Intentions

Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center Launches the SOL Play Partnership - a Social Wellness Initiative with Popular Online Community Sistas of Los Angeles

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:55:18 GMT

REDONDO BEACH, CA, May 18, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center (Well-Play) is proud to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month by announcing the launch of the SOL Play Partnership a Social Wellness Initiative – joining forces with the non-profit organization, Sistas of Los Angeles (SOLA).

This initiative bridges a gap in a broken mental health system, by curating unique events designed around a community adding play, then infusing psychoeducation.

Through the creation of the "SOLA Mental Health Group" on Facebook; now therapists, and other wellness professionals can provide tools, coping skills and support, valuable information to support someone in therapy or assist someone who can't get to therapy.

Both Well-Play and SOLA look forward to a year-long partnership that will allow them to co-curate events and experiences centered around the mental health needs and social interests of Black women. As a female-centered healing space, Well-Play will use its existing clinical therapy practice and social wellness model to validate the programming by offering monthly virtual conversations featuring licensed therapists and practitioners. While Sistas of Los Angeles provides a deeply connected online community eager to gather, have open dialogue and participate in meetups both virtually and in-person.

Members of SOLA will enjoy perks of the partnership including VIP access to events, wellness scholarships for women in need of therapy services, and collaboration opportunities for members looking to partner with Well-Play and SOLA for the initative.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and early champion of the self-care movement; Well-Play CEO & Clinical Director, Denise M. Williams, is excited to bring the concept of "Social Wellness" to the forefront by using social media to engage with women who need it most. Today, lets normalize the need for therapy! It has always been my vision to build programs that reduce the stigma around therapy and resonate with Black women. By working with SOLA, I believe we can finally begin to bridge the gap to wellness, help women heal, and make meaningful connections along the way, says Williams.

When asked what this partnership will mean for SOLA members and the community-at-large, Founder Aigner Mathis offers Sistas of LA's hope is that we can continue to empower Black women to take care of themselves mentally, physically and spiritually while uplifting and connecting with each other in sistahood. It's these beautiful Sistas, whose continued engagement and love has allowed for all Black women, both native and transplant, to help each other curate their ideal life here in LA while celebrating wellness and commUNITY.

Organizations who are interested in working with Well-Play and SOLA should contact Denise Williams directly via email at denise@well-play.com .

To join the SOLA community, connect with the organization online at https://linktr.ee/Sistasofla .

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health services in the State of California, contact one of our qualified therapists today online at https://www.well-play.com/intake-therapists

The Strength to Have Confidence In Self

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 18:01:51 GMT

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (NLT

What does confidence in self mean? What does loving self-mean? What does acceptance of self-mean? Could it mean letting go of an old, wounded self that constantly looks for fault? Looking in the mirror and being proud of what you see? Pulling down the mask that confines your authenticity. Be vulnerable enough to consider that being unapologetically uniquely you just the way you are is more than enough. Stop asking yourself, are you enough?

The intersectionality of Faith & Healing - Being A Strong Black Woman

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 06:13:18 GMT

How to Give Yourself Grace.

Being a Strong Black woman is like walking in an emotionally wounded soul day after day. We hear about giving ourselves grace, but do we know how to do that? Grace is loving yourself, valuing your unique qualities and accepting your beautiful self. Do you know that you’re fearfully and wonderfully made? Do you embrace your wonderful complexity? Think on this. Embrace your unique qualities, your beautiful self and take a moment to thank God for not making a mistake in creating you.

-Dr. Tabitha T.

12 ways to feel better in 2023, one month at a time

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 07:47:40 GMT

Instead of crumbling under the pressure of a singular, nebulous new year’s resolution to exercise more or eat healthier try reflecting on smaller goals that could help you feel better throughout the year.

An efficient way to do this, says Denise Williams, owner of Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center, is to mark those goals on your calendar month by month, before the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1.

“You’re more likely to follow through if it’s already on your calendar than if you have to put it in your calendar after you’ve already gotten busy,” says the licensed marriage and family therapist, who’s based in Redondo Beach.

