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National Grief Awareness Day

Jaclyn Baker

By Claire Butcher, CSWA and Christy Maeder, LCSW

August 30th marks National Grief Awareness day, an important reminder for us to check in with our community, loved ones, and ourselves, and recognize the importance of coping with and de-stigmatizing grief. Discussing grief and loss can be difficult, but it is vital to the healing process. This article will review the common myths surrounding grief, identify the “do’s and dont’s” for supporting a loved one, and discuss the importance of cultural and spiritual components of the grieving process. 

Debunking Common Grief Myths

  • “Grief follows the five stages in order.” → There is no particular order to the ‘stages’; we may skip stages, feel multiple of them at the same time, or go through them in a different order. 
  • “Grief only happens after a death.” → There are many different types of loss outside of biological death, including loss of security, safety, culture, etc. It is not something to box in; all forms of loss are valid to grieve. 
  • “Having ‘good days’ and feeling “less grief” means I don’t love the person anymore.” →  This is not true! We can feel the loss of grief, heal, and move forward with life without losing the memory or love of what/who we’ve lost. 
  • “Ignore it to get over it!” → Addressing grief through crying, revisiting emotions/reminders, storytelling, distractions, and connecting with loved ones are all great ways to cope.
  • “Grief ends” → There is no finish line! Like waves in the ocean, there will be stormier days than others, but this does not mean you’re coping ‘wrong’ by having tough days or seasons.
  • “I’m grieving ‘wrong’” → If you’re not hurting yourself or others, there is no wrong way to grieve (storytelling, revisiting places/memorable objects, cooking their favorite foods, connecting with loved ones, crying, using creative outlets, etc).

The Dos & Don’ts for People Who Are Grieving 

  • Don’t sugarcoat someone’s situation, or use platitudes (example: “At least they lived a long life”, or “they’re in a better place”) – this tells the other person how to feel, rather than giving them space to identify their own emotions.
  • Don’t tell people how to grieve – what works for you may not work for others!
  • Do provide space for any emotion
  • Do continue reaching out over time – remember, grief has no finish line!
  • Do remember anniversaries
  • Do hold space for nothing, or no responses (example: reminding the person there is “no need to respond” when checking in)

Cultural Humility and Awareness in the Grieving Process

It is not enough to review the bare bones of processing grief, as it washes over the cultural, ethnic, and religious components that play a role in bereavement. Systemic racism and oppression seep into all facets of life, including how we cope with death. BIPOC communities experience a disproportionate level of stigma and discrimination while in bereavement – from hospital security staff called on grieving black families at higher rates than white families, to having emotional and physical pain dismissed or ignored entirely in therapeutic settings. It is vital for clinicians in any medical and mental health field to stand with their clients, and not speak for them. However giving BIPOC clients space is not enough, clinicians need to go further to meet clients where they are to provide more personalized and meaningful care.

Spiritual / Religious Components of Therapy 

When working with clients who are grieving, therapists need to assess any religious and spiritual beliefs—because these beliefs often shape how people make sense of death, cope with overwhelming feelings, and find comfort when dealing with loss. For many, faith or spiritual practices (prayer, meditation, sitting Shiva, creating altars, etc) are a core part of their identity. They can be a significant source of meaning-making and finding support. For others, grief may spark spiritual questioning, feelings of anger at “God”, disconnection from their faith, or struggle. Making space for these conversations helps us better understand our clients’ worldviews and provide care that truly aligns with their values and needs.

Often, many therapists feel unsure or uncomfortable bringing up religion or spirituality in sessions. There may be fears of overstepping, offending, or not knowing enough about different practices. But when approached with humility and curiosity, we remember that we don’t need to have all the answers—we just need to be willing to listen, learn, and sit with a client’s experience. Exploring a client’s spiritual or religious background is part of practicing cultural competence, especially when grief is experienced differently across cultures and belief systems. By being open to this dimension of a client’s life, we build trust and strengthen our ability to support them in a way that honors the full context of who they are.

References: 

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Mental Health Acronyms and Abbreviations

Jaclyn Baker

By Christy Maeder, LCSW and Nooshi Ghasedi, MA

The mental health world is so full of abbreviations that it can sometimes feel like learning a new language. Whether you’re navigating therapy, reading about treatment options, or filling out forms, acronyms like EMDR, PTSD, and LPC pop up everywhere. We know this can be confusing, so we created a quick reference to help break it all down. This guide is here to make the language of mental health more understandable and less intimidating—because everyone deserves to feel informed and empowered when it comes to their care.

