Overview
Reflect on the material you have reviewed thus far in this course, including the case studies and stories presented in Body Keeps the Score and The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog.
How has the information affected you?
- How have you measured your reactions to trauma content?
How have you implemented the self-care plan you developed during Week 1?
- (My self care plan from week 1)
- Listening to the podcast on ‘real self-care’ made me recall the need to go past simple concepts of stress management to a degree of dismantling oppressive systems (NPR, 2023). I have personally had a lot of issues trying to understand and adapt to the American norms and structures as a Haitian immigrant and a woman of color. However, a significant motivation is the scarcity of Haitian social workers I came across when in search of assistance after my mother’s demise. That is why I want to obtain my degree to close that gap and be able to offer culturally appropriate care to those people. In the continuation of this program, I would want to learn about the strategies to develop resilience, understand the concept of community, and how one can fight for their rights and others. However, self-care is not enough, so I should establish boundaries, do value-based work, and advocate for systemic changes that benefit people of color. It will not be a walk in the park, but I am willing to do the inner work required to meet myself and other people where they are