If you want to improve your mind, body and spirit in 2023, the ideas below may give you a boost. This guide is meant to serve as inspiration and isn’t necessarily a checklist — pick and choose what works for you.

January: Redefine what success means to you, then visualize it

Consider using the first month of the year to redefine what success means to you. Perhaps you’ve been judging yourself based on an old idea — or someone else’s idea — of success and it’s time for an upgrade.

“People come in [to my office] and they’re always like, ‘I don’t know if I’m being successful,’” Williams says. “And I’m like, ‘Well, what is success to you? How do you know if you’ve gotten to your goal if you don’t know what your goal is?’ Then I ask them to use all of their senses: What does it look like, feel like, smell like, taste like?”

She adds, “You’ve got to start at the end and kind of work your way back into it.”

February: Romanticize your daily life — even the small moments

Whether or not you’ll have a Valentine’s Day date, block out the lovers’ month to prioritize self-love. This could look like cooking yourself a nourishing meal, going on a daily walk regardless of how busy your work schedule is, saying “no” more often or setting clear boundaries with others.

Williams recommends using February to “celebrate yourself” in the ways that only you know how to. “Ask yourself, if you wanted the perfect date, what would it look like?” she says. “How would you date yourself?”

Chloe Panta, an L.A.-based life coach, tells her clients to romanticize their lives — even when they’re doing mundane tasks. Maybe “you go for a walk and you enjoy time in the park, you pick some roses, you pet a dog ... whatever it is that makes you happy. I encourage people to romanticize themselves with very small things that they usually overlook because those things can sometimes bring the most happiness and the most peace.” She adds that this act also helps you remain present and appreciative of the moment.

Self-care is expensive and lonely. It doesn’t have to be

March: Prioritize rest

Each time that daylight saving time rolls around, the first thing that comes to my mind is: Will I be losing or gaining an hour of sleep? When the tradition arrives at 2 a.m. on March 12, we will be springing forward — losing an hour of sleep — making this an excellent time to be intentional about prioritizing your rest.

For Tricia Hersey, the founder of the Nap Ministry — an organization that examines rest as a form of resistance and reparations — the act of resting is a way to push back against grind culture. We can be imaginative with ways to incorporate rest into our lives, which can expand beyond taking a nap or going to bed early, Hersey said on the “We Can Do Hard Things With Glennon Doyle” podcast.

Resting can be deciding to have a slow and intentional morning routine, drinking a cup of tea, not thinking about work or other responsibilities as you’re doing a leisure activity or spending time with loved ones, or taking a walk.

“All of these are rest,” said Hersey, who released the book “Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto” in October. “All of these things are opportunities to connect with our bodies and mind.

“People get really desperate and really panicked about this idea because it’s a paradigm shift,” she told Doyle. “It’s a full-on shifting of your mind to understand that your rest is not a luxury. It is not something that you can add on once you’re burnt out. It really is the center of your life. It has to be the north star.”

April: Declutter your space

Use “spring cleaning” to get rid of that sweater you’ve been holding onto because it was expensive (even though you never wear it) and the expired spices and herbs hiding in the back of your kitchen cabinet. (Some can be composted or upcycled.)

Williams recommends making this spring clean a group activity. With a group of friends, plan to declutter your homes, then pick a date to take your items to a local shelter or host a group yard sale. As a reward, your friend group can do a fun activity together afterward. By doing this, “You get these things done, you’re in community, somebody is holding you accountable, you’ve taken care of other people and your mind,” Williams says. “That’s social wellness.”

Another thing that might need some decluttering is your phone. The next time you’re relaxing, browse through your photo library and delete images you no longer want, making space for new memories.

May: Take your workout outdoors

Research shows that working out in nature can motivate you to get moving, improve your mental health and provide a feeling of escapism from everyday life. Plus it’s free, and you can generally work out outdoors all year in L.A.

For May, consider doing your workout outdoors at a place you’ve been wanting to visit, such as a hiking trail, beach or park, or join one of L.A.’s many collectives that host events surrounding wellness, such as Hike Clerb or a biking group.