  1. Diagnostic & Clinical Terms
  • DSM – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • ICD – International Classification of Diseases
  • MDD – Major Depressive Disorder
  • GAD – Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • OCD – Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • ADHD – Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • BPD – Borderline Personality Disorder
  • ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • PDD – Persistent Depressive Disorder
  • SUD – Substance Use Disorder
  • ED – Eating Disorder
  • BP – Bipolar Disorder
  1. Therapeutic Approaches
  • CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • DBT – Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
  • IFS – Internal Family Systems
  • TF-CBT – Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • MBCT – Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
  • MI – Motivational Interviewing
  • PE – Prolonged Exposure (for PTSD)
  1. Assessment Tools
  • PHQ-9 – Patient Health Questionnaire-9
  • GAD-7 – Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale
  • ACES – Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale
  • MMPI – Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
  • BAI – Beck Anxiety Inventory
  • BDI-II – Beck Depression Inventory II
  • SCID – Structured Clinical Interview for DSM
  • PCL-5 – Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Measurement for DSM-5
  1. Children’s Mental Health Acronyms
  • IEP – Individualized Education Program
  • 504 Plan – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (accommodations in school)
  • FBA – Functional Behavioral Assessment
  • BIP – Behavior Intervention Plan
  • IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
  • SEL – Social and Emotional Learning
  • LRE – Least Restrictive Environment
  • RTI – Response to Intervention
  • PBIS – Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
  • FTF – Face-to-Face (sessions, often used for children)
  • PCIT – Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
  • PMT – Parent Management Training
  • DYAD – Dyadic therapy (child and caregiver)
  • PANS/PANDAS – Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome / Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections
  • DD – Developmental Delay
  • SPD – Sensory Processing Disorder
  1. Licensure & Professional Terms
  • LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • LPC/LPCC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • PsyD – Doctor of Psychology
  • MSW – Master of Social Work
  1. Systems & Legal Terms
  • EHR – Electronic Health Record
  • HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
  • CPS – Child Protective Services
  • DCFS – Department of Children and Family Services
  • GAL – Guardian ad Litem
  • IEP – Individualized Education Program
  • FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
  1. Crisis & Suicide Prevention
  • QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer
  • C-SSRS – Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale
  • NSSI – Non-Suicidal Self-Injury 
  1. LGBTQIA+ and Cultural Terms
  • LGBTQIA+ – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (and others)
  • BIPOC – Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
  • DEI – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

SOGIE – Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression

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Strategies for Making Friends as an Adult

Jaclyn Baker

Making friends as an adult can feel like navigating a maze without a map. We don’t have the built-in opportunities we had in school or college, and life’s responsibilities can make it harder to carve out the time and energy for new relationships. Still, meaningful friendships are possible at any stage of life; it just takes a bit of intention and openness.

Here are a few strategies to help you form genuine, lasting connections:

Get Clear on Your Intentions

Before you put yourself out there, ask yourself why you want to make new friends. Are you looking for people to share hobbies with? Support through life transitions? Deep, soul-level connections? Clarity about your intentions will guide your approach and help you find friendships that truly fulfill you.

Identify the Qualities You’re Seeking

Think about what makes a friendship meaningful to you. Is it shared values, similar life experiences, or a compatible sense of humor? By knowing what matters most, you’ll be more intentional in choosing connections that have the potential to grow into something long-lasting.

Be Open to Different Possibilities

Sometimes the most rewarding friendships come from unexpected places. Maybe your new best friend is 15 years older than you, works in a totally different field, or lives in another city. Don’t limit yourself to a certain “type” of friend—be open to the idea that meaningful connections can come in all shapes, sizes, and life stages.

Keep an Eye Out for Opportunities to Connect

Friendship can bloom anywhere at work, during a class, in your neighborhood, or even while waiting in line at the coffee shop. Join community events, volunteer, or sign up for group activities that genuinely interest you. The more you show up in spaces where you feel comfortable and engaged, the easier it will be to connect naturally with others.


Making friends as an adult isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about cultivating relationships that bring joy, trust, and mutual support. By staying intentional and open, you’ll create space for the kind of connections that make life richer and more fulfilling.

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Practical Ways to Build Confidence at Work

Jaclyn Baker
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Confidence at work doesn’t always come naturally but it can be built. Whether you’re new to your role, stepping into leadership, or just trying to quiet that inner critic, here are five simple and practical ways to start building confidence in the workplace.

