Katie Schank Therapy

08/23/2020

Almost through month 5 of and and I don’t know about y’all but I am T.I.R.E.D. Pandemic mixed with social uprisings, activism and a stressful election can sometimes make it feel like the work never ends. Recently though someone reminded me that is work. We need to take time to pause, reflect, breathe and relax so that we’re ready and able to show up fully in our lives. It’s so important to remember that -culture and working tirelessly at the expense of our well-being stems from white supremacy, patriarchy and capitalism. It is not our natural way. I’m trying to remind myself that every time I nourish my body, mind and soul (whether through snack breaks, naps, meditating or just staring at the birds on my porch) I am giving myself what I need to be able to stand up, fight back and be there for the ones I love, as well as the world. So go lay down and revolutionize yourself through rest! ✌🏼😴🌏❤️✊🏻

07/04/2020

I’m facilitating another anti-racism workshop this upcoming Tuesday 7/7 from 7-8:30pm! Spread the word! Link and info below! ✊🏼✌🏼

This workshop is designed for people who hold white privilege to further understand how white supremacy and racism show up in ourselves.

07/01/2020

I am facilitating another “Confronting White Supremacy” Workshop on Tuesday 7/7 from 7-8:30! A percentage of proceeds will go to The Okra Project (just like last time). Spread the word! Link in bio!

06/17/2020

I will be facilitating this workshop next Friday 6/26/20 from 3-4:30. If you’re someone who holds white privilege and wants to learn more about white supremacy and anti-racism, this may be for you!

This workshop is designed for people who hold white privilege to further understand how white supremacy and racism show up in ourselves.

06/17/2020

I will be facilitating a workshop on confronting white supremacy and learning more about white allyship on Friday 6/26/20 from 3-4:30. The event link is in my bio. Spread the word! ✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

06/14/2020

•Throughout the past 3 weeks, I’ve been processing a lot of intense emotions around the state of white supremacy in the world, in our country, my city, my neighborhood and myself. At the same time, I discovered that baby Spotted lanternflies (intrusive and foreign to my area) have descended upon my plants and are going to war on them. • Spraying them off my plants with a mixture of water and Castile soap has become a daily ritual and one in which I’ve noticed releases a lot of anxiety for me. I am regularly overwhelmed by the amount of them I see daily and often feel like spraying as much as I can isn’t worth the energy because they just seem like they’ll never go away. Then I look at my bushes, trees and plants and think “well spraying some is better than not spraying any at all”.
•There’s a parallel here when thinking about combatting racism and white supremacy. For white people, this may be the first time you’re really becoming aware of just how invasive and ingrained racism and anti-blackness is in our systems and our psyche. You may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do feeling like your part in dismantling this system seems so small compared to how much work there is to do.
• Here’s where you can remember the lanternflies. Lanternflies are like acts of racism. Identifying and “spraying away” just one is better than not taking any action at all. It may feel overwhelming but think about the privilege you have holding that spray bottle. As a white ally, white therapist, white teacher, etc. you hold the privilege to take on white supremacy bit by bit. • Write one letter to your government officials, sign one petition, donate what you can to black owned businesses or organizations fighting against racism, talk to that one family member or friend whose “racist jokes” make you uncomfortable. Start somewhere. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Spraying off one intrusive pest (ie: racist thoughts/beliefs/actions) will help you build the confidence to take on the whole colony. ✊🏼✌🏼

06/05/2020

Hi everyone! The group practice I’m affiliated with, MTR Therapy is partnering with The Ladipo Group to provide a virtual “summit” for Clinicans of Color next week and I wanted to provide the info incase folks are interested! The second workshop info is in the comments!

This workshop will present a model for ongoing assessment and intervention for clients and clinicians.

05/28/2020

Reading the news about the murder of at the hands of police as well as learning that another white woman weaponized her tears and the police against an innocent black man has left me feeling gut-wrenched. (Is that a word?). I am thinking about all the black and brown people I love, my clients, my neighbors and all the folks who I don’t know but feel connected to as comrades in this country. If you are a white person, I implore you to learn more about how to be actively anti-racist. There is a link in my bio with resources but I would also start following amazing teachers like .cargle and so many more. It is our DUTY to unlearn and undo the horrifying racism and anti-blackness that our country has built itself upon. It is up to us to do the work of dismantling white supremacy.
To all my black and brown siblings out there, I promise to recommit everyday to unlearning white supremacy and actively fighting against it in all ways. Sending love and courage and hope to everyone today. ✊🏼✌🏼❤️

05/19/2020

This past weekend I honored my inner-child and spent the whole weekend outside and in the woods. This little gnome appeared in a tree while I was pausing to take in the fresh air. It reminded me of how important it is to pause, reflect and open ourselves to what is surrounding us. If we can mindfully “check in” and focus on the present moment instead of following the “stories” in our heads, we can often find magic in the world! So take a deep breath, let go of all the chatter and go play!

12/30/2019

A must read! Turning towards our “negative emotions” instead of turning away often leads to a better understanding of our needs and desires.

I had my first panic attack when I was 21 while driving down the 405 freeway in Los Angeles.

05/03/2019