Mindfulness-Based Mental Health Counseling Program
We are providing culturally competent support through an accessible program facilitated by mental health counselors of color. This program helps with managing stress, anxiety and depression while preventing these conditions from getting worse so that you are able to experience more peace, calm, health and wellbeing even during chaos and uncertainty.
A new study on anxiety in JAMA Psychiatry shows a mindfulness program works as well as the popular anti-anxiety medication Lexapro. Our counseling program is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program that is referenced in this article. Our founder, Melissa Sutor, has been teaching the MBSR program for 14 years in medical and health centers and privately with individuals and couples.
This Mindfulness-Based Mental Health Counseling program is for 1 hour sessions every week for 4 weeks by Zoom online video. All of the sessions will be individual and set for times that work for you and your mental health counselor. This program provides a safe space for healing and transformation for self-identified Women of Color*
*Women of Color include Black, Latina, Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or mixed-race women. If you do not identify as any of these though are in need of support, you can still apply and we will refer you to a team member .
Space is limited, apply early. Please only apply if you are ready, willing and able to show up and do the healing work necessary to create a more joyful life for yourself. We are committed to showing up for you and giving our time, energy, guidance and love to support your journey, however we cannot do your work for you. Our hope is to inspire you to step fully into your own power and experience how your life transforms.
When you put in the effort, this program will change your life! If you’re ready to take action, click the “Join the Program” button below to apply.
Dates: Ongoing
Time: Determined according to funding and counselor availability
Where: Zoom online video
Cost: Free
Testimonials
“I had never tried anything like this before. I felt like the constant doing and readiness was the only way of managing. I didn't understand what mindfulness was
and it didn't feel culturally relevant. After participating in these sessions, I understand how mindfulness can improve my quality of life and make me more focused and more ready. I also understand how it might be utilized to deal with the stress of racism.”
— Counseling Program Participant
“I appreciated the entire set up: each session, immediately starting with meditation. Then following up with reflections about the state of my mind and body. Melissa was so warm, encouraging, and was such a skilled listener. I really appreciated the 1:1 conversations, and being able to open up and talk about what was weighing on my mind. It was also very refreshing to just focus on oneself (without feeling super guilty about it) and how I can be happy in both the short-term and long-term.”
— Counseling Program Participant
“I'm so grateful to Melissa for offering this program! I loved the guided meditations Melissa led and being in the space with other women of color. I started the program a few weeks before my LCSW exam and received very helpful mindfulness strategies that I practiced leading up to my exam. I walked into the test center calm, confident, focused and did not feel an ounce of nervousness at all! I used the visual guide she suggested a few times during the exam to ground myself and passed my exam! I've also been able to keep up with my practice since the program ended. Thank you so much!”
— Counseling Program Participant
“Melissa provides genuine, heartfelt and inspiring sessions to her participants. She exudes calm and warmth in her demeanor while offering plentiful resources and helpful feedback. It is clear that she is good at what she does, enjoys it, and is authentic in showing up for womxn of color. I enjoyed our interactions and wholeheartedly recommend working with Melissa. She is a joy!”
— Counseling Program Participant
“Increase duration of the group because our lovely group facilitator was THE BEST!!! Ms. Melissa was thorough in her facilitation of the group and listening to each of our experiences and teaching us how to apply mindfulness to my life in very useful ways.”
— Counseling Program Participant
“I've only had therapy once before and many years ago but Melissa was very warm and encouraging. She remembered things I said were in the past, the woman didn't take any notes and kept asking me to remind her about this or that. I felt Melissa got to know me even in the short time and I appreciate that.”
— Counseling Program Participant
“I loved Melissa's kind, patient way of interacting with all group members. And the homework activities are helping to keep me saner. Her encouragement about the many ways to utilize mindfulness activities in areas I didn't know I could use it.”
— Counseling Program Participant
“Thank you soooo much for everything, Melissa!!! You’ve given me the tools to create a better life!!! I couldn’t be more grateful.”
— Counseling Program Participant
“Thank you so much for your insights and assistance on my journey, especially during the difficult times I faced while working together.”
— Counseling Program Participant