Be Prepared

Confidence starts with preparation. When you walk into meetings or presentations well-prepared, you’ll feel more grounded and in control. Take time to understand your tasks, do your research, and anticipate questions. The more you know your material, the less room there is for self-doubt.

Speak Up (Even if You’re Nervous)

Raising your hand in meetings or contributing ideas can feel scary but the more you do it, the easier it gets. Confidence isn’t the absence of nervousness; it’s the willingness to speak despite it.

Start small: ask a question, share a thought, or offer support. Every time you speak up, you’re training your brain to see your voice as valuable and it is.

Keep a Record of Your Achievements

It’s easy to forget your wins when you’re focused on what’s next. Keeping a log of your accomplishments big and small can remind you of your growth and impact.

Whether it’s an email folder of positive feedback, a journal, or a running list in your Notes app, having a personal “brag file” gives you evidence of your worth when imposter syndrome tries to sneak in.

Ask for Feedback From People You Trust

Feedback is one of the fastest ways to grow, but it’s also a powerful confidence-builder. When you ask trusted colleagues or mentors for constructive feedback, you not only show initiative, but you also gain valuable insight into what you’re doing well (and where you can improve).

Choose people who will be honest and kind. Their input can help you see strengths you might be overlooking.

Surround Yourself With Encouraging People

Confidence is contagious. Surround yourself with colleagues, mentors, and friends who lift you up and believe in your potential. Limit time with those who constantly criticize or create self-doubt.

Your environment shapes your mindset and makes sure it supports the version of you that you’re becoming.

Final Thoughts

Building confidence at work is a process, not a personality trait you’re either born with or without. It grows every time you take a small step forward, try something new, or simply remind yourself that you’re capable.

Start with one of these strategies and build from there. Your confident self is already in the making.



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Why Some Changes Energize You And Others Wear You Out

Jaclyn Baker

Change is constant. But our reactions to it? All over the map.

Some changes spark energy and creativity. Others leave us overwhelmed and drained. Why is that?

The difference often lies not in the change itself, but in how we experience and respond to it.

So how can you use your strengths to approach change with more energy and less exhaustion?

Here are three practical ways:

Know What You’re Good At

Start by identifying your strengths as an individual and as a team. This isn’t about optimism or wishful thinking. It’s about taking stock of the resources you already have.

When you know what you’re good at, your brain is more likely to see new situations as manageable rather than threatening.

Try this: Ask yourself:

  • What kind of work makes me feel most engaged?
  • When do I feel at my best?
  • What strengths am I using in those moments?

These patterns can point you toward the tools you need to navigate change more effectively.

Apply Your Strengths to New Challenges

Change doesn’t mean you have to reinvent yourself. Often, it’s about using familiar strengths in unfamiliar situations.

When you match your natural talents to the demands of change, you’re more likely to experience “flow”  that energized state where work feels challenging but manageable.

Try this:
Look at one task related to a current change that feels heavy.
Ask: “How could I approach this using one of my strengths?”

Even a small shift in perspective can turn a draining task into something far more doable.

Adjust, Don’t Overuse

Strengths are powerful but they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Used in the wrong context or at the wrong intensity, even your best qualities can backfire.

For example, being detail-oriented is a huge asset — but too much focus on the details during an early-stage brainstorm could slow things down. The key is to adapt your strengths to fit the moment.

Try this:
Reflect on a recent moment when one of your strengths didn’t work as well as you’d hoped.
Ask:

  • Was the context right for that strength?
  • Could I have dialed it up or down?
  • What would I do differently next time?

Flexibility is what allows strengths to stay effective and energizing over time.

The Bottom Line

Change doesn’t have to leave you depleted. When you lead with strengths not just effort you create a path that feels more sustainable, productive, and energizing.

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How to Live in the Present Moment

Jaclyn Baker

Uncertainty triggers anxiety, and our brains perceive this as a threat. Many people respond by retreating or constantly worrying about the future, which can lead to physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia. Living in the present moment reduces this negativity, increases resilience, and empowers us to make thoughtful decisions.

How to Stay Grounded in the Now

Mindfulness practices like focusing on your breath and body sensations can help you stay connected to the present. Mental reframing allows you to challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more constructive ones. Entering a state of “flow” by engaging in an enjoyable activity that challenges you can also dissolve worries and bring peace to your mind.

