Juneteenth, otherwise known as Freedom Day, marks the time when slaves were freed and slavery officially ended in the United States. It is a holiday that has traditionally been recognized by those in the Black community and as of June 17, 2021 is currently federally recognized as an annual holiday. This day is important not only for those in this community, but individuals all over the world who are still struggling with various forms of persecution, oppression, and victimization that have been imposed onto them by the dominant group.

The first of June marks a time when we begin to see an influx of rainbows on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter as companies switch from their usual minimalist logos to one that shows their expressed allyship for the LGBTQ+ community. That is what they would like us to believe, however, despite what these companies may think or do, simply showing a rainbow is not equivalent to being an ally especially when it is for only one month of the year.

So you had decided to begin therapy. That’s great! You have made a great first step in your mental health journey in your search for a therapist. Sometimes it can get overwhelming while looking for a therapist as you wonder what to look for and who is right for you. Something to consider is an intern as your therapist, also known as practicum students or student counselors.

To the world, to your family, to your coworkers, to your friends, you probably look like you are full of confidence, that you have everything together. Your friends and family love you, they think you are amazing. They look up to you and even want to be you at times. They admire many things about you. 

We are stuck, in the routine of the day to day, we are stuck in the constant cycle of work, home, eat, sleep. Currently it is more like, wake up, eat, watch tv, sleep, repeat, (thanks Covid).

But you are incredibly frustrated with this pattern. You are sick to death of being stuck in this pattern of the same old same old, but you don’t do anything new, or make any changes to your life. But you are still frustrated.

As adults we have all of this pressure to be perfect and have it all together. But in reality none of us even know what we are doing.

We are in a constant state of chaos. We are filled with anxiety because of the need to have it all together. As women we suffer from constant self-doubt and worry, which causes us to feel depressed.

As a therapist, I work with all types of people, teens, men, women, and couples, I have discovered there is one main thing we all have in common.

Every single person who exists or has existed at one point or another has one desire that at is at the core of who they are.

It doesn’t matter how they grew up, what they experienced, how privileged they were, what race they are, or what gender.

There is one thing that everyone desires.