June: Take that solo trip you’ve been dreaming about

I’ve been wanting to go to Albuquerque since my family stopped there for a rest break during a lengthy road trip when I was a teenager. But my friends aren’t intrigued by the destination, and I’ve never gone on a solo trip before. As summer officially kicks off, join me in taking that trip you’ve been fantasizing about.

Williams encourages her clients, especially those who are business executives or have jam-packed schedules, to take solo trips because they offer people “a different type of self-reliance.”

“You get to learn things about yourself because you get quiet and it’s just you,” says Williams. “You might realize, ‘Oh, I keep thinking I’m not good with directions, but I got myself here. I moved myself around the city.’ Or you think, ‘I don’t know if I could ever do that by myself. What would I do? I’d be so bored.’ And then all of a sudden you’re like, ‘You know what? I can go to this museum and spend as long as I want because there’s nobody here to nag me.’”

She adds, “You get real introspective because you’re really able to hear yourself.”

July: Cultivate a new friendship

The International Day of Friendship is July 30. Push yourself this month to reach out to that person you met at a mutual friend’s party a few months ago and actually schedule some one-on-one hangout time with them, or reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in a while.

Panta says the key to cultivating a new friendship — or putting life back into an existing one — is to be intentional about it.

“It’s really important to ask ourselves, ‘What kind of friend am I?’ and then, ‘What kind of friend do I want?’ So that way we can deepen our connections with our friends by being thoughtful about them because it’s a two-way street.”

For those who struggle to make new friends, Panta recommends communicating your needs early on to let the other person know your social limits. For example, if you prefer to meet at a low-key park versus a packed bar, let your potential friend know that and gauge their interests as well.

You can also join a Meetup group or local collective such as Los Angeles Girls Who Walk, which was created to help people make lasting friendships. L.A. people have made friends at dog parks, trivia nights and dance classes. Find what works for you.

August: Reclaim an old hobby or pick up a new one

Is there an activity that you used to love doing but haven’t picked up in a while? In August, give yourself permission to reclaim an old hobby that brings you joy or try a new one that’s been calling your name.

Williams, who worked in the live event industry for 30 years before becoming a therapist, says it’s a nonnegotiable for her to incorporate moments of play or fun into her schedule. She tells her clients to do the same.

Start by taking 10 minutes of uninterrupted time to think about all of your favorite cartoons, toys and activities that you loved as a child. Then make a list of activities that you can revive, she says.

“Just [connect with] that child in you, and you will see your imagination begin to run wild oftentimes,” Williams says. “Then ask yourself, how does that translate” to activities that you can do now. If you enjoyed playing tag as a child, consider going to laser tag, or if you liked playing hide-and-go-seek, visit an escape room.

“Just get out there and play,” she adds. “The most important thing is to stop letting limiting beliefs limit you. ‘Well, that’s stupid. Nobody’s going to want to do that with me.’ Challenge yourself to just be like, ‘I’m going to go do it.’”

September: Upgrade your routines

Sept. 22 marks the end of summer and often our return to the routine. But what if your old routines are no longer serving you?

Use September to evaluate how to make your routines reflect the lifestyle you want. An example could be creating a nighttime routine — such as listening to soothing music while you’re in the shower or drinking a cup of tea before bed — that makes you look forward to winding down. You could establish a ritual to prevent the Sunday scaries and help you feel prepared for the week ahead, or you could mix up your exercise routine by trying a new type of workout, such as dance fitness or a cannabis-centered class.

Another example of a routine that Panta recommends to her clients is to schedule time for themselves throughout the workweek.

“Take that time, Monday through Friday, to disconnect, where [you] have that ‘me time.’ Where nothing can interrupt that time,” she says. “There’s nothing that’s going to make [you] look at [your] phone during that 10, 15 or 20 minutes.”

October: Implement a gratitude practice

Recently I asked a friend, “What’s something exciting or random that has happened to you in the last week?” At first she struggled, but then she suddenly pulled out her phone, where she’d created a list — categorized by the day — of small wins that she had throughout the week. This inspired me to start making a running list of wins, whether tiny or big, and moments that make me smile on a regular basis. It’s an easy gratitude practice, especially during stressful times.