Simple Steps to Stay Present

  1. Pause and Acknowledge: Stop and recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Deep Breathing: Try box breathing—inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6.
  3. Engage Your Senses: Focus on what you can see, hear, feel, smell, and taste.
  4. Gratitude: Reflect on something you’re grateful for right now.
  5. Physical Movement: Stretch or take a short walk to re-center yourself.

Benefits of Present-Moment Living

Living in the present moment helps you make better decisions, reduces stress, and strengthens connections with others. Mindful living also enhances empathy, which is crucial during times of crisis, allowing for thoughtful action rather than reactive impulses. By staying present, you can improve both your emotional health and your ability to impact the world around you.

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How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Kids Under 5?

Jaclyn Baker

Let’s be honest — screens are everywhere. From tablets and smartphones to TVs in waiting rooms, it feels impossible to keep our kids away from screens 24/7. And for parents who need just five minutes to make dinner or answer an email, handing over a tablet can feel like a lifesaver.

But how much is too much when it comes to screen time for our littlest ones?

Why It Matters

We all know screen time can be fun (and sometimes educational!). But for kids under 5, too much of it can actually slow down their language development and social skills. Little kids learn best by interacting — chatting with you, playing pretend, exploring the backyard. When screens take over, they miss out on that hands-on learning.

So, What’s the Limit?

Most experts, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggest avoiding screens altogether for kids under 18 months (except for video chatting with Grandma — that’s totally fine!). For kids ages 2 to 5, they recommend about an hour per day of high-quality content, ideally watched together so you can talk about what they’re seeing.

Quality Over Quantity

It’s not just about how long they’re watching — what they’re watching matters too. Shows and apps designed for young children can help them learn new words and ideas, especially if you sit with them and chat about it. Think Sesame Street over mindless YouTube scrolling.

Tips for Keeping Screen Time in Check

Let’s be real — no parent is perfect, and screens can be helpful in moderation. Here are a few ideas to help keep things balanced:

  • Make screen time interactive. Watch with your child and ask questions.

  • Set up screen-free zones. Keep mealtimes and bedrooms device-free.

  • Offer other activities. Have art supplies, books, or building blocks handy.

  • Be a good role model. Kids learn from watching you — so put your phone down too!

At the end of the day, a little screen time isn’t the end of the world. But being mindful about how much (and what) your child watches can make a big difference in their early development.

So go ahead — enjoy a cozy movie morning or a quick video call with family. Just remember: nothing beats good old-fashioned playtime, a messy craft project, or a backyard adventure.

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8 Steps To Make Peace With Your Past Self

Jaclyn Baker

Are past mistakes and regrets holding you back? It’s time to make peace with your former self and embrace a more fulfilling future. Here are eight steps to help you heal and move forward with confidence.

Practice Empathy

Start by understanding your younger self. Recognize that your circumstances and limited life experience shaped your past actions. Treat yourself with compassion instead of judgment.

Embrace Your Humanity

No one is perfect. Accept that your flaws and mistakes are part of being human. Embracing your imperfections allows you to release shame and guilt from the past.

Forgive Yourself

Forgiving your past self is essential for healing. You did the best you could at the time with the knowledge and tools you had. Let go of regret and give yourself permission to move forward.

Accept the Past

You can’t change what’s already happened, but you can choose to accept it. Stop living in regret and start focusing on creating a better future for yourself.

Take Ownership

Acknowledge the impact of your past actions and take responsibility. Owning your mistakes shows maturity and helps you grow, making it easier to move past guilt.

Make Amends

While you can’t go back in time, you can still make things right by taking positive actions today. Seek opportunities to make amends and rebuild relationships.

Be Your Best Self

Choose to be the person you aspire to be. Set intentions for your personal growth and align your actions with your values. Your future self will thank you.

Live Your Best Life

Let go of past baggage and focus on living a life full of purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Define what your “best life” looks like and take steps toward it every day.

Move Forward with Confidence

Making peace with your past self is the key to living a more meaningful life. By embracing empathy, forgiveness, and personal growth, you can let go of past wounds and create a brighter, more fulfilling future.

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10 Bold Ways to Reclaim Your Autonomy

Jaclyn Baker

Ever feel like you need a hall pass just to follow your own instincts? You’re not alone—but here’s the truth: you’re already allowed to live more freely than you think. You just haven’t given yourself the green light. Let’s fix that.

Here are 10 small-but-mighty ways to flex your autonomy—no gatekeepers, no guilt, just you, doing more of what you want.

