Expression Wellness Group
Chilliwack and Abbotsford offices Abbotsford, BC, Canada

Kai Cheng Thom writes: "I think the major difference between a social justice and a white/colonial lens on trauma is the assumption that trauma recovery is the ...reclamation of safetythat safety is a resource that is simply 'out there' for the taking and all we need to do is work hard enough at therapy . "I was once at a training seminar in Toronto led by a famous & beloved somatic psychologist. She spoke brilliantly. I asked her how healing from trauma was possible for ppl for whom violence & danger are part of everyday life. She said it was not. . "Colonial psychology & psychiatry reveal their allegiance to the status quo in their approach to trauma: That resourcing must come from within oneself rather than from the collective. That trauma recovery is feeling safe in society, when in fact society is the source of trauma . Colonial somatics & psychotherapies teach that the body must relearn to perceive safety. But the bodies of the oppressed are rightly interpreting danger. Our triggers & explosive rage, our dissociation & perfect submission are in fact skills that have kept us alive . + . The somatics of social justice cannot (i believe) be a somatics rooted in the colonial frameworks of psychology, psychiatry, or other models linked to the dominance of the nation-state (psychology was not always this way, but has become increasingly so over time) . The somatics of social justice cannot be aimed at restoring the body to a state of homeostasis/neutrality. We must be careful of popular languaging such as the 'regulation' of nervous system & emotion, which implies the control and domination of mind over emotion & sensation. . "Because we are not, in the end, preparing the body to 'return' to the general safety of society (this would be gaslighting). we are preparing the body, essentially for struggletraining for better survival & the ability to experience joy in the midst of great danger. . "In the cauldron of social justice healing praxis, we must aim for relationality that has the potential to generate social change, to generate insurrection. we must be prepared to challenge norms. acknowledge danger. embrace struggle. take risks. . "& above all, we must not overemphasize the importance of individual work (which is important indeed) to the detriment of a somatics that also prepares us, essentially, for war. somatics that allow us to organize together. fight together. live together. love each other. Kai Cheng Thom . Art by Shelby McQuilkin . .

Don’t let finances be a reason you don’t reach out for support. Our intern Julie is offering services at a reduced a fee and is booking clients on Mondays and Fridays. Julie is a gem of a person and strong in her skills. She is relational, compassionate and has a strong desire for people to be living full, healthy lives. Having worked as a life coach for many years, she is well familiar with the patterns and issues that keep people stuck. As a therapist in training, she is meeting with those struggling with anxiety, depression, conflict, self-esteem, and personal development. Contact her at [email protected].

Attention therapists in private practice! We are proud to host an online workshop with Vikki Reynolds, PhD, RCC. Vikki is an engaging speaker with incredible experience who seeks to bridge the gap between social justice activism, community work and therapy. There are incredible movements happening in the world, and this workshop will help ground our work in ethics, accountability, and community solidarity. One of our goals from this training is to build a community of like-mi...nded therapists who can join with us in commitment to social justice and activism within the context of our work. Date: December 2nd & 3rd Time: 9am-12pm Location: Zoom Cost: $210.00 + GST Space is limited! For more information or to register please email: [email protected]

Meet Julie, our new counselling intern! We’re so excited to have her and to be able to support more people with her around. She‘ll be available on Mondays and Fridays, offering low-cost counselling services (in person and online) under the supervision of Laurie. If you or someone you know is looking for support, reach out and we’ll get you connected. Welcome Julie!

Did you know you get a voice in how this therapy thing works?! You do. it takes courage to reach out, sit in a waiting room, walk through a door and open up to someone you didn’t know 10 minutes prior. Although a quick online search lists many counsellors for you to contact, finding one who is right for you may not be as simple of a task. You could go to 10 different people with the same issue, ask the same questions and present exactly the same and be met with 10 different r...esponse and experiences. Those of us in the field all work differently and not everyone will be a fit... and that is ok! We encourage you to be critical and intentional with who you connect to, even if having met with someone for awhile. A couple things to take note of: 1. Counselling is nothing if not relational so look for how you feel in their space and in their presence. Openness, curiosity and genuine appreciation for who you are and what you’re experiencing can foster the connection you need. 2. There should be no secrets or mystery of how a counsellor is working with you. You don’t need to hold their same degree but you should have a working knowledge of the ideas that guide their practice. 3. In my humble opinion, Counselling needs to be collaborative. You are not just a client but a partner in a process moving you towards health and change. Your experience shouldn’t feel prescriptive, a checklist identical to the next person your counsellor sees. Nope, it should feel as personal and unique as you, engaged in together with a collaborative energy. Counselling is meant to be helpful so remember it is your right to speak to this or switch things up to ensure things are going the way you need. Be encouraged!