About the Event
In the kaleidoscopic tapestry of American culture, the myth of the "strong Black woman" emerges as both a beacon and a burden, intricately woven by Hollywood's lens. Films and television have long perpetuated an image of resilience synonymous with stoic endurance. Characters embodying this archetype often endure addiction battles, domestic violence turmoil, and mental health struggles without faltering. This portrayal is usually encapsulated within resilient characters who triumph over adversity with unyielding grace and inadvertently reinforces the "black woman schema," suggesting that strength is an inherent trait rather than a response to systemic burdens. As America now witnesses its first Black woman in the presidential race, a transformative wave ripples through generations of Black girls who once felt confined to narrow narratives dictated by outdated schemas.
Join Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, Dr. Izetta Briggs-Bolling, and Dr. Jeanette Aycock as they delve beneath this polished facade and start a much-needed conversation introducing harm reduction strategies tailored specifically for those grappling with societal pressures and personal demons—offering suggested pathways toward healing rather than mere survival.
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About the Presenters
Andrew Tatarsky, PhD, Director of Clinical Programming at Freedom Institute, has worked with people who struggle with drugs and their families for over 40 years. A leader in the field, Dr. Tatarsky developed Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP) to address the spectrum of risky and addictive behavior. A renowned clinician, educator, author, and advocate, Dr. Tatarsky aims to reinforce a re-humanized view of problematic substance use and provide a continuum of care that extends help to all those who need and want it.
Dr. Jeannette Aycock has had a psychotherapy private practice for over three decades. She has focused on self-care and developing self-confidence especially when living with severe challenges such as depression and the bipolar spectrum. In addition to private practice, she has collaborated with other healthcare professionals to form Replenish, a support service for caregivers. Her care practice uses relaxation techniques, self-hypnosis, and cognitive and insight-oriented approaches. Most recently, she is proud to have added Stephen Minister skills. This has allowed her to combine her professional experience as a psychotherapist with her faith-based training in Stephen Ministry. Her life goal is helping others, with compassion and without judgment.
Dr. Izetta Bolling, DSW, LCSW, LMHC, CASAC (A)-G, holds a doctoral degree in social work, is a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed mental health counselor and has a casa-a credential with a specialization in problem gambling treatment. Most recently, the focus of Dr. Bolling’s career has been to assist medical and mental health organizations with the integration of substance use and medication assisted treatment services. The primary focus of her work is to reduce the harmful impact of the Opioid epidemic, and other substances of abuse on individuals, families and communities. Her goal is to assist people in addressing all psycho-social concerns pertaining to behavioral health in an inclusive, non-judgmental manner to promote optium health and wellness.