Do Something Just Because You Want To

That $15 gym pass? Worth it—even if you only go once. You don’t need a spreadsheet of logic to justify a joy.

Try the Long Shot

Who says you need a 95% success rate to try? Go for that dream job, wild recipe, or off-the-wall idea—especially if the risk is low and the payoff could be huge.

Ignore Labels That Don’t Serve You

You’re not a “Winter.” Or a “non-runner.” Or “too old for that.” Wear the color. Take the class. Defy the box.

Break Your Own Weird Rules

Can’t do yoga until you’ve strength trained? Why not? You’re the boss of your schedule, not some made-up order of operations.

Ditch or Switch a Routine

Habits help—but they’re not sacred. Mix it up. Take a new route. Let your creativity breathe.

Create Something Wild

Paint your fence bright purple. Start a podcast. Decorate cakes like you’re on Netflix. If you feel the itch to make, scratch it.

Try Without Knowing Everything

You don’t need 20 hours of research to try salsa dancing or archery. Let curiosity lead—then decide if it’s for you.

Quit What Doesn’t Spark Joy (or Even Mild Interest)

Halfway through a book and bored? Close it. Spent money on a class but hate it? Walk away. Sunk cost isn’t a life sentence.

Do It Even If Someone Complains

They can whine, but if they can’t stop you, why let it stop you? Go to that art retreat. Watch that play solo. They’ll survive.

Ask Questions

Curious minds make great explorers. Ask strangers for life hacks. Interview people for fun. Let your curiosity roam.

Give Yourself a Little Yes

Small acts of autonomy build confidence. Do something tiny today that reminds you: you’re allowed. No one’s coming to hand you permission. You already have it. Go use it.

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Juneteenth is an Oregon State Holiday

Jaclyn Baker

By: Tanya Kramer

On June 1, 2021, the Oregon Senate passed House Bill 2168. This State Bill makes Juneteenth an official state holiday on every June 19th starting in 2022. This Bill acknowledges Oregon’s racist roots, the freedom of slaves, and celebrates Black Americans accomplishments both in our history along with the present day.

Juneteenth is a historical marker of when the last slaves received the news that the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and every slave was informed of their freedom, which

was on June 19, 1865. On this date, Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas to provide the news of freedom to more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas The House Bill 2168 recognizes Clara Peoples as key to Oregon recognizing Juneteenth. Clara Peoples, sometimes referred to as the “Mother of Juneteenth”, was from Moskogee, Oklahoma. 

She came to Vanport, Oregon to work in the town’s shipyards. She was surprised to learn from her Black co-workers that many of them had never heard of Juneteenth. On June 19, 1945, Clara Peoples hosted one of the Portland area’s first Juneteenth picnics for hundreds of shipyard employees. Over the years she continued to find ways to celebrate Juneteenth, and in 1972, Peoples and another person named Ora Lee Green organized Portland’s first Juneteenth parade and public celebration which has continued ever since. Peoples passed away at the age of 89 on October 5, 2015. 

However, her work continues with her family. Her niece took over the Juneteenth planning in 2011 and her granddaughter has been continuing this work since 2015. The yearly parade was renamed in 2015, the Clara Peoples Freedom Parade in her memory

and honor. The “Juneteenth Oregon” Non-profit (https://juneteenthor.com/about-us/ ) was established to carry on Clara Peoples passion and legacy to always embrace this important history. As Oregon Sen. Lew Frederick said during his Oregon Senate signing of the bill “Celebrating Juneteenth will help each of us remember all that we can and must do to ensure a more just future.”



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Shaped by Immigration: Strength Across Generations

Jaclyn Baker

By Nooshi Ghasedi, MA, NCC

My parents immigrated from Iran to the U.S. shortly before the Iranian revolution in 1979, leaving behind the familiar in search of safety, opportunity, and a new beginning. While they were excited to come to this new land that they hoped would fulfill their ambitions, they were also motivated by political events in their homeland that put their lives and future at risk. Leaving their home, the culture, the language—everything they had ever known—was a difficult, if not traumatizing, experience. But their hopes and dreams encouraged the biggest trust fall of their lives, and they made their way to America. 

I was born in the U.S. a short time after they arrived here, raised between two worlds—one rooted in tradition and memory, the other defined by the fast-moving rhythms of American life. Though I didn’t live their story through their eyes, it has shaped me in countless, quiet ways. 

