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Onyx Monthly Newsletter

March 2022

Welcome to March! Have you put into practice the tips that we gave in our January and February newsletters?!

How did your vision boards turn out? Are you starting to manifest certain items, people, moods, vacations?! Have you been able to start that new book and/or write your first entry into your journal? If you haven’t, it's NEVER too late to start. The end of quarter one is approaching, but this is only the beginning!

We begin this month with March 2nd being World Teen Mental Wellness Day, a day that strives to focus on and hold space for the various mental health issues that teenagers of 2022 live through. This day is about making efforts to educate everyone and destigmatize something that is becoming increasingly common, talking about our mental health. If you have a teenager in your life, it can be hard trying to understand their mind, but the world is vastly different from when we grew up and it’s important to empower them, in order for them to empower themselves, by assisting in their mental wellness.

Here are eight ways that you can support the teenager in your life -

1. Speak openly and frequently about mental health.

2. Support a healthy lifestyle.

3. Create structure.

4. Always be consistent.

5. Teach and practice relaxation techniques.

6. Encourage FUN!

7. Encourage positive relationships.

8. Seek outside help.

Remember to practice a bit of grace for our youth. We were once in their shoes and we know how that feels, so be an ally!

You can also check out our Teen Talk videos on YouTube where teens speak candidly about the issues that affect them and their peers. They discuss everything from drugs and peer pressure, to love and relationships, and even identity.

March is also Women’s History month, and that means holding monumental space for women. All women.

The great Sojourner Truth said -

“If women want any rights more than they’s got, why don’t they just take them, and not be talkin about it.”

It’s our season.

This year’s Women’s month theme is about “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” Both a tribute to the women who are professional caregivers and those who innately care for the ones they love; single mothers, artists, entrepreneurs, and CEO’s, we recognize the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.

Tune into Grown Ass Women on YouTube and listen to Dr. Plummer and her girls talk about life, love, friendship and overall WOMANHOOD.

Check out these previous convos from our YouTube Channel with women who are making an impact in the mental health community.

-Racine Henry

Dr. Plummer spoke with Dr. Racine Henry to discuss mental health + Black relationships and why couples and individuals should invest in therapy to build better relationships with others.

-Dr. Jacquelyn Pelham-Crouch, Owner of Replenish Yoga and Wellness @replenish_yoga_meditation

Dr. Plummer chats about the lack of representation for Black and Brown people in the yoga community, how to incorporate your children into your practice, and discover that the origins of yoga are much closer to Africa than people think.

Take a look at Onyx in the media from last month!

Still trying to keep up with all things Onyx?! Well don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for past episodes of “Spillin’ the Tea w/ Dr. P,” “Grown Ass Women” and “Teen Talks.” And of course, for all the details on where Onyx has been featured, visit our Press Page on the website!

February 8th and 10th :

The DEI workshop was held over two days with a total of 30 participants where we spent time reflecting on our personal journeys and identifying ways in which leaders promote a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging for team members of all backgrounds and identities.

Onyx has been invited back for a part two this month where we will dig into practical strategies for how to create sustainable DEI initiatives and promote a diverse workforce where people feel included, valued, and treated fairly.

February 22nd :

Despite an increased focus on diversity, equity and inclusion with Black women in the workplace, the daily experiences haven’t changed and this is why allyship is so important. Check out Dr. Plummer’s feature in Forbes magazine on what it means to be an ally for Black women in the workforce today.

February 23rd :

The Education Trust - A D.C. event company LaJoy Plans will have C’iara Neal from Onyx’s Clinical team, join The Education Trust virtual event for a mindfulness session. Studies show that the benefits of mindfulness may include: increased focus, attention, and self-control. Students benefit from mindfulness and see improvement in academic performance, ability to resolve conflict, and overall well-being. During the mindfulness activity participants will practice decreasing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression through mindfulness. We will examine mindfulness using breathing techniques and guided imagery to ground participants to relax mind, body, and spirit.

February 24th and 25th

The Purposeful + Profitable Therapist Summit

Dr. Plummer joined Ajita Robinson’s The Purposeful + Profitable Therapist Summit. The two-day summit is for those who feel led to serve as a therapist AND who are interested in ways to leverage their knowledge, skills, and abilities to make a GLOBAL IMPACT while generating financial wealth.

What’s coming up?!

Onyx’s Clinical Director Shanelle Clay, spoke with US News writer Gail Cornwall in an interview on "What to do if your kid is the bully."

March 22nd :

Dr. Plummer will attend a panel at the University of Wisconsin Stout to talk about race, identity and belonging for minority students and staff members.

ONYX IS HIRING!

Take a look at the postings below and spread the word, we are looking to add to our team!

GET TO KNOW THE ONYX TEAM!

BE SURE TO FOLLOW US ONLINE @ONYXTHERAPYGROUP AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL OF THE IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS ONYX IS A PART OF!

Contacts for Crisis

National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8355; or dial 988

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Mental Health Crisis Hotline (DC): 1-888-7WE-HELP

Mental Health Crisis Hotline (MD): 301-429-2185

Mental Health Crisis Hotline (PA): 1-888-796-8226

Follow us!

Based in Washington DC, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, Onyx Therapy Group is dedicated to cultivating and strengthening the community through mental health practices. With a focus on direct clinical work, professional development/training, and sourcing, Onyx Therapy Group incorporates the values of integrity, respect, loyalty, community, culture, and excellence. As an organization, Onyx Therapy Group has over 15 years in mental health work and 20 years of education and skill-based practice that has positively impacted individuals, educators, and organizations nationally. Onyx Therapy Group is a Black, Woman, Veteran-owned business that believes in and designs transformative healing