Street roots., February 17, 2017, Page 12, Image 12

Commentary
Page 13
inking Psychiatry returns with ‘Truth and Reconciliation
powerful feelings about their experiences
experiences with extreme emotional/
with the mental health system. The event
mental states, and so some of us will
ethinking Psychiatry, along with two
brings out the complexity of the issue by
choose to participate in both circles. Some
other local grassroots organizations, drawing out each individual’s unique and
of us, whether we identify as consumers or
V T h e M.O.M.S. Movement and The
common experiences.
workers, or if we are neither, will not join
Icarus Project, hosted two Truth and
As with last year’s events, the evening
either inner circle. Some may choose to
’ Reconciliation circles in 2016.
will begin with a moving meditation
show up in the inner circle but not to
exercise, to help the group transition from
The Truth and Reconciliation events
speak. It is important that there is no
the rest of their days and feel grounded.
were created to foster healing and greater
pressure to speak, but the event tries to
This will be followed by an icebreaker
understanding between receivers and
create as safe a space as possible for
activity to acknowledge who is in the room. people to speak if they are so moved, to
givers of mental health treatm ent We are
Then we will move on to the heart of the
now planning a follow-up event for
tell the truths of their experiences. Some
evening.
Wednesday, March 1. Like the first event,
perhaps for the first time.
The evening’s discussion, like last time,
this session will focus on the experiences
Finally, with everyone sitting in one
.
will consist of inner and outer discussion
of receivers and givers of mental health
large circle, people will have a chance to
circles. First, people who have received
services.
ask “questions of genuine curiosity” of one
mental health services will be given the
Both events last year had great turnouts
another. People will be encouraged to
opportunity to participate in- the inner
think about whether they are trying to
and were rich, powerful evenings. We
fishbowl” circle, while the outer circle -
make a point with their question, or
received overwhelmingly positive feedback
made up of providers, family, allies and
whether they are genuinely curious to
from participants, and most requested that
other community members — bear silent
learn about something from someone who
we continue these events.
witness. The outer circle of people
may share a different perspective.
Truth and Reconciliation is structured
listening is an active and critical role in
Picture it: people whose roles as patient
to create a respectful and empowering
this event.
arid provider, with an enormous chasm of
atmosphere, where a variety of
Then, people who have worked in the
power differerice between them, sitting in
experiences and feelings are welcome. We
mental health system will be invited to
a circle together, able to ask real questions
recognize that that these are complicated
form an inner circle, while survivors,
of one another as equals, at least while in
issues. Many people, those who have been
family, allies and other community
this circle.
patients and/or those who have worked in
members listen reverently. Many who work
We are aware that for many this will be
the system, have complicated and
in the system do so because of our own
an intensely emotional experience. We will
C O N T R IB U T IN G C O L U M N IS T
I
have facilitators and peer support people
to help keep the event deeply respectful
and to offer support during and after to
any who may need it.
As before, there will be a break in the
middle of the event for refreshments. We
ask that people arrive to the event on
time, so as riot to disrupt this vulnerable
group process. There will not be any
recording or picture-taking of any kind
allowed.
Once again, this event will be from 6-9
p.m . at Uriite Oregon, 700 N. Killingsworth
St. This is the same location that both
events were held last year. At the time of
last year’s events, the organization was
known as The Center for Inter-Cultural
Organizing. Their new name is Unite
Oregon, but they continue to do the same
amazing grassroots work This event is
free, though donations are, of course,
welcome.
For more information, please visit our
website, www.rethinkingpsychiatry.org or
Rethinking Psychiatry's Facebook page. I f
you have any questions, feel free to e-mail
u s a t rethinkingpsychiatry@gmail.com
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