Community Healing

Hello and warm greetings! I am Tanya Lloyd, LCPC, Doctoral intern at Allow Health, LLC. I am excited to be a part of Allow Health’s provider community as I complete my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Bowie State University. I enjoy working collaboratively and am excited to share my expertise in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and adjusting to lifestyle changes. 

February, honoring Black History month encourages reflection, acknowledgement, and appreciation for African American and African Diaspora contributions on a national and international level. Notably, African American history underscores joy, trauma, and the enduring effects of advocating for justice present in communities. Community, or “a group of people with diverse characteristics who are linked by social ties, share common perspectives, and engage in joint action in geographical locations or settings” is essential when encouraging collective healing (Macqueen, et. al., 2001). Another example of community is exemplified by the African philosophy, “Ubuntu” or “I am because we are” (“I Am Because We Are”: The African Philosophy of Ubuntu, 2020). This philosophy highlights connection in that the relationship we have with our community is shaped by us and, in turn, shapes us. This value of interconnectedness is central to healing in community, or collective healing. 

 Collective healing can incorporate several therapeutic approaches to include group therapy, narrative therapy, peer support and mentorship, and community-based initiatives to strengthen and encourage connection and healing in communities. Additionally, collective healing can incorporate spreading kindness in your community through checking in on neighbors’ wellbeing, supporting small and local businesses, and lending a helping hand to someone in need. When communities prioritize healing, generations thrive. 

As you reflect in Black History month, what does community mean to you? What are your thoughts on collective healing? 

Allow Health, LLC is happy to offer several therapeutic options for healing in community! Check out our offerings to support your mental health. 

#AllowHealth #Communityhealing  

“I am because we are”: The African Philosophy of Ubuntu. (2020, September 30). To the Best of Our Knowledge. https://www.ttbook.org/interview/i-am-because-we-are-african-philosophy-ubuntu 

MacQueen, K. M., McLellan, E., Metzger, D. S., Kegeles, S., Strauss, R. P., Scotti, R., Blanchard, L., & Trotter, R. T. (2001). What is community? An Evidence-Based Definition for Participatory Public Health. American Journal of Public Health, 91(12), 1929–1938. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.91.12.1929