Terrelle Marchand-Baum

Racial trauma is one of those heavy topics that can weigh on individuals and communities alike. But unpacking it is crucial for creating healing spaces (and yes, it might just help you sleep a little better knowing you're doing your part). For mental health professionals, understanding racial trauma is not just about empathy—it's about taking actionable steps to support and uplift those affected.

Ever catch yourself pumping up to your favorite tunes during your commute, only to switch to your “corporate playlist” as you walk into the office? Congratulations, you’ve mastered the art of code switching—the unofficial survival skill for navigating multiple identities across professional and social spaces. But let's be real. For many minorities, code switching isn’t just about adapting to different settings; it’s about navigating an “invisible tightrope,” often at the expense of mental...

Being culturally sensitive and aware as a caregiver in mental health is a bit like cooking a meal for a potluck—you need to consider everyone’s tastes, dietary needs, and those unexpected “Wait, you’re allergic to cilantro?!” moments. It’s about acknowledging that each individual brings their own flavorful experiences, spices of traditions, and preferences to the table, and your role is to cook up a care plan that hits all the right notes without missing out on the ingredients that make them...