November: Do something nice for someone else

Nov. 13 marks World Kindness Day, Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of the month, and the Tuesday after that is Giving Tuesday. Use these moments to support someone else.

Phone a loved one who’s been going through a difficult time, pay for a stranger’s Starbucks order or volunteer at a charity.

“We should always be giving freely as if nobody’s watching. Simply because we want to,” Panta suggests.

December: Avoid feeling financially and physically drained

From purchasing gifts to attending holiday parties and traveling to see family and friends, surveys show that Americans tend to spend generously during the holiday season. This can leave us feeling both financially and physically spent.

To prevent this, start exploring ways that you can trim your spending and the number of responsibilities you have on your plate during the festive month.

Louis Barajas, an L.A.-based certified financial planner, encourages his clients to create their financial game plan for the next year in December, so that they can start off fresh in January.

“Usually when we’re meeting in January, it’s kind of too late,” says Barajas of International Private Wealth Advisors. During the holiday season, “I find that people are more in touch with their emotions and their heart than with their head,” he says, whereas in January, they’re more goal-oriented.

With the ongoing rumblings of a potential recession in 2023, Barajas says the main goal should be to become more aware of where your money is going. He suggests reviewing your expenses, establishing an emergency fund and using a personal finance management application such as Quicken to keep track of your spending. You can also sign up for The Times’ Totally Worth It newsletter, an eight-week course on how to take control of your finances.

When it comes to maintaining your mental health during the busy season, when “people find themselves doing things that they really didn’t want to do,” Williams recommends people determine how they want to feel leading into the new year.

“Do you want to be exhausted? Do you want to struggle to the finish line on New Year’s Day?” she asks. If you want to feel rested and relaxed, “Evaluate your schedule ahead of time. Tell yourself, ‘I’m doing two holiday parties, and that’s all. I’m doing one gift-giving.’”

Source; LA Times https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2022-12-29/wellness-tips-for-the-new-year

New Well-Play Therapist Rebecca Tesfai Talks Trauma Informed Care

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:51:28 GMT

"Through trial and error, I learned that my clients responded well to an individually tailored approach, because the fact of the matter is that there is no “one-size fits all” to mental health treatment. "

Trauma-Informed Care

The philosophy of trauma-informed care (TIC) was a concept that was first introduced to me during my time working as a therapist with adults court-ordered to engage in residential treatment. As a newbie therapist in community mental health, I was under the impression that a good therapist was someone who had mastery and expertise in different treatment modalities and received training in the latest cutting edge approaches.

Just as a disclaimer, I do not want to discount the importance of expanding one’s skill sets and competency as a therapist, because it is part of our professional ethics to be life-long learners. However, early on in my career, I realized that my clients, who were largely adult men of color, with incarceration and homeless histories, did not respond well to CBT’s structured approach or techniques. I could see my clients disengage or mentally check out of session when presented with the cognitive triangle or the other nuances of CBT. I realized that I had to pivot in my approach working with these clients or else I would be doing a disservice as a mental health provider. Through trial and error, I learned that my clients responded well to an individually tailored approach, because the fact of the matter is that there is no “one-size fits all” to mental health treatment. I aimed to provide a compassionate, safe, and consistent space for these clients, and as a result, rapport and trust was formed. I would allow my clients to lead in session, but would always be a half-step behind them in the process. I remained attuned to the pace that felt comfortable to them. I supported my clients in identifying goals that they wanted to work on, provided them with choices, and empowered them to make informed decisions. This, my friends, is trauma-informed care!