From an early age, I absorbed the values my parents carried with them across oceans and borders. Perseverance in the face of uncertainty. Resourcefulness in new environments. A deep respect for education, family, and community. These weren’t things we talked about often—but they were modeled daily. Their example laid a foundation for how I move through the world: with purpose, humility, and a sense of responsibility that stretches beyond myself.

Navigating two cultural identities—being Iranian at home and American outside—wasn’t a seamless experience. I often felt out of place in both spaces. I stood between worlds, my feet resting on the banks of a stream that carried the weight of two cultures—never quite anchored, yet always in motion. I recall the pressure I felt to honor the customs of my ancestors while also assimilating into the dominant culture of my community. 

But over time, I came to see this duality not as a conflict, but as a strength. It taught me to listen more carefully, to hold multiple perspectives at once, and to find common ground in difference. In my professional life, these abilities have helped me build trust, adapt to complexity, and show up with empathy and curiosity.

As a second-generation immigrant, I’ve often felt a quiet motivation to succeed—not for the sake of achievement alone, but as a way to honor the sacrifices my family and my ancestors made. It’s a subtle pressure that many children of immigrants know well: to make it matter, to give back, to do something meaningful with the opportunities we’ve been given–the truest of collectivist expectations. That sense of purpose has shown up in me as advocacy, letting my voice be heard when so many are silenced, and standing tall in the face of bias and discrimination. While it doesn’t always show up in loud or dramatic ways, it’s still there—steady, motivating, and deeply personal.

My story isn’t unique, and that’s part of why I share it. So many colleagues, clients, and community members carry their own versions of this legacy—stories of resilience, adaptation, and quiet strength. I believe these lived experiences enrich our workplaces and our world in ways that often go unseen. In telling this story, I hope to honor not just where I come from, but also the shared human experiences that connect us all: the desire to belong, the effort to bridge difference, and the resilience it takes to build something new.



What Is DEI Really? A Therapist’s Perspective on Why It Matters

Jaclyn Baker

By Nooshi Ghasedi, MA, NCC

If you’ve been paying attention to the conversations happening in workplaces, schools, and in the media, you’ve probably seen the letters DEI—short for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It’s a term that is frequently discussed, but what does it actually mean?

As a therapist, I see every day how deeply people are impacted by whether or not they feel like they belong—at work, in relationships, and in their communities. Let’s take a moment to talk about what DEI really means, not from a corporate or political lens, but from a human one.

Diversity: Who’s at the Table?

Diversity is about difference. It’s about having a mix of people with different races, cultures, genders, ages, body types, sexualities, faiths, abilities, backgrounds, and life experiences. In a diverse space, we’re not all the same, and that’s a good thing! Our differences bring richness and perspective. But diversity alone isn’t enough. Just being “at the table” doesn’t mean you feel welcome or valued.

Equity: Are We All Starting from the Same Place? 

Equity asks: Are the systems around us fair? Are we giving people what they actually need to thrive? Equality would be giving everyone the same pair of shoes. Equity is making sure the shoes actually fit. In therapy, I don’t give every client the same tools—I tailor support to each person’s needs, strengths, and story. That’s what equity looks like in real life: recognizing that people need different resources, opportunities, or support to have a fair chance.

Inclusion: Feeling Like We Belong

Inclusion is where the magic happens. It’s about creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and like they truly belong. Not just tolerated, but valued. Not just included in name, but seen, heard, and appreciated. Inclusion is when you don’t have to hide parts of who you are to be accepted. It’s when people around you ask, “What do you need to feel safe here?” and their curiosity is genuine.

Why DEI Benefits Everyone

A common myth is that DEI only helps people from marginalized or underrepresented groups. The truth is, when we build spaces that are truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive, everyone Benefits. Think about the last time you felt like you didn’t have to perform to fit in. The last time someone really saw you. That feeling of safety and connection? That’s what DEI creates when it’s done right. In workplaces, DEI leads to better communication, more innovation, and stronger teams. In schools and communities, it helps people feel safer and more connected. In therapy, it creates room for healing across lines of difference.

DEI Is About Empathy

At its core, DEI isn’t just a program or policy—it’s a commitment to care for one another more fully. To listen better, to learn, and to notice who’s missing and who’s hurting. It’s about being willing to ask hard questions and stay curious. Whether you’re a client, a parent, a leader, or a neighbor, DEI isn’t something you have to know. It starts with simple questions: Who feels left out in this space? What would make this feel more welcoming? How can I show up differently?

We all want to feel safe, respected, and like we belong. DEI is simply one way of making that possible—for everyone.

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