “coachy therapist”, focused on helping (QT)BIPOC blend ancestral healing traditions with therapeutic approaches such as Brainspotting, healing-centered (aka trauma-informed) therapy, expressive arts, aromatherapy, and problem-solving. AMJ resides in San Pedro and takes care of self via gardening, music, food, and their adorably snarky doggo named Dilla.
About Christhmus (pronoun at your pleasure):
Christhmus Presence (Chris Chu) will be facilitating all groups above, and is a 3.5-generation Muwekma Ohlone (San Francisco) land-settler, and Chinese-American Queer by Ancestors’ way of Guangdong, China. Pillars that guide them are liberation psychology, narrative psychology, somatic psychology, trauma-informed therapy, spirituality, and expressive arts. Tools held in support of self-resourcing, clarity, and ancestral connectivity include meditation, Tapping, and Brainspotting. They enjoy plants, creative expression, the power of community, and being in water.
Registered Associate MFT #125037 through The Center for Mindful Psychotherapy, supervised by Shawana Booker LCSW #29165
Teen Empowerment Group
For teens who are survivors of violence, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, school or community violence, parental substance abuse, who have witnessed violence in their home, or have experienced any other child maltreatment.
This group focuses on self-esteem building, healthy relationships, gaining a sense of community and skills for growth, and helping teens access their own strength and courage to claim a healthy and positive future.
Parents, the reality of teen trauma is painful and overwhelming. Figuring out how to begin the healing process can be confusing. You want to protect your teen and ensure their safety and happiness. When you see your child suffering, it hurts.
We understand, and we are here to help.
Any of this sound familiar in regards to your teen:
– Anxiety or worry
– Falling grades
– Persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from normal activities, or feeling “down”
– Changes in self-care, such as paying less attention to hygiene, appearance, or fashion than they usually do
Our Teen Empowerment Group is hands down the best way to help your teen:
– Understanding of the symptoms of trauma to support self-regulation
– Develop greater understanding of themselves and their needs in a safe and supportive community so that they can set self-directed boundaries
– Experience mindfulness-based practices to induce and deepen relaxation
– Increase self-compassion in order to reduce self-criticism and self-blame
We are here to help your teen engage in the body and mind through arts based expression in order to heal and re-connect with joy and purpose.
NEXT Step? Email our office to schedule a brief phone chat with leaders Melissa or Megan. We would be delighted to answer any questions you have about the group. We look forward to hearing from you!
Expressive arts is an evidence based practice that provides practical tools for healing and emotional growth. Some art modalities we will use include; drawing, painting, collage, mixed media and digital art or photography. No experience or skill with art making is necessary to benefit from art therapy.
Colette Ellis
Hi, I’m Coach Colette!
As a Black woman, I know first-hand the challenges of dealing with the impacts of microaggressions, racism, and other forms of discrimination. I also am keenly aware of the under-representation in many industries, which leads to the “only” syndrome.
I’ve been working in the personal development and wellness industry for 15 years. By training, I’m a certified stress management coach and practitioner of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT-Tapping). I’m also certified in Mental Health First Aid by the National Council for Behavioral Health and trained in Trauma-Informed Care principles by NYS OASAS.
To guide you on your path to wellness and freedom from oppression, I offer virtual sessions focused on healing, resilience, and self-care.
I’ve set an intention to #DisruptStrong; in particular, to disrupt the myth of the “Strong Black Woman,” who is supposed to be strong for everyone but herself. Instead, I believe that being strong is based on your personal journey to greater self-awareness. It’s also based on your willingness to be vulnerable and seek out support — which you are doing right now!
My goal is to create a safe space for you to have honest, healing conversations. I will support you to feel a sense of worthiness, to know that your dreams, your health, and your life matters.