TIC is a guiding framework that service provider’s use to enhance the client-provider relationship, improve client engagement, and outcomes. When operating through a TIC lens, the therapist is taking a holistic look at the person who is sitting in front of them by recognizing and acknowledging their unique lived experiences, including their intersectional identities, past traumas, and other influences that have shaped them into who they are in the present day. A trauma-informed therapist understands how pervasively widespread the impact of trauma is in our society, including social forces such as racial trauma, and how trauma affects how people approach services, including mental health treatment. There are five primary tenets of TIC. The first tenet of TIC is client safety. The therapist makes every effort to prioritize the client’s physical and psychological safety in order to prevent re-traumatization or harm to the client. The second tenet of TIC is trustworthiness through transparency. The therapist focuses on cultivating trust in the therapeutic relationship by being clear, consistent, respecting boundaries, and explaining the “why” behind a specific therapeutic approach, including its benefits and inherent risks. The third tenet of TIC is collaboration. The therapist partners with the client and helps them realize that their own voice, thoughts, feelings, and opinions are valued. The therapist also allows the client to lead in session by having them identify a target issue in the session, and takes it a step further, by offering choosing points to the client on how they would like to address the targeted issue. The fourth tenet is empowerment. The therapist curates an atmosphere in which the client feels validated and affirmed. The therapist supports the client by helping them discover and build on existing strengths as well as develop other coping skills that the client can fall back on when needed.

A trauma-informed approach is an example of good client care and promotes environments of healing and recovery for clients. Our clients are not looking to a therapist for all the answers, they are looking for someone to meet them where they are at and someone who is willing to walk side by side with them in their healing journey. 

Meet New Well-Play Therapist Jeneba Young

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 14:24:47 GMT

A journey, full of self-exploration, self-talk, self-love, and self-truth!

I am a retired profession track and field athlete and an Olympic Gold Medalist. For years I competed against world class favorites because society, family, and friends said it was the right thing to do. With all the success I still felt unfulfilled and empty for several years. After I made the decision to retire, I got married, had a baby, and became a therapist all in a span of one year. And guess what? I couldn’t be happier!

I understand the pressure of going along with societal expectations and hiding truths to be acknowledged and appear appreciative. I also understand how quickly life can change when you make a decision that will make you happy. Are you a woman feeling trapped to stay in a career, relationship, or situation because it makes logical sense? Are denying your true heart desires? Have you had some serious life changes and you need help making sense of everything? You are not alone.

Working with me will be a journey, full of self-exploration, self-talk, self-love, and self-truth. I would like to help you create encouraging language with yourself, to fully embrace the best version of yourself and have better relationships with others. While you are the driver on this journey, I am riding in the passenger seat with you helping you identify your truth from an objective lens. I am interested in hearing about your relationship with family, friends, and intimate partners. Mostly I’m interested in the development of self, the divine woman. I believe in patience and allowing the client to identify epiphanies on their own terms. I accept all walks of life and enjoy the process of self-exploration. My intention is to help you see how powerful you are, especially when you are afraid to take that leap of faith.

Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center Announces Company Launch with Plans to Host Online Courses Through Well-Play University

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:17:04 GMT

With a focus on self-care through a social justice lens, the center will provide therapy services to California residents, along with national courses and events for women of color.

LOS ANGELES, CA, March 30, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Today, Well-Play Family Counseling Inc. has announced the official launch of Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center, along with its new social wellness program, Well-Play University .

Originally launched as Well-Play Inc . in 2010, the newly expanded center will help women of color thrive in their self-care journey through professional counseling services, special initiatives, and social-wellness events.

Founded by Psychotherapist and former event planner, Denise M. Williams, MA., LMFT #92559 , her mission and vision for the center involves becoming the premier self-care destination for women of color, while helping them to examine the belief systems that shape their behavior to take charge of their lives.

Plans to open a facility for in-person services are on hold due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, Williams is reimagining a virtual platform where women can connect and still receive much-needed therapy services amidst the global pandemic.

"Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center is the manifestation of my dream to create a form of healing that combines play with psycho-education. Now with Well-Play University, I am laser-focused on fighting the stigma of therapy in communities of color-offering a platform for mental health professionals to share their knowledge in new and exciting ways", says Williams.

