In this conversation, Danielle Marshall engages with Marjorie Strachman Miller and Heidi Vanderwerff from Kennedy Counseling Collective to explore the importance of cultural awareness in therapy. They discuss the growth of their practice, the significance of creating a supportive team culture, and the role of curiosity in navigating identity and therapy. The conversation emphasizes the need for culturally responsive care, the importance of grounding practices for therapists, and the challenges clients face in finding the right therapist. They also touch on the complexities of accessing identity-affirming therapy and the importance of confidentiality in the therapeutic relationship.

BIO

Heidi Vanderwerff , Co-Owner of Kennedy Counseling Collective, brings a unique perspective to workplace culture and leadership, drawing from her background in counseling for maternal mental health, grief, and life transitions. She's dedicated to creating supportive and inclusive environments for her team and clients.

Heidi also actively builds community connections, representing her collective at local events and partnering with organizations like Uptown Main Street. She's proud to contribute to the vibrant Kennedy Street corridor in Washington, DC.

Marjorie Strachman Miller is a Co-Owner of Kennedy Counseling Collective, where she fosters a supportive and empowering environment for clinicians. With over two decades of clinical experience, Marjorie brings a systemic lens to therapy, specializing in trauma recovery, identity development, family dynamics, and play therapy. She is an early adopter of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and enjoys sharing this approach through training and collaborative learning. Marjorie also writes about the therapy process and the beautifully complex human experience on the Kennedy Counseling Collective blog. Outside of her professional life, she recharges through her own therapeutic work, spending time in nature, engaging in creative projects, and enjoying family life.

Get in touch with Heidi and Marjorie at:

www.kennedycounselingcollective.com

https://www.facebook.com/KennedyCounselingCollective

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-vanderwerff-b602221b6/ 

Keywords

cultural awareness, therapy, mental health, identity, community, curiosity, therapist-client relationship, cultural responsiveness, team culture, mental health resources

Takeaways

Cultural awareness is essential in therapy.

Building a supportive team culture enhances client care.

Curiosity helps therapists connect with clients.

Therapy should be a safe space for identity exploration.

Grounding practices are important for therapists.

Clients may struggle to articulate their emotions.

Finding the right therapist is crucial for effective therapy.

Confidentiality is vital for client safety.

Sliding scale options can improve access to therapy.

Continued education for therapists is necessary for growth.