Breaking Barriers: Exploring Grief, Healing, and Racial Trauma with Ashley McGirt, LICSW
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes Ashley McGirt, LICSW and founder of the Therapy Fund Foundation. Ashley shares her personal journey into the field of mental health, driven by the loss of her grandmother and the systemic racial trauma impacting black and marginalized communities. They discuss Ashley's work in health equity, her experiences as a hospice therapist, and the significant role of cultural responsiveness in care. Ashley also details the inception and mission of the Therapy Fund Foundation, aimed at eliminating barriers to mental health services for black and marginalized communities. The conversation touches on the systemic issues contributing to health disparities, the importance of culturally competent care, and the intersectionality of grief and racial trauma. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Ashley and support her upcoming book focused on racial trauma in healthcare.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:28 Meet Ashley McGirt: A Journey from Law to Therapy
07:12 The Impact of Racial Trauma on Health
11:30 The Therapy Fund Foundation: Bridging the Gap
22:58 Grief in Black and Brown Communities
30:28 Supporting Grief: Strategies and Approaches
37:27 Future Directions and Final Thoughts
42:31 Closing Remarks and Resources
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Ashley McGirt is a renowned psychotherapist, international TEDx speaker, author, and the visionary founder and CEO of the Therapy Fund Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers to mental health services within Black communities. With a passion for equity and healing, Ashley has become a sought-after speaker and expert in trauma, racial trauma, leadership, health equity, mental health, and self-care.
Ashley holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She brings her extensive academic foundation and practical experience to her private practice, where she specializes in racial trauma, depression, and anxiety. Her work goes beyond therapy, focusing on de-stigmatizing mental illness, promoting mental health awareness, and addressing systemic inequities, including reducing recidivism rates in American prisons.
Ashley’s contributions to mental health and social justice have earned her widespread recognition. She has been featured in Forbes, MSNBC, HuffPost, and more, and her impactful TEDx talk continues to inspire audiences globally. As the Health Chair for the NAACP State Area Conference, Ashley leverages her expertise to promote health equity and address disparities in underserved communities.
In her dynamic presentations, Ashley combines lived experiences with professional insights to deliver transformative content on topics such as crisis response, social justice, and racial equity. She offers keynote speeches, workshops, and consultation services, providing audiences with actionable strategies to promote healing, growth, and self-empowerment.
Ashley’s approach to mental health emphasizes unpacking emotional baggage, cultivating self-care, and restoring balance. She encourages individuals to rest, reflect, and restore themselves to live authentically and reach their full potential. Her commitment to creating a more just and compassionate society shines through in every aspect of her work.
Ashley McGirt’s unparalleled dedication and expertise make her an engaging and powerful speaker, inspiring audiences to embrace healing, equity, and resilience.
For email inquiries please contact ashley@ashleymcgirt.com
Check out Ashley @ https://www.ashleymcgirt.com/
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