All company programming and initiatives will center on the five wellness targets that include social, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. To further diversify its program offerings. Williams, launched "A Healers Journey to Heal" in February 2021. This virtual meet-up features mental health professionals who come to share their personal journeys and offer commentary on a wide range of issues that impact Black women. Tune in every last Sunday of the month on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/WellPlayTV .

Other initiatives including Me-First Self-Care , R.A.G.E. (Releasing Anger, Grief, and Other Emotions) , and Coffee & Conversations will be used throughout the year to help women take a deeper dive into finding balance, putting themselves first, and tackling social justice issues impacting Black culture.

The official enrollment schedule for Well-Play University has been released. Beginning Monday, March 29, 2021, registration for the Inaugural Spring /Summer Semester opens. Courses will run from May 15, 2021 – June 26, 2021 . Fall Semester courses are set to run from September 11, 2021 – November 20, 2021, and registration begins July 9, 2021. For course descriptions, schedules, tuition, and enrollment details visit https://www.well-play.com/wellbeing .

The Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center monthly newsletter is coming in April 2021. As a subscriber, women will gain access to articles, self-care product giveaways, company promotions, merchandise, and more. Complete sign-up on the company website and also connect on Facebook and Instagram @WellPlayWellbeing for updates.

Therapists are available for services to residents in the state of California. To book an appoint call (424) 226-6172 or sign up online at www.well-play.com/intake .

Williams is also available for interviews, private-led group sessions, and speaking engagements. Please email requests to PR@well-play.com for more information.

ABOUT WELL-PLAY FAMILY COUNSELING INC.
A new destination for women of color to explore mental, physical, spiritual, social, and emotional wellness through playful activities. From counseling services to special events and an expanding wellness support community, members find balance through carefully crafted programming and initiatives designed to motivate, empower, and uplift. Learn more at www.well-play.com

# # #

Intentions

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 02:08:27 GMT

Intentions

Hey everyone! Welcome to 2021.

I hope you all took some time to reset your mind, body and soul. Let's dive in!

People usually create New Year resolutions as the new year begins. Resolutions are goals that people set to accomplish throughout the year until the next year rolls through. In my opinion, an “intention” is ongoing; it is more so about obtaining a specific mindset. Setting an intention can take the weight off of our shoulders, welcome mistakes, and give us the motivation that we may need. With an intention, we can be okay with starting and moving at OUR OWN pace and embracing the power that we truly hold.

So the BIG question is “How do we set an intention?”

1. Ground yourself! Take some time to meditate and focus on your breathing. Belly breathing is key. Lie down, place one hand onto your belly and inhale for 4 secs slowly and allow your hand to rise as your belly inflates. Hold your breath for 4 secs and then exhale for 4 secs. Your belly should feel like a balloon. Inflating as you inhale and deflating as you exhale. I want you to acknowledge the passing thoughts that you may experience but let's try to keep the focus on your breath. After belly breathing for 3-5 minutes, let's tap into our mind, body and soul to explore our thoughts, our values and our perspective on life.

2. Explore what you're grateful for. Gratitude can assist us in experiencing positive emotions. I want you to visualize the process and think about how you would like to feel. Our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected. The way we think, affects the ways we feel and the way we feel, affects the way we behave. It’s all connected.

3. Consider your why; be specific and start small.

4. Develop consistency. Consistency is key and we want to develop healthy habits. They say it takes 21 days to create a habit so let's get going!

Creating intentions can assist us in learning and feeling positive along the way. Remember what I mentioned early “The way we think, affects the ways we feel and the way we feel, affects the way we behave.” Intentions can assist us into becoming the person we WANT to be. It may be difficult starting but it’s not impossible. Take your time and explore what you want out of life, the type of person that you want to be and set those intentions. You're not alone. I'll be creating and setting intentions right along with ya. I’m excited to be with you on this journey! We got this!

Be Kind to Your Mind - Supporting World Mental Health Day

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 22:36:12 GMT

Finding Ways to Put Your Mental Health First While Caring for Others

Today, as we spread awareness in support of World Mental Health Day, there are a myriad of issues that remain at the forefront in communities in color. From COVID-19, to the pending election, unemployment and lack of quality healthcare, it's clear to see why mental illness continues to rise at alarming rates.

