Written by: Ikeshia Smith, Psy.D., LSW The Clinical Cookout, LLC TCC stands strongly against police brutality and those whose lives have been lost to gun violence. While we acknowledge the importance of having individual rights and abiding by the law, TCC continues to support victims and their families who have been negatively affected by systemic injustices. TCC recognizes the pain and suffering these injustices have caused to many communities, specifically to the Black and Brown communities. Over time, minorities have campaigned, marched, and fought hard to ensure the lives of minority women and men are treated fairly by the judicial system but have been met with stagnation on police and community reform, their cries fallen on deaf ears of political leaders, and subjected to execution-style killings by the very people who are to protect and serve their communities. Just as of recently, a 20-year-old Black man, named Donovan Lewis, was fatally killed by Columbus Police while in his
Written by: Amber Dorsey, Psy.D The Clinical Cookout, LLC Ideally, you want your first appointment to be “perfect”, but remember your therapist is a person too. They are professionals and they do this a lot, but that doesn’t mean they don’t sometimes get nervous when meeting new clients. Think about it this way, first impressions are important, but not always deal breakers. Ask if they offer a free, brief consultation so you can feel out the vibe. Tune in to how you feel as you are meeting this person. Ask them about their professional background, how they handle difficult or uncomfortable conversations, and what approach they tend to use in their practice. If a consultation is not offered, no biggie! When you meet them for your intake appointment, you will have the opportunity to do the same. We all have some level of mistrust in the system, however, there are providers who are passionate about their job and are in it for the right reasons. It is the ther