Reframing Self-Care: Black women's wellness as revolutionary liberation through restorative community care

Objectives/Overview:

• Discuss the cultural context and complexities of Black women and wellness

• Describe how community-centered care principles and practices bolster self-care

• Identify somatic practices within the context of community and how they enhance holistic wellbeing

Dr. Shatavia Thomas, an Atlanta-native and owner of Dr. Shay Speaks, LLC , is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience as a mental health professional and over 10 years of experience in higher education. Her specialties include emotional intimacy, healthy communication, grief, spirituality, work-life rhythm, parenting, adjustment to injury and chronic illness, caregiving, holistic wellness, life transitions, identity and performance, family of origin concerns, family business dynamics, and sports and entertainment families. As a strengths-based therapist, she is compassionate, curious, collaborative, and creative. In addition to working with clients in therapy, Dr. Shay also offers contractual and pro bono services to nonprofits, churches, schools, hospitals, and media outlets as a consultant,…