Every six months, ITTC closes the office to host an all-staff in-person training. For two days in June our group room was full of conversations and laughter, papers, presentations and books, colored pencils, sticky notes and meals amongst colleagues. It was a container for open minds, eager hearts and getting vulnerable.
Day 1
The first day encapsulated trainings like creating effective documentation and supervisor meetings and presentations on a pilot project of Trauma Therapy + Coaching as well as our recent delegation to Rwanda. At the end of the day, each staff member walked away with handouts on updated treatment plan checklists, HIPAA tips + tricks and updated company policies and agreements. Ensuring our staff have access to inclusive, competent trainings is highly valued at ITTC and is a crucial aspect of ensuring our therapists, coaches and support team are equipped with the necessary skills to provide quality care to the complex and diverse needs of our clients.
While it’s important for us to spend time going over the latest happenings in the field of mental health and effective procedures, it’s equally important for us to reflect internally as a company and team the role that race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors have in mental health so we can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Day 2
That led us to our second day revolving solely around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training. This day involved less presentations and more activity-based learning through small groups and allowing time for self-reflection. We taught from the book, “Do the Work!: An Antiracist Activity Book” by authors as our guidepost. Do the Work! gives readers a unique, hands-on understanding of systemic racism—and how we can dismantle it. There was SO much to cover that we sent each of our staff home with a copy in order to continue working through the activities, games, illustrations, comics, and eye-opening conversations addressed.
Why DEI training?
DEI training is essential for improving access to quality mental health care and reducing health disparities. Committing to participating in DEI training helps us understand the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals from diverse and marginalized backgrounds. Additionally, this training equips our therapists and support staff with the skills and knowledge needed to provide culturally responsive and effective care. By recognizing together our own privilege and blind spots, we can promote awareness of the biases and stereotypes that may hinder effective communication and treatment or impact clinical decision-making. Ultimately, DEI training can lead to improved mental health outcomes for clients, and a more inclusive and equitable mental health system.
The Work
We asked our staff to fill out sticky notes to complete this sentence: “Doing The Work Is…” Some responses include:
“Being aware of your energy in the space you take up.”
“Difficult but worth it!
“Learning about myself and others every day.”
“Showing up authentic, transparent and grounded.”
“Crucial if we are to truly witness the pain and trauma of others.”
“Accepting that the work is never done and committing to being a life-long learner.”
We know our work isn’t complete and does not end after one day. We must continue to have the hard conversations, think critically and do our own reflections to ensure individuals from marginalized communities are receiving the most accessible and inclusive mental health services we can offer.
Continuing Education
Continuing to seek education and training opportunities is essential for mental health professionals, coaches and supporting staff to stay up-to-date with the latest research, treatment methods, and best practices in the field and the world around us. We are designing a Continuing Education and Learning Community with this growth in mind. Expand your knowledge, expertise and skills while completing required continuing education units. Launching Fall of this year, this is the space to find flexible online courses, diverse training materials and an online global community to not only provide high-quality care to your clients but also enhance your professional, and personal, development.
Upcoming trainings
Currently, ITTC offers live trainings and international retreats as an opportunity for professionals in the helping field to re-inspire and re-connect to their passion. Our educational opportunities allow providers to step outside of their typical work environment, engage with other professionals, and promote the advancement of specialized skills. The philosophy behind our trainings goes beyond providing continuing education opportunities – we want to build a global community of supportive professionals who learn and share together. We have a number of exciting opportunities over the next few months:
Overall, whether you are investing in your staff or looking for opportunities individually to stay current and grow in the field, training and education is a worthwhile investment that can significantly benefit the entire mental health care system.
Click here to get started with us today. We have work to do.
Photos By Kimmi Burk Photography