One way to challenge and dismantle systematic oppression is to start with knowing, befriending, and ultimately challenging ourselves.  If we can do this within ourselves, we can begin the harder task of doing this with others, including the people we work with (our clients).  Workshop participants are invited to challenge themselves, think with an open mind, and engage in brave internal and external dialogue.

Participants will:

1. Reflect on their own identity, privilege, and oppression
2. Understand how identifying as a trauma survivor can lead to additional marginalization in society
3. Explore how these dynamics impact what happens in the therapeutic  (or other helper) relationship
4. Discuss how to talk to clients about race and its impacts on the therapeutic relationship through individual reflection and small group discussion

Student discount and sliding scale available. Please contact us at chicagominds@gmail.com for details.

Workshop participants who opt to receive CE certification, please select the CEU option. This workshop fulfills requirement for 3 CE credits. CE sponsorship is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), credits are applicable to LCSW and transferrable to LCPC in Illinois. If you have a different licensure or are licensed outside of Illinois, please check with your licensure body before purchasing. 

Please note that we require your live attendance in order to issue CE certificates. If you are unable to attend live, please let us know at least 24 hours before the event.

About the Speaker

Alissa Catiis (she/her/hers), LCSW, RYT is psychotherapist and yoga teacher who specializes in working with trauma survivors.  She enjoys integrating art, literature, movement, and writing into her clinical work as a means of building relationships and exploring how life transitions and challenges lead us all towards rich, complex life journeys.  Her clinical interests include working with people of color and folks in the LGBTQ+ community, and she understands that identifying as a trauma survivor can lead to additional marginalization in society.  She teaches trauma-sensitive yoga as well as contemplative practice to both her clients and to other clinicians.  She is also trained in EMDR therapy and does anti-racism consulting work.  Currently, Alissa works at the Howard Brown Health Counseling Center in Chicago and at Womencare Counseling Center in Evanston.