According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults in the U.S. are more likely than white adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress, such as sadness, hopelessness, and feeling like everything is an effort. Black adults living below the poverty line are more than twice as likely to report serious psychological distress than those living above it. (source: https://www.nami.org)

So what does this mean for women of color, who are often the backbone of their families? Those who are overworked, underpaid, and less supported physically, socio-economically, and most importantly mentally? How can you finally give yourself permission to take a time out, while still caring for others?

With very little access to quality healthcare, coupled with the historical stigma of seeking therapy, it's no wonder the statistics are staggering. The goods news is, there is help available! A spotlight on self care, and the acceptance of therapy for women of color has taken center stage. Women are becoming more unapologetic in their quest for building sisterhood communities and villages of support. Finding quality professionals to not only talk to, but to give you the skills and tools that you need to show up in the world happier and healthier. It is only then, that we can truly live our best life and add value to the lives of our loved ones.

Now more than ever, organizations that cater to women of color are emerging, many identified as essential businesses in underprivileged communities where women and children can get the support that they need.

So be kind to your mind and don't be afraid to reach out and get help.

Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center is one resource that you can help you on your wellness journey. Book an appointment today . You can also find a therapist near you by visiting Therapy for Black Girls at https://providers.therapyforblackgirls.com/. To learn more about Mental health issues and advocacy for African Americans visit the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) at https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Black-African-American .

Understanding the 5 Targets of Wellness

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 22:27:25 GMT

Social: Developing and nurturing interdependent relationships with others as it relates to community, social justice, family and society.
Emotional: The ability to identify, process and accept your internal feelings and communicate them in a manner that that does not bring harm to yourself or others.
Physical: The practice of building and maintaining endurance, flexibility and physical strength coupled with knowledge of food and nutrition.
Spiritual: The discovery and practice of a value and belief system, as it relates to your understanding of your highest purpose in life.
Mental: A combination of emotional, physical and spiritual wellness which creates optimal health; while a person may not necessarily be void of disease, good mental health provides a way to live life to the fullest.

The Well – Play Concept
Life can get overwhelming! So experience “Play for the Soul” by choosing one of our signature programs. By integrating playful and therapeutic activities into your special event, you are guaranteed a memorable experience with long-lasting effects. We curate experiences that not only entertain, but leave you looking and feeling great.

HISTORY OR ORIGIN OF ADINKRA SYMBOL

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 19:24:25 GMT

The name “Adinkra” can be traced back to the word “Dinkra” of the Akan/Twi Language, of the Akan

people of Ghana. “Dinkra” means: to be separated, taking leave or farewell.

There are different views as to its origin and several theories exist to explain their creation.

One account explains that the first chief priest of the Akan people who lived in the 7th century invoked

from the heavens the golden stool, the royal throne which came to symbolize the power of Ashanti

kings. On top of the golden stool from the heavens lay a cloth adorned with Adinkra symbols.

In another account, The Akan people who were inhabitants of what is now known as Ghana and Côte

d’Ivoire were able to develop noteworthy weaving skills by the 16th century with Nsoko, (present-day

Begho) being a significant weaving center of that time.

As per a legend among the Akan people of Ghana, the beginning of the 19th century saw a military

conflict when Gyamaan king named Nana kofi Adinkra tried to copy the ‘Golden Stool,’ which represent

a symbol of power as well as tribal unity of the neighboring Asante nation.

The Gyamaan king was killed and his territory was also seized by the Asante kingdom. The Adinkra robe

of the Gyamaan king’s was taken away by the Asante king, Nana Osei Bonsu, in the form of war’s trophy.

They also received the knowledge regarding Adinkra Aduru, ( translated in English as “Adinkra Medicine”

which was a special ink used for the printing process). In addition, they also got to know about the

process involving the stamping of designs onto the cotton cloth.

Over time the Akan people further developed the Adinkra symbology by integrating their own folk tales,

philosophies, and culture.

Source (Adinkrabrand.com)