Sacha Médiné, Counsellor & Community Worker

I'm very excited to be in conversation with these folks tomorrow.

Im very excited to be in conversation with these folks tomorrow.

I've been having many conversations, and been witness to many more, that really drive home how difficult it is for people of colour (especially those who are also women, indigenous, queer, trans, or gender non-conforming) to access counselling or other forms of support. Especially in moments when it's most needed. It's perverse. Our society creates the conditions that do harm to communities, and then it blocks them, in myriad overt and subtle ways, from accessing supports that might help heal some small part of that damage. I don't know what the full answer to this is, but it's urgent and I have so much admiration for those who are able to navigate the barriers and access the care they deeply deserve.

Ive been having many conversations, and been witness to many more, that really drive home how difficult it is for people of colour (especially those who are also women, indigenous, queer, trans, or gender non-conforming) to access counselling or other forms of support. Especially in moments when its most needed. Its perverse. Our society creates the conditions that do harm to communities, and then it blocks them, in myriad overt and subtle ways, from accessing supports that might help heal some small part of that damage. I dont know what the full answer to this is, but its urgent and I have so much admiration for those who are able to navigate the barriers and access the care they deeply deserve.

There is so so much wrong with corporate marketing campaigns like #BellLetsTalk. In times like these though, when we're all struggling through so much and our systems provide so little help, the most important problem is that they don't get us closer to healing. This is a beautiful piece of writing from a friend that speaks truth, and points us in the right direction. My hope for this year is that many of us can find true support when we need it (through counselling and in o...ur communities). My hope is also that we will all provide real support when it's needed (as professionals and as members of our communities). Bell sure isn't gonna help, so we have each other.

Reminders of how/why we should take care of ourselves are especially important this time of year. Especially important this year.

Every one of us is worthy of care.

I strongly believe that a crucial part of the path towards individual mental health involves finding personally meaningful ways of contributing to the creation of more just and equitable communities. We should be grateful for the opportunities. This is where my heart is at the moment. I wonder what causes and actions are speaking to others.

So often when in conversation with folks, my first hope is that they appreciate that just surviving is a beautiful act of resistance, healing and self-love. Trying to remember that truth for myself in the midst of some full and beautifully tumultuous days.

Feeling inspired by some of the therapeutic conversations I've been having recently with folks finding ways of resisting the impacts, and healing the pain, of this masculinity dilemma in themselves, or their loved ones. "As a masculine-identified person, there does not seem any way to have meaningful relationships with others that doesnt raise questions about why you are so closed off to your emotionally expressive side. ... Masculinity may currently exist as a double edged and dangerously wielded sword, but we does not have to continue down that path. We can change, and we can change for the better."

Feeling inspired by some of the therapeutic conversations Ive been having recently with folks finding ways of resisting the impacts, and healing the pain, of this masculinity dilemma in themselves, or their loved ones. "As a masculine-identified person, there does not seem any way to have meaningful relationships with others that doesnt raise questions about why you are so closed off to your emotionally expressive side. ... Masculinity may currently exist as a double edged and dangerously wielded sword, but we does not have to continue down that path. We can change, and we can change for the better."

The weight is real... http://dellahickswilson.tumblr.com/

Photos by K.Ho took all the beautiful photos for my website, this page, and a bunch of other shots I love. I'd never done a photo shoot for myself before and struggled with feeling nervous and awkward. Thank goodness Kay was so amazing at making the whole process incredibly comfortable, and at somehow helping me figure out what I imagined even when I couldn't describe it! Thank you! Such a great experience.

I think there are some really useful points here. Worth reflecting on if youre considering reaching out for support.

I think there are some really useful points here. Worth reflecting on if you're considering reaching out for support.

Whether it's shootings, or dogs with blood in their mouths at the Dakota Access Pipeline, these images are leaving a toll. Let's make sure we're taking care of each other.

Whether its shootings, or dogs with blood in their mouths at the Dakota Access Pipeline, these images are leaving a toll. Lets make sure were taking care of each other.

Excited to be starting this journey with you all! You can find more information on my practice on my website.